Median Income
$27,679
63% lower than US avg
Home Value
$58,100
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.3%
84% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$671
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.5%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.7%
140% higher than US avg
How Fort Gay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population459
Median Age47.1 yrs
Density553/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$27,679
Per Capita$19,434
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty29.7%
County GDP$539M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$58,100
Rent$671
Ownership41.4%
Zillow$124,955
Housing Units419
Rent Burden33.4%
Health
Obesity45.5%
Uninsured1.7%
Smoking28.8%
Depression35.9%
Heart Disease8.4%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain47.1 in/yr
Elevation707 ft (215 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.3%
High School+80.9%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score4.81
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 16%
Commute35 min
Broadband76.1%
EV Stations10
Libraries1
Is Fort Gay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Gay receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Fort Gay has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Gay is $27,679, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 29.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Gay is $58,100, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $671 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Gay enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.1 inches, including 19.8 inches of snow.
Fort Gay has a population of 459 with a density of 553 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 47.1 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.6%), with 2.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 29.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
459
Total Population
2023 Census
47.1yrs
Median Age
21% 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 Fort Gay is $27,679, which is 63% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,434 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $860, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 29.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 353 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $27,679 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,434 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $860 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,332 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.7% |
| 140% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 353 |
| County GDP | $539M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 51 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,263 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
The median home value in Fort Gay is $58,100, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,955, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $671 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 41.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 419 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $2,263 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 33.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $58,100 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $124,955 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $671 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 41.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 41.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 58.6% |
| Housing Units | 419 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,263 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.90% |
In Fort Gay, 45.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.4% of residents, above the national average. 42.1% have high blood pressure. 28.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.9% report binge drinking. 40.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 35.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 27.4% experience frequent mental distress. 1.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,715. The dentist ratio is 1:4,027. 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Gay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.5% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.2% |
| Heart Disease | 8.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.1% |
| Asthma | 13.9% |
| COPD | 13.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.8% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.4% |
| Depression | 35.9% |
| Mental Distress | 27.4% |
| Physical Distress | 20.6% |
| Short Sleep | 47.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 1.7% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,715 |
| Dentists | 1:4,027 |
| Mental Health | 1:66 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 41.4% |
| Premature Death | 14,424/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Fort Gay enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 19.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 707 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.5°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 707 ft (215 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 553/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1222°N, 82.5913°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lawrence County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Portsmouth Regional (PMH)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.1"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.35"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 12.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
36 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
117 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
150 km |
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
124 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
90 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
103 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
89 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
72 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
110 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| May 22, 2024 |
18 km SSE of Hyden, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
138 km |
| Feb 8, 2005 |
15 km E of Vansant, Virginia |
M2.7 |
116 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Cumberland, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
136 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
105 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
110 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
115 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
114 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 283 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
67 km |
7 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
93 km |
10 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
4 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2000 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1982 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1980 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
39 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 |
76 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
46 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
69 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
38 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
78 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
35 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
51 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
27 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
47 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
66 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
78 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
91 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
91 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
91 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
5.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
4.0 in |
|
Fort Gay has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 35°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.4") and October the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Fort Gay. 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 | $491 |
| Toddler | $489 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $348 |
| Toddler | $355 |
| Preschool | $355 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Gay
What is the population of Fort Gay?
Fort Gay has a population of 459 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 553 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Fort Gay expensive to live in?
Fort Gay 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 $27,679, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $58,100 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $671 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Fort Gay?
Fort Gay enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 47.1 inches, with 19.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fort Gay?
The job market in Fort Gay is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $860. There are 353 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Gay?
The median home value in Fort Gay is $58,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,955. For renters, the median monthly rent is $671. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 41.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,263.
How are the schools in Fort Gay?
Schools in Fort Gay have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 5.3% of adults in Fort Gay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.9% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Gay?
The obesity rate in Fort Gay is 45.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.8% of adults are smokers. 40.4% are physically inactive. 35.9% of residents report depression. 1.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,715.
What is transportation like in Fort Gay?
The average commute in Fort Gay is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Gay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Gay is 97.6% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 29.8% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.