Median Income
$48,750
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$61,900
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
218/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.4%
84% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.6%
47% lower than US avg
How Hilltop Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population655
Median Age50.2 yrs
Density1,008/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,750
Per Capita$23,622
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty6.6%
County GDP$4,532M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$61,900
Ownership82.5%
Zillow$104,556
Housing Units191
Rent Burden29.9%
Crime
F
Violent218/100K
Property3,305/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking22.6%
Depression34.9%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain47.9 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation1,843 ft (562 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.4%
High School+80.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.02
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute17 min
Broadband85.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Hilltop a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hilltop receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Hilltop has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hilltop is $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hilltop is $61,900, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hilltop 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
5.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Hilltop experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Hilltop has a population of 655 with a density of 1,008 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 50.2 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.2% female and 41.8% male. The city is predominantly White (98.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 34.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.2yrs
Median Age
29% 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 Hilltop is $48,750, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,622 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,608 business establishments, including 129 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.1% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,750 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,622 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,527 |
| Gini Index | 0.491 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,608 |
| County GDP | $4,532M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 129 |
| Healthcare | 299 |
| Retail | 302 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,735 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 43.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.1% |
The median home value in Hilltop is $61,900, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $104,556, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 191 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $2,735 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $61,900 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $104,556 |
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 | 82.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.5% |
| Housing Units | 191 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,735 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.42% |
In Hilltop, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 38.5% have high blood pressure. 22.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.6% report binge drinking. 34.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 34.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,294. The dentist ratio is 1:1,279. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hilltop vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.5% |
| Asthma | 13.9% |
| COPD | 10.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.6% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.1% |
| Depression | 34.9% |
| Mental Distress | 25.7% |
| Physical Distress | 17.8% |
| Short Sleep | 49.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,294 |
| Dentists | 1:1,279 |
| Mental Health | 1:340 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 50.6% |
| Premature Death | 16,996/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 299 |
Hilltop 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 10 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Hilltop receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hilltop 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) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hilltop experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 305 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 47.9 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 1,843 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 52.4°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,843 ft (562 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,008/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9392°N, 81.1527°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Raleigh County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.9"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
47 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
76 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
83 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
65 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
42 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
36 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
104 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
73 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
75 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
102 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
83 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
79 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
141 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
60 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 55 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
19 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2019 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF1 |
98 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 |
86 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
22 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
54 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
28 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
38 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
61 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
55 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
45 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
26 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
26 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
88 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
31 km |
| 1991 |
LEFT FORK |
10,196 |
48 km |
| 1991 |
CANE ROCK |
9,017 |
77 km |
| 1987 |
PINE CREEK |
8,864 |
83 km |
| 1994 |
SCISSORSVILLE BRANCH |
8,711 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Hilltop has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 32°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.9") and February the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Hilltop. 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 | $700 |
| Preschool | $722 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $676 |
| Toddler | $737 |
| Preschool | $737 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hilltop
What is the population of Hilltop?
Hilltop has a population of 655 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,008 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.2% female and 41.8% male.
Is Hilltop expensive to live in?
Hilltop 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 $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $61,900 (78% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hilltop safe?
Hilltop 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, Hilltop receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hilltop?
Hilltop has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Hilltop?
The unemployment rate in Hilltop is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,043. There are 2,608 business establishments in the area, including 129 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 13.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hilltop?
The median home value in Hilltop is $61,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $104,556. The homeownership rate is 82.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,735.
How are the schools in Hilltop?
Schools in Hilltop score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.4% of adults in Hilltop hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hilltop?
The obesity rate in Hilltop is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.6% of adults are smokers. 34.1% are physically inactive. 34.9% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,294.
What is transportation like in Hilltop?
The average commute in Hilltop is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 43% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hilltop?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hilltop is 98.2% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 34.6% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
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