Median Income
$53,108
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$178,600
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
15.6%
333% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.6%
58% higher than US avg
How Mathews Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,145
Median Age33.8 yrs
Density578/mi²
Male / Female37% / 63%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$53,108
Per Capita$23,912
Unemployment15.6%
Poverty19.6%
County GDP$261M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$178,600
Ownership67.8%
Zillow$329,584
Housing Units445
Rent Burden20.6%
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking13.7%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
Rain51.9 in/yr
Elevation49 ft (15 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+89.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.61
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute16 min
Broadband95.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Mathews a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mathews receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Mathews offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mathews is $53,108, 29% below the national average of $75,149. At 15.6%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 19.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mathews is $178,600, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Mathews enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.9 inches, including 8.5 inches of snow.
Mathews has a population of 1,145 with a density of 578 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 33.8 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 62.9% female and 37.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 4.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,145
Total Population
2023 Census
33.8yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Mathews is $53,108, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,912 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $798, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 15.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 257 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,108 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,912 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $798 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,264 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 15.6% |
| 333% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.6% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 257 |
| County GDP | $261M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,725 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 96.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Mathews is $178,600, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $329,584, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,512 for a one-bedroom to $1,713 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 445 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $3,725. 20.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $178,600 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $329,584 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,492 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,512 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,713 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,376 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,797 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.2% |
| Housing Units | 445 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,725 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.09% |
In Mathews, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 16.6% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,849. The dentist ratio is 1:4,245. 48.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mathews vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,849 |
| Dentists | 1:4,245 |
| Mental Health | 1:851 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,352/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Mathews enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 8.5 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 49 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 57.6°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 49 ft (15 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 578/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4433°N, 76.3277°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Mathews County County |
| Nearest Airport | Newport News/Williamsburg International (PHF)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.9"
37% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.82"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Jan 14, 2025.
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
16 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Oct 2, 2010 |
10 km NNW of Ashland, Virginia |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
33 km |
| Jan 14, 2025 |
1 km NNE of Wyndham, Virginia |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
7 km SE of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Mar 13, 2017 |
6 km ENE of Goochland, Virginia |
M2.6 |
134 km |
| Feb 9, 2023 |
29 km E of Greenbackville, Virginia |
M2.6 |
129 km |
| Feb 26, 2015 |
4 km NNE of Goochland, Virginia |
M2.5 |
139 km |
| Sep 23, 2019 |
3 km WNW of Wyndham, Virginia |
M2.5 |
120 km |
| Apr 29, 2000 |
3 km N of Glen Allen, Virginia |
M2.5 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
15 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
232 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
298 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
185 km |
| 2012 |
Sandy |
Category 1 |
291 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
84 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
253 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
147 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
285 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
74 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
176 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 1 |
295 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
195 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
193 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
81 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
128 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
292 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 378 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 30, 2023 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
46 km |
2 |
| Apr 28, 2008 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 1966 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2021 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2017 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1990 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LATERAL WEST (6,188 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
LATERAL WEST |
6,188 |
98 km |
| 2008 |
SOUTH 1 |
5,940 |
98 km |
| 1998 |
SE BLOCKS |
1,278 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
LONG ISLAND/RAGGED ISLAND RXB |
982 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
735 |
89 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
697 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
VAGDR FY17 RX DGIF SUPPORT |
674 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
602 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
WEST DRUMMOND |
562 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
VAJRR-FY19-RX-FUEL REDUCTION |
514 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
4.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
5.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Mathews has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 38°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.8") and February the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Mathews. 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 | $760 |
| Toddler | $597 |
| Preschool | $584 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $613 |
| Toddler | $513 |
| Preschool | $511 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mathews
What is the population of Mathews?
Mathews has a population of 1,145 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 578 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 62.9% female and 37.1% male.
Is Mathews expensive to live in?
Mathews 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 $53,108, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $178,600 (37% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Mathews?
Mathews enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 51.9 inches, with 8.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Mathews?
The job market in Mathews faces challenges, with unemployment at 15.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $798. There are 257 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mathews?
The median home value in Mathews is $178,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $329,584. The homeownership rate is 67.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,725.
How are the schools in Mathews?
Schools in Mathews score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.9% of adults in Mathews hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mathews?
The obesity rate in Mathews is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 48.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,849.
What is transportation like in Mathews?
The average commute in Mathews is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 96.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mathews?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mathews is 95.1% White, 4.5% Black or African American. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.