Median Income
$31,750
58% lower than US avg
Home Value
$202,500
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.1%
17% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$662
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
35.5%
186% higher than US avg
How Ferrum Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,622
Median Age21.5 yrs
Density177/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 67%
Economy
C
Median Income$31,750
Per Capita$13,992
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty35.5%
County GDP$2,216M
Commute25 min
Housing
B
Home Value$202,500
Rent$662
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$241,658
Health
Obesity37.5%
UninsuredN/A
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F
AQI35 (Good)
Rain49.2 in/yr
Elevation1,347 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.1%
High School+77.4%
School Score5.58
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute25 min
Libraries3
Is Ferrum a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ferrum receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Ferrum has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ferrum is $31,750, 58% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 35.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ferrum is $202,500, 28% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $662 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.4x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
28.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Ferrum enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.2 inches, including 12.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Ferrum has a population of 1,622 with a density of 177 people per square mile. The median age is 21.5 years, 45% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (67.2%), with 4.9% Hispanic, 25.4% Black.
Population
21.5yrs
Median Age
45% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 96.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Spanish | 3.4% |
| 75% below US avg |
The median household income in Ferrum is $31,750, which is 58% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 35.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,750 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,992 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $899 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,911 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 35.5% |
| 186% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,617 |
| County GDP | $2,216M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 84 |
| Healthcare | 90 |
| Retail | 184 |
| Manufacturing | 59 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,752 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.6 min |
| Work from Home | 19.8% |
The median home value in Ferrum is $202,500, 28% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $662 (43% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,658.
Home Values
| Census Median | $202,500 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,658 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $131 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 84.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $662 |
| 43% below US avg |
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
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,752 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.85% |
In Ferrum, 37.5% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 27.0% report depression. 29.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Ferrum vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.8% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,174/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 90 |
Crime Rates: Ferrum vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Ferrum has an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation is 49.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 49.2 inches |
| 29% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 12.6 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,347 ft (411 m) |
| Area | 9.2 sq mi (23.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 177/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9385°N, 79.9950°W |
| County FIPS | 51067 |