Median Income
$59,122
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$208,000
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
21.8%
506% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Crab Orchard Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,877
Median Age48.3 yrs
Density834/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$59,122
Per Capita$27,291
Unemployment21.8%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$4,532M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$208,000
Ownership88.2%
Zillow$141,370
Housing Units977
Rent Burden30.5%
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking18.6%
Depression32.3%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
Rain43.5 in/yr
Elevation2,280 ft (695 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+81.8%
Graduate+11.1%
School Score5.02
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute21 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Crab Orchard a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Crab Orchard receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Crab Orchard offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Crab Orchard is $59,122, 21% below the national average of $75,149. At 21.8%, unemployment is notably high. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Crab Orchard is $208,000, 26% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Crab Orchard 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 43.5 inches, including 55.9 inches of snow.
Crab Orchard has a population of 1,877 with a density of 834 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 48.3 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,877
Total Population
2023 Census
48.3yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Crab Orchard vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Crab Orchard vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Crab Orchard is $59,122, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,291 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 21.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.2% 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. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.2% of workers work from home.
Income: Crab Orchard vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,122 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,291 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,527 |
| Gini Index | 0.491 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 21.8% |
| 506% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% 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) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.2% |
The median home value in Crab Orchard is $208,000, 26% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,370, lower than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $169,000 with homes selling in an average of 60 days. Homes sell for 93.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 977 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $2,735 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $208,000 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $141,370 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $169,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $169,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $110 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 60 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
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 | 88.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.8% |
| Housing Units | 977 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,735 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.31% |
In Crab Orchard, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 37.6% have high blood pressure. 18.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.5% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 32.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Crab Orchard vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.6% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 32.3% |
| Mental Distress | 23.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Short Sleep | 42.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,294 |
| Dentists | 1:1,279 |
| Mental Health | 1:340 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 16,996/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 299 |
Crab Orchard 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 43.5 inches. The area receives 55.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 2,280 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,280 ft (695 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 834/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.7410°N, 81.2308°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Raleigh County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.5"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.00"
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
49 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 |
99 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
106 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
55 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
42 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
149 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
55 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
148 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
86 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
61 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
96 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
66 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
62 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
58 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 62 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
20 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 2021 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 2021 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
EF1 |
81 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 |
82 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
32 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
99 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
89 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
61 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
28 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
89 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
82 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
38 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
49 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
59 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
34 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
48 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
87 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
42 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
30 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Crab Orchard has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 32°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.0") and October the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Crab Orchard. 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 Crab Orchard
What is the population of Crab Orchard?
Crab Orchard has a population of 1,877 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 834 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is Crab Orchard expensive to live in?
Crab Orchard 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 $59,122, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $208,000 (26% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Crab Orchard?
Crab Orchard 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 43.5 inches, with 55.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Crab Orchard?
The job market in Crab Orchard faces challenges, with unemployment at 21.8% / significantly above the national rate 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. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 15.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Crab Orchard?
The median home value in Crab Orchard is $208,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,370. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $169,000, with homes typically selling within 60 days. The homeownership rate is 88.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,735.
How are the schools in Crab Orchard?
Schools in Crab Orchard score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.9% of adults in Crab Orchard hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.8% have completed high school. 11.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Crab Orchard?
The obesity rate in Crab Orchard is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.6% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 32.3% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,294.
What is transportation like in Crab Orchard?
The average commute in Crab Orchard is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Crab Orchard?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Crab Orchard is 100% White. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.