Median Income
$33,750
55% lower than US avg
Home Value
$50,000
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.0%
79% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$438
62% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.0%
134% higher than US avg
How Fordsville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population488
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density1,084/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 68%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
C+
Median Income$33,750
Per Capita$17,103
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty29.0%
County GDP$1,077M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$50,000
Rent$438
Ownership65.2%
Zillow$150,018
Housing Units237
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain51.5 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation490 ft (149 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.0%
High School+79.8%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.56
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute30 min
Broadband77.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Fordsville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fordsville receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Fordsville offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fordsville is $33,750, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. The poverty rate of 29.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fordsville is $50,000, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $438 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Fordsville is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
7.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Fordsville enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Fordsville has a population of 488 with a density of 1,084 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.8% female and 40.2% male. The city is predominantly White (67.6%), with 30.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 78.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fordsville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fordsville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fordsville is $33,750, which is 55% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,103 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $854, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 29.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 516 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fordsville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $33,750 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,103 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $854 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,304 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.0% |
| 134% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 516 |
| County GDP | $1,077M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 51 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,014 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Fordsville is $50,000, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $150,018, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $438 (62% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 237 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $2,014 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $50,000 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $150,018 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $438 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.8% |
| Housing Units | 237 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,014 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.03% |
In Fordsville, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,738. The dentist ratio is 1:3,921. 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fordsville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.3% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:4,738 |
| Dentists | 1:3,921 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,969 |
| Dental Visits | 55.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,567/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
Fordsville has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Fordsville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Fordsville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°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 51.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 490 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.7°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 490 ft (149 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,084/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6348°N, 86.7183°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Ohio County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owensboro/Daviess County Regional (OWB)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.5"
35% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
47 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
137 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
136 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
100 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
136 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
60 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
89 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
136 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
66 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
135 km |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Sep 9, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
6 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M3.0 |
55 km |
| Apr 28, 2000 |
6 km W of Equality, Illinois |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Jun 24, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| Nov 28, 1998 |
6 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
60 km |
| Jan 3, 2003 |
9 km SW of Mount Vernon, Indiana |
M2.9 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
456 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 108 fatalities, 1,094 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
49 km |
6 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
20 km |
31 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
100 km |
11 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
73 km |
3 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
80 km |
16 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
70 km |
3 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
96 km |
24 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
80 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLOATING MILL HOLLOW (2,422 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FLOATING MILL HOLLOW |
2,422 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
BROOKS KNOB |
2,225 |
67 km |
| 2012 |
FY2012 CRYSTAL CAVE BROADCAST BURN |
2,221 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
JOPPA CHURCH |
2,037 |
73 km |
| 2004 |
JIM LEE |
1,770 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
TEMPLE HILL |
1,628 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
JIM LEE |
1,613 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD DEER |
1,557 |
44 km |
| 2007 |
Big Woods |
1,500 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
GOBLIN KNOB |
1,445 |
71 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,336 |
48 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
49 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,039 |
43 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
959 |
51 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
910 |
60 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
892 |
60 km |
| 2024 |
LONG RUN RX |
774 |
48 km |
| 2010 |
RICEVILLE RX |
671 |
76 km |
| 2007 |
DENNISON FERRY RX |
655 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
641 |
51 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) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Fordsville has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 34°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Fordsville. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $615 |
| Toddler | $582 |
| Preschool | $582 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $533 |
| Toddler | $455 |
| Preschool | $455 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fordsville
What is the population of Fordsville?
Fordsville has a population of 488 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 1,084 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.8% female and 40.2% male.
Is Fordsville expensive to live in?
Fordsville is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $33,750, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $50,000 (82% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $438 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fordsville safe?
Fordsville is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Fordsville?
Fordsville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.5 inches, with 4.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Fordsville?
The job market in Fordsville is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $854. There are 516 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fordsville?
The median home value in Fordsville is $50,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $150,018. For renters, the median monthly rent is $438. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,014.
How are the schools in Fordsville?
Schools in Fordsville score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.0% of adults in Fordsville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.8% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fordsville?
The obesity rate in Fordsville is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,738.
What is transportation like in Fordsville?
The average commute in Fordsville is 30 minutes. 89.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fordsville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fordsville is 67.6% White, 30.9% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 78.3% have health insurance coverage.
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