Violent Crime
218/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
61.1%
81% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
100.0%
706% higher than US avg
How Hico Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population97
Median Age15.7 yrs
Density19/mi²
Male / Female14% / 86%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans36.0%
Economy
Per Capita$11,761
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty100.0%
County GDP$1,578M
Housing
Ownership38.9%
Zillow$131,421
Housing Units125
Rent Burden32.0%
Crime
F
Violent218/100K
Property3,305/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking21.4%
Depression31.6%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain48.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation2,053 ft (626 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+61.1%
High School+61.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.14
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Broadband36.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries8
Is Hico a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hico 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, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Hico offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 100.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hico is below the national average at 218 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,305 per 100,000, 69% above the national average.
Education
Hico is a highly educated community / 61.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 61.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Hico experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Hico has a population of 97 with a density of 19 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age is 15.7 years, 60% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 85.6% female and 14.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 36.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 80.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
15.7yrs
Median Age
60% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $11,761 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $916, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 100.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,186 business establishments, including 81 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $11,761 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $916 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,919 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 100.0% |
| 706% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,186 |
| County GDP | $1,578M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 81 |
| Healthcare | 97 |
| Retail | 114 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,905 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,421. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 38.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 125 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $1,905 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 38.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 38.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 61.1% |
| Housing Units | 125 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,905 |
| 46% below US avg |
In Hico, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 36.8% have high blood pressure. 21.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 31.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,495. The dentist ratio is 1:1,795. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hico vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.8% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.4% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.3% |
| Depression | 31.6% |
| Mental Distress | 23.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 46.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,495 |
| Dentists | 1:1,795 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,116 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 52.8% |
| Premature Death | 15,973/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 97 |
Hico has a violent crime rate of 218 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,305 per 100,000, 69% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hico receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hico vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 217.9/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,304.7/100K |
| 69% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hico experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 73°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 48.0 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 2,053 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 53.7°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,053 ft (626 m) |
| Area | 5.0 sq mi (13.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 19/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1166°N, 81.0107°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Fayette County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.0"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.08"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 27.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
46 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 |
73 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
54 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
61 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
77 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
49 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
131 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
31 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
120 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
51 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
90 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
99 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
62 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
87 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
56 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 55 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
4 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2019 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2016 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KAYFORD MOUNTAIN (31,509 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
35 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
62 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
46 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
54 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
82 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
66 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
66 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
13 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
30 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
83 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
48 km |
| 1991 |
LEFT FORK |
10,196 |
51 km |
| 1991 |
CANE ROCK |
9,017 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
CANEBRAKE |
8,152 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
DRY BRANCH |
8,059 |
39 km |
| 1987 |
RICK CREEK ROAD |
7,740 |
10 km |
| 2012 |
BARBOURS CREEK. |
7,244 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
MUD LICK CREEK |
7,111 |
100 km |
| 1991 |
PEACHTREE |
6,635 |
54 km |
| 1991 |
CARBANATE |
6,533 |
23 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
5.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Hico has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 33°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.1") and February the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Hico. 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 | $736 |
| Toddler | $699 |
| Preschool | $717 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $673 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hico
What is the population of Hico?
Hico has a population of 97 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 19 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 15.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 85.6% female and 14.4% male.
Is Hico expensive to live in?
Hico is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Hico safe?
Hico is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 218 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,305 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hico receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hico?
Hico has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Hico?
The job market in Hico is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $916. There are 1,186 business establishments in the area, including 81 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Hico?
Schools in Hico have an average test score of 4.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 61.1% of adults in Hico hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 61.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hico?
The obesity rate in Hico is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.4% of adults are smokers. 31.3% are physically inactive. 31.6% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,495.
What are the demographics of Hico?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hico is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 36.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 80.9% have health insurance coverage.
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