Median Income
$96,250
28% higher than US avg
Home Value
$75,200
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.6%
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Chelyan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population252
Median Age24.9 yrs
Density586/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$96,250
Per Capita$46,406
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$14,448M
Housing
A+
Home Value$75,200
Ownership69.7%
Zillow$83,482
Housing Units155
Rent Burden12.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property2,806/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking23.6%
Depression33.0%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain46.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation610 ft (186 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+9.1%
School Score5.11
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 40%
Broadband99.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Chelyan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chelyan receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Chelyan stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chelyan is $96,250, 28% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chelyan is $75,200, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Chelyan is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,806 per 100,000, 43% above the national average.
Education
30.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Chelyan enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Chelyan has a population of 252 with a density of 586 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 24.9 years, 36% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.7% female and 43.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
24.9yrs
Median Age
36% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Chelyan is $96,250, which is 28% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,406 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,192, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,860 business establishments, including 428 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $96,250 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,406 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,192 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,301 |
| Gini Index | 0.490 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,860 |
| County GDP | $14,448M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 428 |
| Healthcare | 645 |
| Retail | 626 |
| Manufacturing | 94 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,391 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Chelyan is $75,200, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $83,482, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 155 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $3,391. 12.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $75,200 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $83,482 |
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 | 69.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.3% |
| Housing Units | 155 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,391 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.51% |
In Chelyan, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 40.6% have high blood pressure. 23.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 34.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 33.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:770. The dentist ratio is 1:1,083. 70.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chelyan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.6% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 9.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.6% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.0% |
| Depression | 33.0% |
| Mental Distress | 24.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.9% |
| Short Sleep | 40.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:770 |
| Dentists | 1:1,083 |
| Mental Health | 1:314 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 58.2% |
| Premature Death | 14,979/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 645 |
Chelyan has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,806 per 100,000, 43% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chelyan receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Chelyan vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,805.8/100K |
| 43% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Chelyan enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 75°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 46.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 610 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 55.6°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 610 ft (186 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 586/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1957°N, 81.4928°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Kanawha County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW) 14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.4"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.12"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0388 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.48 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.21 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 94.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
50 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.8 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
105 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
76 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
67 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
106 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
124 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
83 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
14 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
67 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
91 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
118 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
88 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
75 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 61 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1967 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
4 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRUSHY (61,231 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
65 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
86 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
23 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
82 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
82 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
21 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
32 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
30 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
27 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
49 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
31 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
16 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
32 km |
| 1991 |
LEFT FORK |
10,196 |
8 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
5.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Chelyan has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 34°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.1") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Chelyan. 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 | $682 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $679 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $633 |
| Toddler | $701 |
| Preschool | $746 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chelyan
What is the population of Chelyan?
Chelyan has a population of 252 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 586 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 24.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.7% female and 43.3% male.
Is Chelyan expensive to live in?
Chelyan is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $96,250, 28% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $75,200 (73% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chelyan safe?
Chelyan is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,806 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Chelyan receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chelyan?
Chelyan enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Chelyan?
The job market in Chelyan is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,192. There are 6,860 business establishments in the area, including 428 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Chelyan?
The median home value in Chelyan is $75,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $83,482. The homeownership rate is 69.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,391.
How are the schools in Chelyan?
Schools in Chelyan score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.6% of adults in Chelyan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 9.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chelyan?
The obesity rate in Chelyan is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.6% of adults are smokers. 34.0% are physically inactive. 33.0% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 70.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:770.
What are the demographics of Chelyan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chelyan is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 17.7% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.