Median Income
$55,000
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$139,300
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
190/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.5%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,000
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
4% lower than US avg
How Catawba Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population280
Median Age53.6 yrs
Density1,217/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans17.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,000
Per Capita$31,057
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty11.9%
County GDP$6,091M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$139,300
Rent$1,000
Ownership91.8%
Zillow$295,112
Housing Units122
Rent Burden35.0%
Crime
F
Violent190/100K
Property3,436/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking16.1%
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain42.3 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation1,235 ft (376 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.5%
High School+85.9%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.22
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute26 min
Broadband76.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Catawba a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Catawba receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Catawba has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Catawba is $55,000, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. 11.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Catawba is $139,300, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,000 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Catawba is below the national average at 190 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,436 per 100,000, 75% above the national average.
Education
10.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Catawba experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Catawba has a population of 280 with a density of 1,217 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 53.6 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (98.6%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 17.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.6yrs
Median Age
38% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Catawba is $55,000, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,057 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,001, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,614 business establishments, including 239 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 12.2% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,000 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,057 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,001 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,558 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,614 |
| County GDP | $6,091M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 239 |
| Healthcare | 282 |
| Retail | 350 |
| Manufacturing | 141 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,540 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.2% |
The median home value in Catawba is $139,300, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $295,112, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,000 (14% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 122 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,540 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 35.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $139,300 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $295,112 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.2% |
| Housing Units | 122 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,540 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.26% |
In Catawba, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 18.1% report binge drinking. 27.0% are physically inactive. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,223. The dentist ratio is 1:1,665. 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Catawba vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.0% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,223 |
| Dentists | 1:1,665 |
| Mental Health | 1:467 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 12,878/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 282 |
Catawba has a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,436 per 100,000, 75% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 17 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Catawba receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Catawba vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 189.9/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,435.8/100K |
| 75% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Catawba experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 293 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 42.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,235 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,235 ft (376 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,217/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.9996°N, 83.6219°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Clark County County |
| Nearest Airport | James M Cox Dayton International (DAY)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.3"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0453 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
116 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
80 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
91 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
144 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
121 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
115 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
497 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 56 fatalities, 1,991 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
55 km |
36 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2000 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
3 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
74 km |
3 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 14, 2014 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1993 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
83 km |
4 |
| May 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1970 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1965 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Catawba has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 26°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Catawba. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $961 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $736 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Catawba
What is the population of Catawba?
Catawba has a population of 280 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,217 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Catawba expensive to live in?
Catawba is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $55,000, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $139,300 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,000 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Catawba safe?
Catawba is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,436 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Catawba receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Catawba?
Catawba has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Catawba?
The job market in Catawba is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,001. There are 2,614 business establishments in the area, including 239 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 12.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Catawba?
The median home value in Catawba is $139,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $295,112. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,000. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,540.
How are the schools in Catawba?
Schools in Catawba score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.5% of adults in Catawba hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.9% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Catawba?
The obesity rate in Catawba is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 27.0% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,223.
What is transportation like in Catawba?
The average commute in Catawba is 26 minutes. 80% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Catawba?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Catawba is 98.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 17.8% of the population are military veterans. 31.0% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
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