Violent Crime
127/100K
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.3%
81% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.6%
8% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How McDowell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population37
Median Age74.4 yrs
Density36/mi²
Male / Female22% / 78%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans32.0%
Economy
Per Capita$28,241
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$111M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$289,930
Housing Units30
Rent Burden37.9%
Crime
F
Violent127/100K
Property2,392/100K
Health
Obesity29.6%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking12.1%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain46.9 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation2,343 ft (714 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.3%
High School+53.1%
Graduate+7.5%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Broadband23.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is McDowell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, McDowell receives an overall livability score of 1.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. McDowell faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
McDowell is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,392 per 100,000, 22% above the national average.
Education
6.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 53.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
McDowell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.9 inches, including 39.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
McDowell has a population of 37 with a density of 36 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 74.4 years, 91% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 78.4% female and 21.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 32.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 35.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
74.4yrs
Median Age
91% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $28,241 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $856, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 135 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $28,241 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $856 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,231 |
| Gini Index | 0.378 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 135 |
| County GDP | $111M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 14 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,675 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 66.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,930. Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 30 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2001. The average annual property tax is $2,675 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 37.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 30 |
| Median Year Built | 2001 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,675 |
| 24% below US avg |
In McDowell, 29.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 12.1% are current smokers. 14.5% report binge drinking. 20.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:742. The dentist ratio is 1:1,151. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: McDowell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.6% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.0% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:742 |
| Dentists | 1:1,151 |
| Mental Health | 1:468 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 53.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,676/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
McDowell has a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents, 67% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,392 per 100,000, 22% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 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 | 126.5/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,391.9/100K |
| 22% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 19 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
McDowell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 293 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 46.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 2,343 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,343 ft (714 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 36/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3419°N, 79.5053°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Highland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Shenandoah Valley Regional (SHD) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.9"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
50 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 6, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M5.8 |
145 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
8 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.5 |
142 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.2 |
144 km |
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
76 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
120 km |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
7 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
126 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
16 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
5 km E of Pantops, Virginia |
M3.2 |
103 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
143 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Jan 30, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.1 |
140 km |
| Mar 26, 2012 |
13 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
141 km |
| Oct 12, 2011 |
9 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
129 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
84 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Isabel (2003, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
242 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
68 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 14 fatalities, 36 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 25, 1985 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1959 |
EF3 |
84 km |
11 |
| Sep 30, 1959 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1990 |
EF2 |
31 km |
2 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 1963 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1960 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1952 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1952 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2022 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2015 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2013 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RICH HOLE (15,923 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
RICH HOLE |
15,923 |
53 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
85 km |
| 2023 |
MATTS CREEK |
11,028 |
84 km |
| 2016 |
MOUNT PLEASANT |
11,001 |
73 km |
| 2016 |
ROCKY MTN FIRE 2016 |
9,299 |
73 km |
| 2024 |
WATERFALL MOUNTAIN |
9,251 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
7,791 |
51 km |
| 2012 |
BARBOURS CREEK. |
7,244 |
96 km |
| 2014 |
ARCHER KNOB RX |
6,093 |
27 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
5,893 |
27 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
5,345 |
23 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
5,149 |
24 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,687 |
32 km |
| 2002 |
FULTZ RUN |
4,638 |
85 km |
| 2008 |
ST MARYS |
4,373 |
58 km |
| 1999 |
SHOP RUN |
4,261 |
66 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,219 |
50 km |
| 1986 |
BIG RUN |
4,161 |
71 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,022 |
32 km |
| 2012 |
SHIPWRECK |
3,779 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.4 in |
|
McDowell has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 29°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (3.1").
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) |
$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 | $828 |
| Toddler | $744 |
| Preschool | $683 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $708 |
| Toddler | $716 |
| Preschool | $696 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About McDowell
What is the population of McDowell?
McDowell has a population of 37 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 36 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 74.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 78.4% female and 21.6% male.
Is McDowell expensive to live in?
McDowell has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100).
Is McDowell safe?
McDowell is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,392 per 100,000 (above 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 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.9 inches, with 39.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in McDowell?
The job market in McDowell is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $856. There are 135 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in McDowell?
Schools in McDowell score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.3% of adults in McDowell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 53.1% have completed high school. 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is McDowell?
The obesity rate in McDowell is 29.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.1% of adults are smokers. 20.0% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:742.
What are the demographics of McDowell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of McDowell is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 32.0% of the population are military veterans. 35.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.