Violent Crime
4,176/100K
999% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
49.9%
55% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Big Sandy Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population14
Density26/mi²
Male / Female0% / 100%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans14.0%
Economy
Unemployment0.0%
County GDP$728M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$38,429
Housing Units59
Rent Burden40.8%
Crime
F
Violent4,176/100K
Property8,874/100K
Health
Obesity49.9%
Uninsured16.1%
Smoking35.4%
Depression35.0%
Heart Disease10.5%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain44.6 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation1,229 ft (375 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.70
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Broadband14.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Big Sandy a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Sandy receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Big Sandy offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%.
Safety & Crime
With 4,176 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,874 per 100,000, 353% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Big Sandy experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.6 inches, including 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Big Sandy has a population of 14 with a density of 26 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The gender split is 100% female and 0% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 14.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 100.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Race & Ethnicity
Big Sandy 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
Big Sandy vs U.S. Average
The average weekly wage is $1,078, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 382 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living.
Income: Big Sandy vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,078 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $44,508 |
| Gini Index | 0.477 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 382 |
| County GDP | $728M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $38,429. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 59 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. 40.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 59 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
In Big Sandy, 49.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 20.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 10.5% of residents, above the national average. 47.9% have high blood pressure. 35.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.7% report binge drinking. 48.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 35.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 28.1% experience frequent mental distress. 16.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,673. The dentist ratio is 1:5,950. 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Sandy vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 49.9% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 20.6% |
| Heart Disease | 10.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 47.9% |
| Asthma | 13.8% |
| COPD | 17.8% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 5.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 35.4% |
| 153% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 48.8% |
| Depression | 35.0% |
| Mental Distress | 28.1% |
| Physical Distress | 23.9% |
| Short Sleep | 49.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 16.1% |
| 87% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,673 |
| Dentists | 1:5,950 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,180 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 31.4% |
| Premature Death | 24,029/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Big Sandy has a violent crime rate of 4,176 per 100,000 residents, 999% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 8,874 per 100,000, 353% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Big Sandy receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Big Sandy vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 4,176.0/100K |
| 999% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 8,874.0/100K |
| 353% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Big Sandy experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 305 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 44.6 inches. The area receives 17.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,229 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 53.4°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,229 ft (375 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 26/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4611°N, 81.7059°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | McDowell County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
64 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.6"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 96.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
49 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 |
125 km |
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
81 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
78 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
89 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
124 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
89 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
92 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
108 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
97 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
93 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
83 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
35 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
82 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
79 km |
| May 22, 2024 |
18 km SSE of Hyden, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
120 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
59 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 113 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
3 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2019 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF1 |
80 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 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
63 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
42 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
80 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
54 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
67 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
57 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
75 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
54 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
41 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
44 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
98 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
54 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
86 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
28 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
74 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Big Sandy has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 33°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Big Sandy. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $649 |
| Toddler | $611 |
| Preschool | $593 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $556 |
| Preschool | $556 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Sandy
What is the population of Big Sandy?
Big Sandy has a population of 14 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 26 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The population is 100% female and 0% male.
Is Big Sandy expensive to live in?
Big Sandy is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Big Sandy safe?
Public safety is a concern in Big Sandy, with a violent crime rate of 4,176 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,874 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Big Sandy receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Big Sandy?
Big Sandy has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.6 inches, with 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Big Sandy?
The job market in Big Sandy is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,078. There are 382 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Big Sandy?
Schools in Big Sandy have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Big Sandy hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Sandy?
The obesity rate in Big Sandy is 49.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 35.4% of adults are smokers. 48.8% are physically inactive. 35.0% of residents report depression. 16.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,673.
What are the demographics of Big Sandy?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Sandy is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 14.0% of the population are military veterans. 100.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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