Median Income
$68,750
9% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$706
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
19.8%
450% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Lowgap Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population226
Median Age46.3 yrs
Density198/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$68,750
Per Capita$21,700
Unemployment19.8%
Poverty0.0%
Commute51 min
Housing
A+
Rent$706
Ownership48.5%
Zillow$241,204
Housing Units151
Rent Burden25.6%
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking19.3%
Depression29.1%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
Rain50.9 in/yr
Elevation1,444 ft (440 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+82.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 28%
Commute51 min
Broadband79.4%
EV Stations5
Libraries1
Is Lowgap a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lowgap receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, long commute times, high obesity rates. Lowgap stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lowgap is $68,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 19.8%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 51 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $706 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lowgap experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.9 inches, including 16.6 inches of snow.
Lowgap has a population of 226 with a density of 198 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 46.3 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.8% female and 56.2% male. The city is predominantly White (74.8%), with 25.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 26.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
226
Total Population
2023 Census
46.3yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Lowgap is $68,750, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,700 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $801, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 19.8% (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 400 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 51 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,750 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,700 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $801 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,395 |
| Gini Index | 0.516 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 19.8% |
| 450% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 400 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 54 |
| Retail | 74 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 50.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 59.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,204. Monthly rent averages $706 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 48.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 151 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $3,829. 25.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $706 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 48.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.5% |
| Housing Units | 151 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
In Lowgap, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.3% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 29.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:841. 98.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lowgap vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.3% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 29.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:841 |
| Mental Health | 1:108 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 55.1% |
| Premature Death | 19,228/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 98.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 54 |
Lowgap experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 16.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,444 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 52.7°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,444 ft (440 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 198/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5250°N, 80.8712°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Galax city County |
| Nearest Airport | Statesville Regional (SVH) 53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.9"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
5.42"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 76.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
36 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
105 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
60 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
108 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
107 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
131 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
86 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
112 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
82 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
59 km |
| Mar 6, 2006 |
3 km W of Burnsville, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
90 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
80 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
84 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
25 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
110 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
109 km |
| Aug 30, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
76 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 |
284 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
245 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 1 |
204 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
169 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 218 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
97 km |
3 |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1985 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2022 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 2010 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF2 |
92 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SAMS BRANCH (5,872 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
SAMS BRANCH |
5,872 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
BULL MOUNTAIN |
3,300 |
63 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,242 |
86 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,194 |
38 km |
| 2010 |
HUFF HOLLOW |
1,566 |
74 km |
| 2016 |
HORTON |
1,480 |
75 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,460 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,388 |
59 km |
| 2013 |
TANK HOLLOW |
1,340 |
84 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,171 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
75 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,149 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,124 |
38 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,120 |
55 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,107 |
60 km |
| 2021 |
GRINDSTONE |
1,106 |
41 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,097 |
100 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
1,064 |
47 km |
| 2019 |
RX - HARP MOUNTAIN |
920 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
STILLHOUSE HOLLOW |
820 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Lowgap has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 34°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.4") and February the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Lowgap. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141-$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189-$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94-$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754-$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71-$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141-$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141-$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377-$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94-$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57-$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141-$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772-$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377-$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187-$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472-$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715-$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886-$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754-$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189-$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943-$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71-$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83-$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36-$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36-$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83-$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77-$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57-$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75-$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71-$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132-$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28-$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566-$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472-$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189-$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377-$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715-$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28-$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47-$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28-$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141-$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94-$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $513 |
| Toddler | $498 |
| Preschool | $498 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $403 |
| Toddler | $390 |
| Preschool | $390 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lowgap
What is the population of Lowgap?
Lowgap has a population of 226 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 198 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.8% female and 56.2% male.
Is Lowgap expensive to live in?
Lowgap is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $68,750, 9% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $706 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Lowgap?
Lowgap has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 50.9 inches, with 16.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Lowgap?
The job market in Lowgap faces challenges, with unemployment at 19.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $801. There are 400 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 51 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lowgap?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $706. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 48.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,829.
How are the schools in Lowgap?
Schools in Lowgap score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Lowgap hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lowgap?
The obesity rate in Lowgap is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 29.1% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 98.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Lowgap?
The average commute in Lowgap is 51 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 59.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lowgap?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lowgap is 74.8% White, 25.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 26.1% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.