Median Income
$35,576
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$73,600
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
244/100K
36% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.2%
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
10.0%
178% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.8%
116% higher than US avg
How McDowell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population549
Median Age55.2 yrs
Density221/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
D
Median Income$35,576
Per Capita$16,490
Unemployment10.0%
Poverty26.8%
County GDP$1,403M
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,600
Ownership82.5%
Zillow$64,851
Housing Units264
Rent Burden29.1%
Crime
F
Violent244/100K
Property244/100K
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain50.6 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation1,281 ft (390 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.2%
High School+88.8%
Graduate+17.6%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Broadband90.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is McDowell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, McDowell receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. McDowell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in McDowell is $35,576, 53% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.0%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 26.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in McDowell is $73,600, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in McDowell is below the national average at 244 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 244 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
Education
26.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
McDowell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
McDowell has a population of 549 with a density of 221 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 55.2 years, 42% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.8% female and 39.2% male. The city is predominantly White (99.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 23.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.2yrs
Median Age
42% 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 McDowell is $35,576, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,490 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $912, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 26.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,160 business establishments, including 43 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,576 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,490 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $912 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,428 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.0% |
| 178% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.8% |
| 116% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,160 |
| County GDP | $1,403M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 139 |
| Retail | 145 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,235 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 71.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in McDowell is $73,600, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $64,851, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 264 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $4,235 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,600 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $64,851 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.5% |
| Housing Units | 264 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,235 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.75% |
In McDowell, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,764. The dentist ratio is 1:1,345. 26.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: McDowell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,764 |
| Dentists | 1:1,345 |
| Mental Health | 1:27 |
| Dental Visits | 48.7% |
| Premature Death | 19,361/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 26.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 139 |
McDowell has a violent crime rate of 244 per 100,000 residents, 36% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 244 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, McDowell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: McDowell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 243.9/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 243.9/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
McDowell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 299 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 50.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,281 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 53.9°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,281 ft (390 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 221/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4602°N, 82.7280°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Floyd County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
89 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.6"
33% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 94.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 84.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
45 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.7 on May 22, 2024.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
46 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
83 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
136 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
48 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
149 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
7 km SW of New Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
84 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
78 km |
| Oct 30, 2017 |
2 km N of Artemus, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
119 km |
| May 22, 2024 |
18 km SSE of Hyden, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
75 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 16 fatalities, 245 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
92 km |
10 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
2 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
57 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
55 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
40 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
37 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
58 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
54 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
50 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
48 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
40 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
55 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
44 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
20 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
17 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
17 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
18 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
88 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
70 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
|
McDowell has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 34°F in January to 73°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 44.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in McDowell. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $491 |
| Toddler | $489 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $348 |
| Toddler | $355 |
| Preschool | $355 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About McDowell
What is the population of McDowell?
McDowell has a population of 549 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 221 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.8% female and 39.2% male.
Is McDowell expensive to live in?
McDowell is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $35,576, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,600 (74% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is McDowell safe?
McDowell is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 244 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 244 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, McDowell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in McDowell?
McDowell has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in McDowell?
The job market in McDowell faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $912. There are 1,160 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in McDowell?
The median home value in McDowell is $73,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $64,851. The homeownership rate is 82.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,235.
How are the schools in McDowell?
Schools in McDowell score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.2% of adults in McDowell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.8% have completed high school. 17.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is McDowell?
The obesity rate in McDowell is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 26.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,764.
What are the demographics of McDowell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of McDowell is 99.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.2% of the population are military veterans. 23.6% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
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