Median Income
$23,750
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,057/100K
178% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$453
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.6%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Coal City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,236
Median Age57.2 yrs
Density196/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans2.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$23,750
Per Capita$19,700
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$4,532M
Housing
A+
Rent$453
Ownership71.9%
Zillow$98,351
Housing Units829
Rent Burden19.8%
Crime
F
Violent1,057/100K
Property7,207/100K
Health
Obesity42.6%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking22.9%
Depression33.9%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain43.4 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation2,503 ft (763 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+68.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.02
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Broadband47.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Coal City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Coal City receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Coal City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Coal City is $23,750, 68% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $453 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
With 1,057 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 7,207 per 100,000, 268% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 68.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Coal City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.4 inches, including 38.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Coal City has a population of 1,236 with a density of 196 people per square mile, spread across 6.3 square miles. The median age is 57.2 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.9% female and 58.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 39.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.2yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Coal City 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
Coal City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Coal City is $23,750, which is 68% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,700 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (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 2,608 business establishments, including 129 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: Coal City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $23,750 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,700 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,527 |
| Gini Index | 0.491 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,608 |
| County GDP | $4,532M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 129 |
| Healthcare | 299 |
| Retail | 302 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,735 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,351. Homes sell for 92% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $453 (61% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 829 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $2,735 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| |
| Zillow ZHVI | $98,351 |
| Median List Price | $69,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $69,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $96 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $453 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.1% |
| Housing Units | 829 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,735 |
| 22% below US avg |
In Coal City, 42.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 40.3% have high blood pressure. 22.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.7% report binge drinking. 35.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 33.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,294. The dentist ratio is 1:1,279. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Coal City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.3% |
| Asthma | 13.0% |
| COPD | 10.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.5% |
| Depression | 33.9% |
| Mental Distress | 25.7% |
| Physical Distress | 18.8% |
| Short Sleep | 44.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.4% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,294 |
| Dentists | 1:1,279 |
| Mental Health | 1:340 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 50.5% |
| Premature Death | 16,996/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 299 |
Coal City has a violent crime rate of 1,057 per 100,000 residents, 178% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,207 per 100,000, 268% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Coal City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Coal City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,057.1/100K |
| 178% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,206.6/100K |
| 268% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Coal City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 69°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 43.4 inches. The area receives 38.4 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 2,503 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,503 ft (763 m) |
| Area | 6.3 sq mi (16.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 196/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6766°N, 81.2141°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Raleigh County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.4"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
47 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
93 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
106 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
120 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
113 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
106 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
50 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
41 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
63 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
79 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
82 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
103 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
54 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
60 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
55 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
115 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
58 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 61 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
22 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 2021 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 2021 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
EF1 |
75 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 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
82 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
100 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
39 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
91 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
34 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
88 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
83 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
43 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
50 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
64 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
100 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
37 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
55 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
89 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
49 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Coal City has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 30°F in January to 69°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 43.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Coal City. 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 | $736 |
| Toddler | $700 |
| Preschool | $722 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $676 |
| Toddler | $737 |
| Preschool | $737 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coal City
What is the population of Coal City?
Coal City has a population of 1,236 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 196 people per square mile, spread across 6.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.9% female and 58.1% male.
Is Coal City expensive to live in?
Coal City 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 $23,750, 68% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $453 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Coal City safe?
Public safety is a concern in Coal City, with a violent crime rate of 1,057 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 7,207 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Coal City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Coal City?
Coal City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.4 inches, with 38.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Coal City?
Coal City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,043. There are 2,608 business establishments in the area, including 129 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Coal City?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $453. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,735.
How are the schools in Coal City?
Schools in Coal City score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Coal City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 68.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Coal City?
The obesity rate in Coal City is 42.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.9% of adults are smokers. 35.5% are physically inactive. 33.9% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,294.
What are the demographics of Coal City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Coal City is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.6% of the population are military veterans. 39.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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