At a Glance
Median Income
$35,576
$16,490 per capita
Home Value
$73,600
Zillow: $65,763
Bachelor's Degree+
26.2%
88.8% high school+
Unemployment
28.9%
26.8% poverty rate
How McDowell Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows McDowell's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is McDowell a Good Place to Live?
B
3.2 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
McDowell residents earn a median household income of $35,576 , which is 53% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $16,490. The unemployment rate stands at 28.9% (703% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 26.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 1,160 business establishments, including 43 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in McDowell is $73,600 , 74% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $65,763. The cost of living index is 90.2 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1977.
Education
26.2% of adults in McDowell hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(22% below the national average).
88.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
McDowell has an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C).
Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.6 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population549
Median Age55.2 yrs
Density221/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Foreign Born0.0%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
D
Median Income$35,576
Per Capita$16,490
Unemployment28.9%
Poverty26.8%
County GDP$1,403M
Avg Weekly Wage$912
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,600
Rent
Ownership82.5%
Zillow$65,763
Housing Units264
Rent Burden29.1%
Health
Obesity31.0%
Premature Death19,361/100K
Climate
Avg Temp55°F
Rain47.6 in/yr
Elevation1,281 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.2%
High School+88.8%
Graduate+17.6%
School Score6.1/10
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Broadband90.2%
Internet Speed111 Mbps
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Did You Know?
The median home in McDowell was built in 1977.
The nearest airport is West Virginia International Yeager (89 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.474 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Moderate" by FEMA.
25.0% of the population has a disability.
Average internet download speed is 111 Mbps.
The county recorded 11 fatal vehicle crashes.