Median Income
$44,079
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
383/100K
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.9%
117% higher than US avg
How Matthews Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population201
Median Age40.0 yrs
Density57/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$44,079
Per Capita$13,301
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty26.9%
County GDP$729M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$158,723
Housing Units47
Rent Burden25.9%
Crime
F
Violent383/100K
Property4,258/100K
Health
Obesity41.3%
Uninsured17.7%
Smoking21.1%
Depression20.7%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain47.6 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation382 ft (116 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+89.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.03
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 49%
Broadband52.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Matthews a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Matthews receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Matthews has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Matthews is $44,079, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 26.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 383 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,258 per 100,000, 117% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Matthews enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Matthews has a population of 201 with a density of 57 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 40.0 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 81.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.0yrs
Median Age
3% 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 Matthews is $44,079, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,301 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $948, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 26.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 407 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,079 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,301 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $948 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,641 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.9% |
| 117% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 407 |
| County GDP | $729M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,513 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $158,723. Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 47 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $2,513 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 47 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,513 |
| 28% below US avg |
In Matthews, 41.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 42.8% have high blood pressure. 21.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.9% report binge drinking. 34.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.7% report depression. 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 17.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,762. The dentist ratio is 1:5,105. 50.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Matthews vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.8% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.1% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.6% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 44.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.6% |
| Uninsured | 17.7% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,762 |
| Dentists | 1:5,105 |
| Mental Health | 1:15,183 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 44.7% |
| Premature Death | 15,667/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Matthews has a violent crime rate of 383 per 100,000 residents, 1% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,258 per 100,000, 117% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Matthews receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Matthews vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 382.8/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,258.4/100K |
| 117% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Matthews enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 47.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 382 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.5°F |
| 18% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 382 ft (116 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 57/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.2193°N, 82.3017°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Augusta Regional At Bush Field (AGS)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.6"
25% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
37 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Feb 15, 2014 |
12 km ENE of Parksville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
69 km |
| Jun 18, 2022 |
7 km E of Stillmore, Georgia |
M3.9 |
87 km |
| Jul 13, 2003 |
6 km N of Cobbtown, Georgia |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Jan 18, 2000 |
11 km SSE of Gray, Georgia |
M3.5 |
113 km |
| Mar 18, 2003 |
11 km S of Rayle, Georgia |
M3.5 |
75 km |
| Jan 3, 1992 |
4 km ENE of Willington, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
85 km |
| Dec 7, 2009 |
4 km WNW of Deepstep, Georgia |
M3.2 |
69 km |
| Aug 8, 1993 |
12 km ENE of Aiken, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
78 km |
| Jun 20, 2017 |
6 km SW of Augusta, Georgia |
M3.2 |
35 km |
| Apr 4, 2009 |
15 km N of Milledgeville, Georgia |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
120 km |
| Feb 16, 2014 |
13 km WNW of Edgefield, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
71 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
120 km |
| Sep 18, 1996 |
6 km E of Clarks Hill, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
54 km |
| Apr 26, 2013 |
9 km E of Lincolnton, Georgia |
M2.8 |
62 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.7 |
69 km |
| Jul 4, 2012 |
11 km NNE of Deepstep, Georgia |
M2.7 |
59 km |
| Apr 23, 1993 |
14 km E of Mount Zion, Georgia |
M2.7 |
54 km |
| Jul 5, 2025 |
11 km ENE of Parksville, South Carolina |
M2.7 |
69 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
10 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 2 |
233 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 1 |
262 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
289 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 3 |
195 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
210 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
264 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
253 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
189 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
203 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
222 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
301 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 260 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 1973 |
EF4 |
99 km |
7 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (8,427 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
8,427 |
67 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,897 |
62 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
3,772 |
62 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,165 |
80 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,968 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
C-326/327 LC |
2,852 |
49 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,796 |
74 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,711 |
74 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,654 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,532 |
61 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,407 |
55 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,330 |
75 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,262 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,228 |
69 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,216 |
55 km |
| 2020 |
C-56 RX BURN |
2,183 |
75 km |
| 2018 |
C- 80 RX BURN |
2,173 |
74 km |
| 2020 |
C-249 LC |
2,084 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
C-297 LC |
2,060 |
64 km |
| 2020 |
C-250 LC |
1,887 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
4.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| March |
56°F (13°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| December |
47°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Matthews has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 46°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.1 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.7") and November the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Matthews. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193–$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770–$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385–$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852–$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385–$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297–$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482–$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815–$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926–$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770–$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193–$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963–$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89–$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72–$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156–$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578–$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482–$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193–$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385–$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815–$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthews
What is the population of Matthews?
Matthews has a population of 201 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 57 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.0 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Matthews expensive to live in?
Matthews has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $44,079, 41% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Matthews safe?
The violent crime rate in Matthews is 383 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,258 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Matthews receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Matthews?
Matthews enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Matthews?
The job market in Matthews is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $948. There are 407 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Matthews?
Schools in Matthews have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Matthews hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Matthews?
The obesity rate in Matthews is 41.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.1% of adults are smokers. 34.6% are physically inactive. 20.7% of residents report depression. 17.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 50.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,762.
What are the demographics of Matthews?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Matthews is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.6% of residents have a disability. 81.6% have health insurance coverage.
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