Median Income
$30,625
59% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,300
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
453/100K
19% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.2%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$753
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.2%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
16.2%
350% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.2%
135% higher than US avg
How Cowen Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population560
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density889/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
F
Median Income$30,625
Per Capita$15,321
Unemployment16.2%
Poverty29.2%
County GDP$179M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,300
Rent$753
Ownership64.9%
Zillow$81,948
Housing Units260
Rent Burden35.4%
Crime
F
Violent453/100K
Property4,219/100K
Health
Obesity43.2%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking25.7%
Depression34.4%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain55.8 in/yr
Sunny Days290/yr
Elevation2,233 ft (681 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.2%
High School+76.3%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score4.48
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 16%
Commute17 min
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Cowen a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cowen receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Cowen has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cowen is $30,625, 59% below the national average of $75,149. At 16.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 29.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cowen is $57,300, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $753 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 453 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,219 per 100,000, 115% above the national average.
Education
11.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Cowen experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 290 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 55.8 inches, including 100.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Cowen has a population of 560 with a density of 889 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.3% female and 55.7% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 34.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% 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 Cowen is $30,625, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,321 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $788, 45% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 16.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 29.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 216 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $30,625 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,321 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $788 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $45,046 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 16.2% |
| 350% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.2% |
| 135% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 216 |
| County GDP | $179M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 14 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Cowen is $57,300, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $81,948, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $753 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 260 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. 35.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $57,300 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $81,948 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $753 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.1% |
| Housing Units | 260 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
In Cowen, 43.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 40.6% have high blood pressure. 25.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.4% report binge drinking. 38.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 34.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.3% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,125. The dentist ratio is 1:2,722. 31.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cowen vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.2% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.6% |
| Asthma | 13.0% |
| COPD | 11.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.7% |
| 84% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.8% |
| Depression | 34.4% |
| Mental Distress | 25.3% |
| Physical Distress | 18.7% |
| Short Sleep | 43.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,125 |
| Dentists | 1:2,722 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,011 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 45.8% |
| Premature Death | 12,111/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 31.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 14 |
Cowen has a violent crime rate of 453 per 100,000 residents, 19% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,219 per 100,000, 115% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cowen receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cowen vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 453.0/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,218.6/100K |
| 115% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cowen experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 290 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 55.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 100.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,233 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 290 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,233 ft (681 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 889/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.4106°N, 80.5539°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Webster County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
56 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.8"
47% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 9.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 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 |
60 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
36 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
38 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
105 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
78 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
71 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
34 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
57 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
39 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
77 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
14 km SE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
63 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
48 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 32 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 1956 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2017 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2015 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF1 |
13 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KAYFORD MOUNTAIN (31,509 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
RICH HOLE |
15,923 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
58 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
78 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
100 km |
| 1991 |
LEFT FORK |
10,196 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
DRY BRANCH |
8,059 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
7,791 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
RICK CREEK ROAD |
7,740 |
54 km |
| 2012 |
BARBOURS CREEK. |
7,244 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
CARBANATE |
6,533 |
66 km |
| 1987 |
JOES BRANCH |
6,340 |
94 km |
| 1987 |
TUCKER HOLLOW |
5,862 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
MILBURN |
4,777 |
80 km |
| 1999 |
SCHYLER FORK |
4,417 |
75 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,219 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
FULTON CREEK |
3,705 |
88 km |
| 1987 |
LENS CREEK |
3,609 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
6.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Cowen has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 29°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.0") and February the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Cowen. 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 | $739 |
| Toddler | $701 |
| Preschool | $699 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $645 |
| Toddler | $528 |
| Preschool | $528 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowen
What is the population of Cowen?
Cowen has a population of 560 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 889 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.8 years. The population is 44.3% female and 55.7% male.
Is Cowen expensive to live in?
Cowen 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 $30,625, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $57,300 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $753 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cowen safe?
The violent crime rate in Cowen is 453 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,219 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cowen receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cowen?
Cowen has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 290 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 55.8 inches, with 100.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Cowen?
The job market in Cowen faces challenges, with unemployment at 16.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $788. There are 216 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cowen?
The median home value in Cowen is $57,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $81,948. For renters, the median monthly rent is $753. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.9%.
How are the schools in Cowen?
Schools in Cowen have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.2% of adults in Cowen hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.3% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cowen?
The obesity rate in Cowen is 43.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.7% of adults are smokers. 38.8% are physically inactive. 34.4% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 31.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,125.
What is transportation like in Cowen?
The average commute in Cowen is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cowen?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cowen is 92.5% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 34.3% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
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