Big Sandy, WV
West Virginia · McDowell County
Big Sandy is a small town in West Virginia with a population of 14.
Sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-year estimates, FBI Crime Data Explorer 2024, NOAA, EPA. Updated August 2026
Discover Big Sandy, WV
Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
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How Big Sandy Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Housing
Health
Climate
Education
A+Community
Is Big Sandy a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Sandy receives an overall livability score of 5.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Big Sandy stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
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 54°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.3 inches, including 20.0 inches of snow.
Population
Gender Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Big Sandy vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
Social Characteristics
Big Sandy vs U.S. Average
Home Value Sources
Ownership Split
Home Values
| Zillow ZHVI | $38,429 |
Rental Costs
| Rent Burden | 40.8% |
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
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 | 0.0% |
| 100% below 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 |
Temperature
| Annual Average | 54.2°F |
| 0% below US avg | |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
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
Air Quality
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 |
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°F (1°C) | 3.8 in | Coldest |
| February | 36°F (2°C) | 3.4 in | |
| March | 44°F (7°C) | 4.3 in | |
| April | 55°F (13°C) | 4.4 in | |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 4.9 in | |
| June | 71°F (21°C) | 4.9 in | |
| July | 74°F (23°C) | 5.3 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 in | |
| September | 67°F (19°C) | 3.0 in | |
| October | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 in | |
| November | 44°F (7°C) | 3.0 in | Driest |
| December | 37°F (3°C) | 4.1 in |
Big Sandy has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 33°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.3") and November the driest (3.0").
2024 Presidential Election (County)
Winner: Republican by 60.4 points
Safety & Disasters
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Education
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 100.0% |
| Graduate Degree+ | 0.0% |
| School Test Score | 3.70 |
Area & Infrastructure
| RUCC Code 9 | Nonmetro / Rural |
| Population Density | 26/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.2 sq mi |
| County | McDowell County County |
Services
| Broadband Access | 0.0% |
| Avg Download Speed | 125.5 Mbps |
| Avg Upload Speed | 2.6 Mbps |
| EV Charging Stations | 2 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 3 |
| Public Libraries | 4 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Retail Stores | 44 |
Commute & Transportation
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) | |
| Infant | $649 |
| Toddler | $611 |
| Preschool | $593 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) | |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $556 |
| Preschool | $556 |
Top Industries in McDowell County
Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).
| Industry | Jobs | Establishments | Avg Annual Pay | Location Quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | 467 | 81 | $37,014 | 0.83 |
| Retail Trade | 399 | 52 | $25,990 | 1.02 |
| Administrative & Waste Services | 156 | 13 | $29,339 | 0.67 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | 143 | 16 | $22,697 | 0.40 |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 121 | 32 | $66,395 | 0.73 |
| Finance & Insurance | 88 | 10 | $44,902 | 0.55 |
| Other Services | 76 | 22 | $43,398 | 0.64 |
| Real Estate | 51 | 11 | $63,335 | 0.84 |
| Information & Technology | 11 | 8 | $106,004 | 0.15 |
| Arts & Entertainment | 10 | 3 | $11,907 | 0.15 |
Schools in Big Sandy
1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).
| School | Level | Enrollment | Teachers | Student/Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FALL RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | Elementary | 136 | 12 | 11.3:1 |
Campgrounds Near Big Sandy
2 campgrounds found near Big Sandy.
| Name | Rating | Sites | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| R.D. BAILEY LAKE GROUP SHELTERS | 5.0/5 | 3 | $50, $60 |
| Guyandotte Campground | 4.2/5 | 86 | $26, $40 |
National Parks Near Big Sandy
26 national parks and monuments found near Big Sandy.
| Park | Type | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Babcock State Park | State Park | Free |
| Beech Fork State Park | State Park | Free |
| Bluestone Lake State Park | State Park | Free |
| Bluestone National Scenic River | National Scenic River | Free |
| Bluestone State Park | State Park | Free |
| Breaks Interstate Park | State Park | Free |
| Camp Creek State Park | State Park | Free |
| Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park | State Park | Free |
| Chief Logan State Park | State Park | Free |
| Clinch River State Park | State Park | Free |
| Clinch River State Park | State Park | Free |
| Gauley River National Recreation Area | National Recreation Area | Free |
| Grayson Highlands State Park | State Park | Free |
| Hawks Nest State Park | State Park | Free |
| Hungry Mother State Park | State Park | Free |
| Little Beaver State Park | State Park | Free |
| New River Gorge National Park & Preserve | National Park & Preserve | Free |
| New River Trail State Park | State Park | Free |
| Panther State Forest | State Park | Free |
| Pinnacle Rock State Park | State Park | Free |
| Pipestem Resort State Park | State Park | Free |
| Shot Tower Historic State Park | State Park | Free |
| South Fork of the New River State Natural and Scenic River | State Park | Free |
| Twin Falls Resort State Park | State Park | Free |
| Warriors Path | State Park | Free |
| Yatesville Lake State Park | State Park | Free |
Trails Near Big Sandy
18 trails found near Big Sandy.
