Median Income
$62,500
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$203,800
28% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
137/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.5%
4% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Emory Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,135
Median Age21.2 yrs
Density278/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$62,500
Per Capita$23,174
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty0.0%
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$203,800
Ownership92.2%
Zillow$191,036
Housing Units187
Rent Burden24.2%
Crime
F
Violent137/100K
Property888/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking15.2%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain48.2 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation2,224 ft (678 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.5%
High School+98.5%
Graduate+13.8%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute17 min
Broadband90.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Emory a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Emory receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Emory offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Emory is $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Emory is $203,800, 28% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Emory is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 137 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 888 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.
Education
32.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Emory experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches, including 10.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Emory has a population of 1,135 with a density of 278 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 21.2 years, 46% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly White (78.1%), with 17.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
21.2yrs
Median Age
46% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
The median household income in Emory is $62,500, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,174 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $932, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above 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 1,578 business establishments, including 104 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 29.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,500 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,174 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $932 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,296 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,578 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 104 |
| Healthcare | 152 |
| Retail | 217 |
| Manufacturing | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,112 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 27.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 29.7% |
The median home value in Emory is $203,800, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,036. Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 187 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $3,112. 24.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $203,800 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $191,036 |
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 | 92.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.8% |
| Housing Units | 187 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,112 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.53% |
In Emory, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 16.8% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,095. The dentist ratio is 1:1,384. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Emory vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 37.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,095 |
| Dentists | 1:1,384 |
| Mental Health | 1:409 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 61.7% |
| Premature Death | 11,010/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 152 |
Emory has a violent crime rate of 137 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 888 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Emory receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Emory vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 136.6/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 888.0/100K |
| 55% below 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 |
Emory experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 73°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 48.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 2,224 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 53.9°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,224 ft (678 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 278/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7798°N, 81.8274°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Foothills Regional (MRN) 67 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.2"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
50 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.7 on May 22, 2024.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
116 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
140 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
31 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
16 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
113 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
103 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
32 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
70 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
48 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
97 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
46 km |
| Mar 6, 2006 |
3 km W of Burnsville, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| Feb 12, 2021 |
8 km SW of Banner Hill, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
99 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
103 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 |
240 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
91 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 6 fatalities, 128 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
18 km |
3 |
| Jul 10, 1980 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
11 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
46 km |
2 |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1965 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1962 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1955 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 2024 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 25, 2024 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2024 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (41,794 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
97 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
87 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
79 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
100 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
10,990 |
88 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,572 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
9,084 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
SCISSORSVILLE BRANCH |
8,711 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
8,204 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
CANEBRAKE |
8,152 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,114 |
83 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
7,177 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
MUD LICK CREEK |
7,111 |
84 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
6,457 |
86 km |
| 1987 |
SAMS BRANCH |
5,872 |
70 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
5,790 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
BRADSHAW |
5,029 |
60 km |
| 2014 |
North Fork Rx |
4,934 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Emory has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 34°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and November the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Emory. 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 | $570 |
| Toddler | $472 |
| Preschool | $472 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $497 |
| Toddler | $407 |
| Preschool | $407 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Emory
What is the population of Emory?
Emory has a population of 1,135 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 278 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male.
Is Emory expensive to live in?
Emory 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 $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $203,800 (28% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Emory safe?
Emory is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 137 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 888 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Emory receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Emory?
Emory has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.2 inches, with 10.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Emory?
Emory has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $932. There are 1,578 business establishments in the area, including 104 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 29.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Emory?
The median home value in Emory is $203,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,036. The homeownership rate is 92.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,112.
How are the schools in Emory?
Schools in Emory score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.5% of adults in Emory hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.5% have completed high school. 13.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Emory?
The obesity rate in Emory is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,095.
What is transportation like in Emory?
The average commute in Emory is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 27.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 29.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Emory?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Emory is 78.1% White, 17.4% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.