Median Income
$33,929
55% lower than US avg
Home Value
$82,100
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
154/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.7%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$596
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.6%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.8%
256% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.4%
48% higher than US avg
How Despard Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,038
Median Age33.4 yrs
Density706/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans10.6%
Economy
D
Median Income$33,929
Per Capita$17,920
Unemployment12.8%
Poverty18.4%
County GDP$6,048M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$82,100
Rent$596
Ownership56.0%
Zillow$121,568
Housing Units501
Rent Burden35.0%
Crime
F
Violent154/100K
Property3,167/100K
Health
Obesity43.6%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking24.1%
Depression33.0%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain48.2 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation1,380 ft (421 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.7%
High School+87.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.12
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 28%
Commute18 min
Broadband77.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Despard a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Despard receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Despard has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Despard is $33,929, 55% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.8%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 18.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Despard is $82,100, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $596 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Despard is below the national average at 154 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,167 per 100,000, 62% above the national average.
Education
12.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Despard experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches, including 23.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Despard has a population of 1,038 with a density of 706 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 33.4 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.1% female and 54.9% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 10.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 74.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.4yrs
Median Age
14% 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 Despard is $33,929, which is 55% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,920 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,236, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,482 business establishments, including 170 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $33,929 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,920 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,236 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,392 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.8% |
| 256% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.4% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,482 |
| County GDP | $6,048M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 170 |
| Healthcare | 228 |
| Retail | 269 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,964 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in Despard is $82,100, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $121,568, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $596 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 501 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $2,964. 35.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $82,100 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $121,568 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $596 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.0% |
| Housing Units | 501 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,964 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.61% |
In Despard, 43.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 40.6% have high blood pressure. 24.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.2% report binge drinking. 33.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 33.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:795. The dentist ratio is 1:1,047. 75.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Despard vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.6% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.6% |
| Asthma | 13.2% |
| COPD | 11.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.1% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.8% |
| Depression | 33.0% |
| Mental Distress | 24.4% |
| Physical Distress | 17.7% |
| Short Sleep | 43.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 74.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:795 |
| Dentists | 1:1,047 |
| Mental Health | 1:297 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.0% |
| Dental Visits | 48.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,897/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 228 |
Despard has a violent crime rate of 154 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,167 per 100,000, 62% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Despard receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Despard vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 154.2/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,166.9/100K |
| 62% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Despard experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°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 48.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 23.8 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 1,380 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.8°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,380 ft (421 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 706/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2874°N, 80.3158°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Harrison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mid-Ohio Valley Regional (PKB)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.2"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
30 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
84 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
93 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
109 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
102 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
124 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
94 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
71 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
83 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
93 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
84 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
66 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
78 km |
| Aug 16, 2013 |
13 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
73 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
102 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 59 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1990 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1981 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1968 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 1956 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEW CREEK MTN (1,689 ac, 2001).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
98 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
AUTHONYS CREEK |
782 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
POPLAR RIDGE |
659 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
547 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
35°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Despard has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 31°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Despard. 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 | $704 |
| Toddler | $670 |
| Preschool | $698 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $651 |
| Toddler | $718 |
| Preschool | $718 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Despard
What is the population of Despard?
Despard has a population of 1,038 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 706 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.1% female and 54.9% male.
Is Despard expensive to live in?
Despard 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 $33,929, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $82,100 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $596 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Despard safe?
Despard is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 154 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,167 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Despard receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Despard?
Despard has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.2 inches, with 23.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Despard?
The job market in Despard faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,236. There are 2,482 business establishments in the area, including 170 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Despard?
The median home value in Despard is $82,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $121,568. For renters, the median monthly rent is $596. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,964.
How are the schools in Despard?
Schools in Despard score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.7% of adults in Despard hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Despard?
The obesity rate in Despard is 43.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.1% of adults are smokers. 33.8% are physically inactive. 33.0% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 75.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:795.
What is transportation like in Despard?
The average commute in Despard is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Despard?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Despard is 97.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 10.6% of the population are military veterans. 21.7% of residents have a disability. 74.7% have health insurance coverage.
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