Median Income
$77,634
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$171,300
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.4%
8% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$923
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.3%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.1%
67% lower than US avg
How La Vale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,388
Median Age45.2 yrs
Density482/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans13.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$77,634
Per Capita$43,852
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty4.1%
County GDP$3,542M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$171,300
Rent$923
Ownership85.6%
Zillow$119,324
Housing Units2,068
Rent Burden22.6%
Health
Obesity32.3%
Uninsured1.8%
Smoking13.5%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Elevation1,426 ft (435 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.4%
High School+95.6%
Graduate+15.8%
School Score5.78
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute18 min
Broadband90.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is La Vale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Vale receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. La Vale stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in La Vale is $77,634, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in La Vale is $171,300, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $923 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
La Vale experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches, including 28.7 inches of snow.
La Vale has a population of 4,388 with a density of 482 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 45.2 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (89.9%), with 3.4% Hispanic, 3% Black, 1.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 13.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
4,388
Total Population
2023 Census
45.2yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
The median household income in La Vale is $77,634, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,852 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,577 business establishments, including 167 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,634 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,852 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,857 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.1% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,577 |
| County GDP | $3,542M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 167 |
| Healthcare | 256 |
| Retail | 244 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,083 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.4% |
The median home value in La Vale is $171,300, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,324, lower than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $262,000 with homes selling in an average of 121 days. Homes sell for 95.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $923 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,400 for a one-bedroom to $1,648 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,068 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $3,083. 22.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $171,300 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $119,324 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $262,000 |
| Median List Price | $149,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $262,000 |
| Median List Price | $149,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $119 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Days on Market | 121 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.2% |
| Price Drops | 44.4% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $923 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,312 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,648 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,068 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,083 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.80% |
In La Vale, 32.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 18.3% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 1.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,881. The dentist ratio is 1:1,294. 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: La Vale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.3% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 1.8% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,881 |
| Dentists | 1:1,294 |
| Mental Health | 1:246 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,358/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 256 |
La Vale experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. The area receives 28.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,426 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.7°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,426 ft (435 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (6.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 482/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6716°N, 78.8268°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Allegany County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE)
5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.22"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 11, 2024.
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
130 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
140 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
94 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
195 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 127 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
23 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1975 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WAITES RUN (5,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
73 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
DOVE HOLLOW |
1,634 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
85 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
POINT 2 |
1,126 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. |
1,055 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
23 km |
| 2024 |
SPRING RUN |
847 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
WOLF GAP |
710 |
84 km |
| 1994 |
ELKHORN TOWER |
696 |
86 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
696 |
92 km |
| 2001 |
SOUTH BRANCH |
519 |
56 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
20 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.1 in |
|
La Vale has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 31°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in La Vale. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$263 ($158-$420) |
| Specialist Visit |
$368 ($210-$578) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$210 ($105-$368) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,310 ($840-$5,250) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$137 ($79-$210) |
| Dental Filling |
$263 ($158-$420) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26-$79) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$79 ($53-$126) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$315 ($158-$525) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21-$79) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$630 ($420-$1,050) |
| Battery Replacement |
$210 ($105-$368) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$105 ($63-$158) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$95 ($53-$147) |
| HVAC Repair |
$420 ($158-$840) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,350 ($4,200-$12,600) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,050 ($420-$2,100) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,450 ($5,775-$15,750) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,575 ($525-$3,675) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,750 ($5,250-$31,500) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,250 ($2,100-$10,500) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,575 ($840-$3,150) |
| Will Preparation |
$525 ($210-$1,050) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,625 ($1,050-$5,250) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$58 ($32-$105) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$158 ($79-$263) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26-$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$84 ($53-$137) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.31 ($3.15-$5.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.68 ($2.63-$5.25) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.99 ($2.63-$5.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.73 ($3.15-$6.83) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.78 ($4.20-$7.88) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.05 ($0.63-$1.89) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$147 ($84-$263) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$74 ($32-$158) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$74 ($42-$126) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$74 ($42-$105) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($32-$105) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($53-$158) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$210 ($79-$525) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,100 ($1,260-$3,675) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$74 ($32-$137) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.40-$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$105 ($32-$263) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16-$79) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,260 ($630-$2,625) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,050 ($525-$2,100) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$420 ($210-$735) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$53 ($26-$105) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,050 ($420-$2,625) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,125 ($5,250-$31,500) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($32-$105) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$105 ($53-$210) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($32-$105) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21-$79) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$315 ($158-$525) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$210 ($105-$420) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,030 |
| Toddler | $695 |
| Preschool | $695 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $647 |
| Toddler | $587 |
| Preschool | $587 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About La Vale
What is the population of La Vale?
La Vale has a population of 4,388 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 482 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is La Vale expensive to live in?
La Vale has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $77,634, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $171,300 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $923 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in La Vale?
La Vale has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches, with 28.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in La Vale?
The job market in La Vale is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 1,577 business establishments in the area, including 167 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 13.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in La Vale?
The median home value in La Vale is $171,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,324. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $262,000, with homes typically selling within 121 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $923. Fair market rent is $1,400 for a 1-bedroom and $1,648 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,083.
How are the schools in La Vale?
Schools in La Vale score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.4% of adults in La Vale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. 15.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Vale?
The obesity rate in La Vale is 32.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 1.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,881.
What is transportation like in La Vale?
The average commute in La Vale is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of La Vale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Vale is 89.9% White, 3% Black or African American, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Asian. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 13.1% of the population are military veterans. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.