Median Income
$67,788
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$103,400
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.1%
208% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Hiwassee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population83
Median Age59.8 yrs
Density16/mi²
Male / Female63% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$67,788
Per Capita$56,228
Unemployment11.1%
Poverty0.0%
Housing
A+
Home Value$103,400
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$230,353
Housing Units128
Rent Burden24.3%
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured39.8%
Smoking17.8%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Elevation2,530 ft (771 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+85.7%
Graduate+10.1%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Hiwassee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hiwassee receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Hiwassee stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hiwassee is $67,788, 10% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.1%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hiwassee is $103,400, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Hiwassee experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches, including 15.8 inches of snow.
Hiwassee has a population of 83 with a density of 16 people per square mile, spread across 5.1 square miles. The median age is 59.8 years, 54% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.3% female and 62.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). 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%. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 60.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
83
Total Population
2023 Census
59.8yrs
Median Age
54% 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 Hiwassee is $67,788, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $56,228 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $786, 45% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 654 business establishments, including 39 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,788 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $56,228 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $786 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,917 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.1% |
| 208% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 654 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 39 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 82 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,270 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Hiwassee is $103,400, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $230,353, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 128 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $2,270 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.3% 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 | $103,400 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $230,353 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 128 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,270 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.20% |
In Hiwassee, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 33.4% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.3% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 39.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,076. The dentist ratio is 1:3,643. 59.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hiwassee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.4% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 60.2% |
| Uninsured | 39.8% |
| 363% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,076 |
| Dentists | 1:3,643 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,720 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,358/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Hiwassee experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches. The area receives 15.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,530 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 52.8°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,530 ft (771 m) |
| Area | 5.1 sq mi (13.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 16/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9719°N, 80.6949°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Carroll County County |
| Nearest Airport | Roanoke/Blacksburg Regional (Woodrum Field) (ROA) 47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.0"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.99"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 16.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
34 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 |
116 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
56 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
115 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
69 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
12 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
41 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
32 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
36 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
29 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
130 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
14 km SE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
71 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
150 km |
| Aug 30, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
106 km |
| Feb 8, 2005 |
15 km E of Vansant, Virginia |
M2.7 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
3 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Isabel (2003, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 2 |
266 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 1 |
255 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
112 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 124 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Mar 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1996 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1994 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BARBOURS CREEK. (7,244 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
BARBOURS CREEK. |
7,244 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
SAMS BRANCH |
5,872 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
KIWIS CREEK |
4,879 |
93 km |
| 2001 |
CROCKETT BRANCH |
4,702 |
99 km |
| 2001 |
MOUNTAIN FORK |
4,393 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
ANGEL |
4,129 |
76 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,518 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
SOUTH FORK OF TUG RIVER |
3,490 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
BULL MOUNTAIN |
3,300 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
NANCY FORK |
3,198 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
MULLENS BRANCH |
3,059 |
92 km |
| 1995 |
JIM BRANCH |
3,019 |
98 km |
| 2008 |
LITTLE CUBA |
3,017 |
79 km |
| 1991 |
JOHNSON HOLLOW |
2,987 |
83 km |
| 2010 |
PATTERSON MTN |
2,443 |
97 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,194 |
46 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,038 |
86 km |
| 1986 |
TUCKER |
1,976 |
96 km |
| 1987 |
ALLEN JCT. |
1,918 |
92 km |
| 1995 |
COVE |
1,675 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Hiwassee has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 33°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and November the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Hiwassee. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$253 ($152-$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202-$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101-$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809-$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76-$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152-$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25-$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51-$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152-$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404-$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101-$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61-$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51-$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152-$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044-$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404-$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561-$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506-$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055-$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022-$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809-$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202-$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011-$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30-$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76-$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51-$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03-$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53-$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53-$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03-$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04-$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61-$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81-$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30-$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40-$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40-$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30-$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51-$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76-$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213-$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30-$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30-$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607-$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506-$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202-$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25-$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404-$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055-$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30-$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51-$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30-$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152-$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101-$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $513 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $403 |
| Toddler | $390 |
| Preschool | $390 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiwassee
What is the population of Hiwassee?
Hiwassee has a population of 83 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 16 people per square mile, spread across 5.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.3% female and 62.7% male.
Is Hiwassee expensive to live in?
Hiwassee has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $67,788, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $103,400 (63% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Hiwassee?
Hiwassee has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 40.0 inches, with 15.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Hiwassee?
The job market in Hiwassee faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $786. There are 654 business establishments in the area, including 39 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Hiwassee?
The median home value in Hiwassee is $103,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $230,353. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,270.
How are the schools in Hiwassee?
Schools in Hiwassee score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Hiwassee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.7% have completed high school. 10.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hiwassee?
The obesity rate in Hiwassee is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 39.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,076.
What are the demographics of Hiwassee?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hiwassee is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 60.2% have health insurance coverage.