Median Income
$47,625
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,000
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
166/100K
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
45.5%
35% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$988
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
48.6%
51% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How Institute Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population690
Median Age23.0 yrs
Density2,464/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 45%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$47,625
Per Capita$16,807
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.0%
County GDP$3,832M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,000
Rent$988
Ownership77.6%
Zillow$119,684
Housing Units206
Rent Burden29.4%
Crime
F
Violent166/100K
Property2,404/100K
Health
Obesity48.6%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking20.0%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Sunny Days297/yr
Elevation608 ft (185 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+45.5%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+11.6%
School Score6.04
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute15 min
Broadband58.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Institute a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Institute receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Institute offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Institute is $47,625, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Institute is $93,000, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $988 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Institute is below the national average at 166 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,404 per 100,000, 23% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 45.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Institute experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 297 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Institute has a population of 690 with a density of 2,464 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 23.0 years, 41% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.7% female and 42.3% male. The city is predominantly Black (49%), with 44.9% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 34.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
23.0yrs
Median Age
41% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Institute vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Institute vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Institute is $47,625, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,807 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,238, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,894 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Institute vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,625 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,807 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,238 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,515 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,894 |
| County GDP | $3,832M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 137 |
| Retail | 171 |
| Manufacturing | 45 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,677 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 46.1% |
| Public Transit | 28.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.7% |
The median home value in Institute is $93,000, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,684, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $988 (15% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 206 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $2,677 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,000 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $119,684 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $988 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.4% |
| Housing Units | 206 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,677 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.88% |
In Institute, 48.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 48.2% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.7% report binge drinking. 37.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:954. The dentist ratio is 1:2,376. 67.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Institute vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 48.6% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 48.2% |
| Asthma | 13.4% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.5% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 23.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
| Short Sleep | 49.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:954 |
| Dentists | 1:2,376 |
| Mental Health | 1:919 |
| Checkup Rate | 82.8% |
| Dental Visits | 53.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,065/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 137 |
Institute has a violent crime rate of 166 per 100,000 residents, 56% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,404 per 100,000, 23% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Institute receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Institute vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 166.2/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,403.8/100K |
| 23% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Institute experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 297 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 608 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.4°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 297 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 608 ft (185 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,464/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3795°N, 81.7656°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Putnam County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.88"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
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 |
145 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
113 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
78 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
137 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
93 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
41 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
108 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
79 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
90 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
64 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
96 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 9 fatalities, 179 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
97 km |
7 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2003 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2000 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1967 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
5 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 |
61 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
53 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
75 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
28 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
59 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
89 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
52 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
75 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
35 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
69 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
69 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
95 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
60 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
75 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
47 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Institute has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 32°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.9") and October the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Institute. 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 | $707 |
| Toddler | $673 |
| Preschool | $706 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $657 |
| Toddler | $731 |
| Preschool | $780 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Institute
What is the population of Institute?
Institute has a population of 690 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 2,464 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.7% female and 42.3% male.
Is Institute expensive to live in?
Institute 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 $47,625, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,000 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $988 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Institute safe?
Institute is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 166 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,404 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Institute receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Institute?
Institute has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 297 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Institute?
The job market in Institute is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,238. There are 1,894 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 0.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Institute?
The median home value in Institute is $93,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,684. For renters, the median monthly rent is $988. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,677.
How are the schools in Institute?
Schools in Institute score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 45.5% of adults in Institute hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 11.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Institute?
The obesity rate in Institute is 48.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 37.5% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 67.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:954.
What is transportation like in Institute?
The average commute in Institute is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 46.1% of workers drive alone to work, 28% use public transit, and 0.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Institute?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Institute is 44.9% White, 49% Black or African American. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 34.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
