Median Income
$14,420
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
291/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.4%
41% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
100.0%
706% higher than US avg
How Dunbar Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population51
Median Age73.6 yrs
Density2,550/mi²
Male / Female71% / 29%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans51.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$14,420
Per Capita$14,282
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty100.0%
Housing
Ownership34.9%
Zillow$49,483
Housing Units43
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
F
Violent291/100K
Property3,779/100K
Health
Obesity45.4%
Uninsured13.8%
Smoking25.7%
Depression28.6%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain56.0 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation1,930 ft (588 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+84.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.22
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Broadband43.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Dunbar a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dunbar receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Dunbar has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dunbar is $14,420, 81% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 100.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Dunbar is below the national average at 291 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,779 per 100,000, 93% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Dunbar experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.0 inches, including 9.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Dunbar has a population of 51 with a density of 2,550 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age is 73.6 years, 89% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 29.4% female and 70.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 51.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 53.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
73.6yrs
Median Age
89% above 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 Dunbar is $14,420, which is 81% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,282 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 100.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 794 business establishments, including 63 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average.
Income
| Median HH Income | $14,420 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,282 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,796 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 100.0% |
| 706% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 794 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 131 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,309 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $49,483. Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 34.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 43 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,309 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 34.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 34.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 65.1% |
| Housing Units | 43 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,309 |
| 34% below US avg |
In Dunbar, 45.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 38.5% have high blood pressure. 25.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.5% report binge drinking. 33.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.1% experience frequent mental distress. 13.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,456. The dentist ratio is 1:3,542. 77.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dunbar vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.4% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.5% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 11.6% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.7% |
| 84% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.7% |
| Depression | 28.6% |
| Mental Distress | 23.1% |
| Physical Distress | 18.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 13.8% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,456 |
| Dentists | 1:3,542 |
| Mental Health | 1:664 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.1% |
| Dental Visits | 47.4% |
| Premature Death | 13,685/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
Dunbar has a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,779 per 100,000, 93% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Dunbar receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dunbar vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.7/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,779.1/100K |
| 93% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dunbar experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 299 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 56.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 9.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,930 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,930 ft (588 m) |
| Area | 0.0 sq mi (0.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,550/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9733°N, 82.7459°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Wise County County |
| Nearest Airport | Foothills Regional (MRN) 102 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.0"
47% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
78 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 5, 2024.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
33 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
57 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
129 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
88 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
112 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
115 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
69 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
116 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
29 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
95 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
94 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
97 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
73 km |
| Nov 24, 2012 |
7 km NE of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
7 km SW of New Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
103 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
41 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Hugo (1989, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 1 |
293 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
106 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 14 fatalities, 248 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
79 km |
3 |
| May 9, 1988 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jul 10, 1980 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
94 km |
2 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1980 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1967 |
EF2 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1962 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1955 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
77 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
91 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
66 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
59 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
39 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
38 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
38 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
28 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
13,124 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,817 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
10,990 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
44°F (6°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Dunbar has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 34°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and October the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Dunbar. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$253 ($152–$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202–$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101–$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809–$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152–$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404–$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101–$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61–$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51–$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152–$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044–$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404–$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561–$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506–$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055–$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022–$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809–$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202–$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011–$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76–$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03–$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53–$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53–$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03–$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04–$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61–$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81–$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51–$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76–$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213–$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607–$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506–$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202–$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404–$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055–$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51–$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101–$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $513 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $520 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $403 |
| Toddler | $390 |
| Preschool | $390 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dunbar
What is the population of Dunbar?
Dunbar has a population of 51 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 2,550 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 73.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 29.4% female and 70.6% male.
Is Dunbar expensive to live in?
Dunbar has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $14,420, 81% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Dunbar safe?
Dunbar is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,779 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dunbar receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dunbar?
Dunbar has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.0 inches, with 9.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Dunbar?
The job market in Dunbar is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 794 business establishments in the area, including 63 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Dunbar?
Schools in Dunbar score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Dunbar hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dunbar?
The obesity rate in Dunbar is 45.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.7% of adults are smokers. 33.7% are physically inactive. 28.6% of residents report depression. 13.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,456.
What are the demographics of Dunbar?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dunbar is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 51.0% of the population are military veterans. 53.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.