| Trail | Miles | Surface | Hike | Bike | Horse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APPALACHIAN TRAIL | 20.6 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | - | - |
| APPALACHIAN TRAIL | 6.9 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | - | - |
| WALKER MOUNTAIN | 5.5 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | - | Yes |
| WALKER MOUNTAIN | 4.5 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | - | Yes |
| ARBUTUS LOOP | 4.0 | NATIVE MATERIAL | - | Yes | - |
| CORKSCREW | 3.8 | NATIVE MATERIAL | - | Yes | - |
| APPALACHIAN TRAIL | 3.2 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | - | - |
| GOOSE | 2.8 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | - | - |
| CERES | 2.7 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TAILINGS LOOP | 2.5 | NATIVE MATERIAL | - | Yes | - |
| LYNN CAMP | 2.5 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | - | - |
| ROARING FORK | 1.6 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | - | - |
| LYNN CAMP | 1.5 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | - | - |
| WALKER MOUNTAIN | 1.4 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | - | Yes |
| ROARING FORK | 1.3 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | - | - |
| DAVIS PATH SIDE TRAIL | 0.5 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | - | - |
| GULLION FORK POND | 0.2 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | - | - |
| LYNN CAMP | 0.1 | NATIVE MATERIAL | Yes | - | - |
Museums in Big Sandy
| Name | Type | Address | Phone | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPE COALWOOD RESTORATION ASSOCIATION | HISTORIC PRESERVATION | |||
| MCDOWELL COUNTY MUSEUM | HISTORY MUSEUM |
Libraries in Big Sandy
| Name | Address | Staff | Annual Visits | Circulation | Collection | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCDOWELL PUBLIC LIBRARY | 90 HOWARD ST. | 0.0 | 94,381 | |||
| WYOMING COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY | 124 CASTLE ROCK AVENUE | 0.0 | 44,013 | |||
| WAR PUBLIC LIBRARY | BERWIND LAKE ROAD | 0.0 | 3,878 |
Farmers Markets in Big Sandy
| Name | Address | Season | Hours | Organic | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pineville Farmers Market | In front of Old Pineville Jr. High School |
Breweries in Big Sandy
| Name | Type | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatfield and Mccoy Distillery | Food & Drink, Breweries, Distilleries | 297 Jones Ave |
Cell Towers in Big Sandy
| Address | Structure Type | Height (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 710 WAR TOWER ROAD (97014) | LTOWER | 61 |
| 710 WAR TOWER ROAD (97014) | LTOWER | 61 |
Bridges in Big Sandy
| Location | Type | Kind | Year Built | Length (ft) | Daily Traffic | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Beam (Multiple) | Prestressed concrete | 1996 | 70 | 2,600 | F | |
| Stringer/Multi-beam | Steel | 2022 | 177 | 500 | F | |
| Box Beam (Multiple) | Prestressed concrete | 2019 | 47 | 250 | F | |
| Box Beam (Multiple) | Prestressed concrete | 2013 | 181 | 30 | F | |
| Stringer/Multi-beam | Steel continuous | 1994 | 145 | 20 | F |
Airports Near Big Sandy
19 airports within the area.
| Airport | IATA | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mercer County Airport | BLF | Medium Airport |
| Raleigh County Memorial Airport | BKW | Medium Airport |
| Belcher Regional Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Bocamanu Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Burkes Garden Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Catron Field | - | Small Airport |
| Fayette Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Flying W Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Kee Field | - | Small Airport |
| Lee Massey Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Logan County Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Mike Ferrell Field | - | Small Airport |
| Mountain Empire Airport | - | Small Airport |
| New River Gorge Airport | - | Small Airport |
| South Fork Field | - | Small Airport |
| Southern West Virginia Regional Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Stanger To Blue Waters Ultralight Flightpark | - | Small Airport |
| Tazewell County Airport | - | Small Airport |
| White Oak Stand Airport | - | Small Airport |
Police Stations in Big Sandy
1 police stations.
| Station | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| McDowell County Sheriff's Office | 257 Virginia Avenue |
Treatment Centers in Big Sandy
1 treatment centers.
| Center | Type | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Highlands CMHC Inc | Both | 304-436-2106 |
Churches & Religious Organizations in Big Sandy
1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| MOHEGAN PH CHURCH | PO BOX 74 |
Explore Near Big Sandy
Mines Near Big Sandy
17 mining sites from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) found near Big Sandy.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| #1 Mine | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (Abandoned and Sealed) |
| #2 | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (Abandoned and Sealed) |
| #2 | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (Abandoned and Sealed) |
| Hensley Knob | Coal (Bituminous) - Surface (Abandoned) |
| Jerico Auger Mine | Coal (Bituminous) - Surface (Abandoned and Sealed) |
| Mine No 1 | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (Abandoned and Sealed) |
| Mine No 1 | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (Abandoned and Sealed) |
| Mine No 1 | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (Abandoned) |
| Mine No 1 (1) | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (Abandoned) |
| Mine No 5 | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (Abandoned and Sealed) |
| Mine No 5 | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (Abandoned and Sealed) |
| No 1 | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (Abandoned and Sealed) |
| No 1 | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (Abandoned and Sealed) |
| Salamander No 5 | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (Abandoned and Sealed) |
| Sewell Mine No. 1 | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (Temporarily Idled) |
| Sewell No 1 | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (Abandoned and Sealed) |
| Tug Fork Sewell Mine No. 1 | Coal (Bituminous) - Underground (NonProducing) |
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Get ReportFrequently 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.
What is the weather like in Big Sandy?
Big Sandy has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 48.3 inches, with 20.0 inches of snow.
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. 0.0% lack health insurance (below 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. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 100.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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