Median Income
$58,958
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$163,300
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$740
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.0%
84% lower than US avg
How Castlewood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,120
Median Age57.7 yrs
Density156/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,958
Per Capita$33,838
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty2.0%
County GDP$904M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$163,300
Rent$740
Ownership76.2%
Zillow$159,638
Housing Units743
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking19.3%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
Rain47.7 in/yr
Elevation1,744 ft (532 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+88.7%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 16%
Commute27 min
Broadband72.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Castlewood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Castlewood receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Castlewood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Castlewood is $58,958, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Castlewood is $163,300, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $740 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Castlewood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.7 inches, including 38.3 inches of snow.
Castlewood has a population of 1,120 with a density of 156 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 square miles. The median age is 57.7 years, 48% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.7% female and 44.3% male. The city is predominantly White (99.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 46.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,120
Total Population
2023 Census
57.7yrs
Median Age
48% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Castlewood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Castlewood vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Castlewood is $58,958, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,838 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $929, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 565 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 8.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Castlewood vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,958 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,838 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $929 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,630 |
| Gini Index | 0.455 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.0% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 565 |
| County GDP | $904M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 70 |
| Retail | 77 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,915 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.17% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.3% |
The median home value in Castlewood is $163,300, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,638. Monthly rent averages $740 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 743 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $1,915 (lower 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. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $163,300 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $159,638 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $740 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.8% |
| Housing Units | 743 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,915 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.17% |
In Castlewood, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.2% report binge drinking. 28.3% are physically inactive. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,839. The dentist ratio is 1:8,483. 48.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Castlewood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.3% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 40.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,839 |
| Dentists | 1:8,483 |
| Mental Health | 1:910 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 56.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,093/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 70 |
Castlewood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,744 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 53.4°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,744 ft (532 m) |
| Area | 7.2 sq mi (18.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 156/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8801°N, 82.2953°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Russell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Foothills Regional (MRN)
83 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.7"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.13"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 69.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
64 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 |
73 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
97 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
119 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
28 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
70 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
60 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
101 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
113 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
7 km SW of New Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| Apr 5, 2005 |
1 km SE of Blaine, Tennessee |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
14 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
Kentucky-Tennessee border region |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Mar 6, 2006 |
3 km W of Burnsville, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Hugo (1989, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 1 |
265 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
88 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 8 fatalities, 168 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
40 km |
3 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Jul 10, 1980 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
61 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1980 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1965 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1962 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1955 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 25, 2024 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2024 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2023 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
72 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 |
75 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
65 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
63 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
86 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
89 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
67 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
65 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
57 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
66 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
13,124 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
79 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
10,990 |
55 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,572 |
50 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
9,384 |
74 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
9,084 |
48 km |
| 1987 |
PINE CREEK |
8,864 |
97 km |
| 1994 |
SCISSORSVILLE BRANCH |
8,711 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
5.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Castlewood has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 32°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.1") and October the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Castlewood. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$253 ($152-$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202-$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101-$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809-$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76-$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152-$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25-$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51-$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152-$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404-$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101-$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61-$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51-$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152-$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044-$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404-$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561-$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506-$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055-$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022-$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809-$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202-$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011-$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30-$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76-$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51-$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03-$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53-$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53-$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03-$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04-$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61-$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81-$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30-$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40-$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40-$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30-$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51-$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76-$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213-$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30-$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30-$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607-$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506-$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202-$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25-$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404-$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055-$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30-$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51-$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30-$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152-$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101-$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $513 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $403 |
| Toddler | $390 |
| Preschool | $390 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Castlewood
What is the population of Castlewood?
Castlewood has a population of 1,120 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 156 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.7% female and 44.3% male.
Is Castlewood expensive to live in?
Castlewood has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $58,958, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $163,300 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $740 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Castlewood?
Castlewood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 47.7 inches, with 38.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Castlewood?
The job market in Castlewood is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $929. There are 565 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 8.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Castlewood?
The median home value in Castlewood is $163,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,638. For renters, the median monthly rent is $740. Fair market rent is $1,181 for a 1-bedroom and $1,369 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.2%. The average annual property tax is $1,915.
How are the schools in Castlewood?
Schools in Castlewood score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.5% of adults in Castlewood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Castlewood?
The obesity rate in Castlewood is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 28.3% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 48.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,839.
What is transportation like in Castlewood?
The average commute in Castlewood is 27 minutes. 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Castlewood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Castlewood is 99.8% White. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 46.7% of residents have a disability. 90.5% have health insurance coverage.