Median Income
$31,648
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
61/100K
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.8%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$731
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.5%
53% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.9%
4% higher than US avg
How Betsy Layne Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population573
Median Age68.0 yrs
Density317/mi²
Male / Female37% / 63%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans19.4%
Economy
C+
Median Income$31,648
Per Capita$27,748
Unemployment5.5%
Poverty12.9%
County GDP$1,403M
Housing
B+
Rent$731
Ownership74.0%
Zillow$124,674
Housing Units369
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent61/100K
Property3,224/100K
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation924 ft (282 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.8%
High School+85.2%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Broadband82.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Betsy Layne a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Betsy Layne receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Betsy Layne has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Betsy Layne is $31,648, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 12.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Betsy Layne is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 61 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,224 per 100,000, 64% above the national average.
Education
13.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Betsy Layne experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Betsy Layne has a population of 573 with a density of 317 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 68.0 years, 75% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 62.7% female and 37.3% male. The city is predominantly White (98.1%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 19.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
68.0yrs
Median Age
75% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Betsy Layne vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Betsy Layne vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Betsy Layne is $31,648, which is 58% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,748 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $912, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,160 business establishments, including 43 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Betsy Layne vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,648 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,748 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $912 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,428 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.5% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.9% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,160 |
| County GDP | $1,403M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 139 |
| Retail | 145 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,235 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 93.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,674. Monthly rent averages $731 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 369 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $4,235 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $731 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.0% |
| Housing Units | 369 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,235 |
| 21% above US avg |
In Betsy Layne, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,764. The dentist ratio is 1:1,345. 26.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Betsy Layne vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,764 |
| Dentists | 1:1,345 |
| Mental Health | 1:27 |
| Dental Visits | 48.9% |
| Premature Death | 19,361/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 26.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 139 |
Betsy Layne has a violent crime rate of 61 per 100,000 residents, 84% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,224 per 100,000, 64% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Betsy Layne receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Betsy Layne vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 60.8/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,223.8/100K |
| 64% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Betsy Layne experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 924 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.8°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 924 ft (282 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 317/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5520°N, 82.6247°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Floyd County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
80 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 94.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 84.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
37 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.7 on May 22, 2024.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
60 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
96 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
100 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
61 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
131 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
137 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
91 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
74 km |
| May 22, 2024 |
18 km SSE of Hyden, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
84 km |
| Oct 30, 2017 |
2 km N of Artemus, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Jan 22, 2018 |
13 km ENE of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
116 km |
| Feb 8, 2005 |
15 km E of Vansant, Virginia |
M2.7 |
72 km |
| Aug 30, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
66 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 15 fatalities, 185 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
96 km |
10 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
60 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF1 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
16 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
66 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
59 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
44 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
27 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
29 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
44 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
40 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
42 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
39 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
37 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
43 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
55 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
30 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
30 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
30 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
27 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
76 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Betsy Layne has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 33°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Betsy Layne. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $491 |
| Toddler | $489 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $348 |
| Toddler | $355 |
| Preschool | $355 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Betsy Layne
What is the population of Betsy Layne?
Betsy Layne has a population of 573 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 317 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 68.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 62.7% female and 37.3% male.
Is Betsy Layne expensive to live in?
Betsy Layne is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $31,648, 58% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Betsy Layne safe?
Betsy Layne is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 61 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,224 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Betsy Layne receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Betsy Layne?
Betsy Layne has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Betsy Layne?
The unemployment rate in Betsy Layne is 5.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $912. There are 1,160 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Betsy Layne?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $731. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,235.
How are the schools in Betsy Layne?
Schools in Betsy Layne score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.8% of adults in Betsy Layne hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.2% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Betsy Layne?
The obesity rate in Betsy Layne is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 26.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,764.
What are the demographics of Betsy Layne?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Betsy Layne is 98.1% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 19.4% of the population are military veterans. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
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