Median Income
$72,750
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$51,300
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.5%
90% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.4%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.0%
60% lower than US avg
How Handley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population413
Median Age46.1 yrs
Density435/mi²
Male / Female66% / 34%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$72,750
Per Capita$25,177
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.0%
County GDP$14,448M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$51,300
Ownership93.8%
Zillow$43,877
Housing Units152
Rent Burden29.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property2,806/100K
Health
Obesity43.4%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking25.8%
Depression33.6%
Heart Disease7.8%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain46.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation966 ft (294 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.5%
High School+72.4%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.11
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 40%
Commute29 min
Broadband93.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Handley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Handley receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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 high obesity rates. Handley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Handley is $72,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Handley is $51,300, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Handley 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 2,806 per 100,000, 43% above the national average.
Education
3.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Handley enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Handley has a population of 413 with a density of 435 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 46.1 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.1% female and 65.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.1%), with 3.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 84.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.1yrs
Median Age
19% 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 Handley is $72,750, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,177 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,192, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,860 business establishments, including 428 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,750 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,177 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,192 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,301 |
| Gini Index | 0.490 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.0% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,860 |
| County GDP | $14,448M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 428 |
| Healthcare | 645 |
| Retail | 626 |
| Manufacturing | 94 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,391 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Handley is $51,300, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $43,877, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 152 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $3,391. 29.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $51,300 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $43,877 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.2% |
| Housing Units | 152 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,391 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.61% |
In Handley, 43.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.8% of residents, above the national average. 43.1% have high blood pressure. 25.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 36.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 33.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:770. The dentist ratio is 1:1,083. 70.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Handley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.4% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.1% |
| Asthma | 12.7% |
| COPD | 10.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.8% |
| 84% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.3% |
| Depression | 33.6% |
| Mental Distress | 25.7% |
| Physical Distress | 18.3% |
| Short Sleep | 44.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:770 |
| Dentists | 1:1,083 |
| Mental Health | 1:314 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 45.7% |
| Premature Death | 14,979/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 645 |
Handley has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,806 per 100,000, 43% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Handley receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Handley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,805.8/100K |
| 43% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Handley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 293 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 46.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 966 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 55.6°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 966 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 435/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1910°N, 81.3748°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Kanawha County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.4"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.12"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0388 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.48 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.21 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 94.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very 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: M3.5. Most recent: M2.8 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
150 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
113 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
69 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
61 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
75 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
6 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
59 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
83 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
109 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
73 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 56 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1967 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
8 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRUSHY (61,231 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
74 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
21 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
31 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
32 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
34 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
65 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
36 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
87 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
52 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
21 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
10 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
33 km |
| 1991 |
LEFT FORK |
10,196 |
19 km |
| 1991 |
CANE ROCK |
9,017 |
64 km |
| 1987 |
PINE CREEK |
8,864 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
5.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Handley has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 34°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.1") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Handley. 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 | $682 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $679 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $633 |
| Toddler | $701 |
| Preschool | $746 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Handley
What is the population of Handley?
Handley has a population of 413 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 435 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.1% female and 65.9% male.
Is Handley expensive to live in?
Handley 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 $72,750, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $51,300 (82% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Handley safe?
Handley 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 2,806 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Handley receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Handley?
Handley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Handley?
The job market in Handley is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,192. There are 6,860 business establishments in the area, including 428 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Handley?
The median home value in Handley is $51,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $43,877. The homeownership rate is 93.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,391.
How are the schools in Handley?
Schools in Handley score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.5% of adults in Handley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.4% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Handley?
The obesity rate in Handley is 43.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.8% of adults are smokers. 36.3% are physically inactive. 33.6% of residents report depression. 10.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 70.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:770.
What is transportation like in Handley?
The average commute in Handley is 29 minutes. 95% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Handley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Handley is 96.1% White, 3.9% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.2% of residents have a disability. 84.0% have health insurance coverage.
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