Median Income
$60,625
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$255,000
10% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.5%
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.5%
136% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.5%
90% higher than US avg
How Metaline Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population133
Median Age57.2 yrs
Density429/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans16.2%
Economy
C
Median Income$60,625
Per Capita$36,592
Unemployment8.5%
Poverty23.5%
County GDP$768M
Commute10 min
Housing
A
Home Value$255,000
Ownership87.3%
Zillow$257,379
Housing Units98
Rent Burden35.0%
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured4.5%
Smoking12.5%
Depression27.6%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
Rain28.2 in/yr
Elevation2,009 ft (612 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.5%
High School+90.2%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score5.48
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute10 min
Broadband88.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Metaline a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Metaline receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Metaline offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Metaline is $60,625, 19% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 23.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Metaline is $255,000, 10% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
23.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Metaline experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 28.2 inches, including 54.8 inches of snow.
Metaline has a population of 133 with a density of 429 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 57.2 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.6% female and 56.4% male. The city is predominantly White (86.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 16.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
133
Total Population
2023 Census
57.2yrs
Median Age
47% 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 Metaline is $60,625, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,592. The average weekly wage is $1,214, 15% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 23.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 344 business establishments, including 23 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,625 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,592 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,214 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,208 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.5% |
| 136% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.5% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 344 |
| County GDP | $768M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 23 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,196 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.4% |
The median home value in Metaline is $255,000, 10% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,379. Fair market rent ranges from $1,180 for a one-bedroom to $1,472 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 98 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $4,196 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 35.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $255,000 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $257,379 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,082 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,472 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,351 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.7% |
| Housing Units | 98 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,196 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.65% |
In Metaline, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 27.2% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 19.0% report binge drinking. 18.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 4.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,736. The dentist ratio is 1:3,545. 62.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Metaline vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.2% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.5% |
| Depression | 27.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 4.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,736 |
| Dentists | 1:3,545 |
| Mental Health | 1:299 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.8% |
| Dental Visits | 59.9% |
| Premature Death | 13,768/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Metaline experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 28.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 54.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 2,009 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 46.0°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,009 ft (612 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 429/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.8523°N, 117.3870°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Pend Oreille County County |
| Nearest Airport | Spokane International (GEG) 85 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.2"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
3.60"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 21.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
62 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Feb 13, 2025.
| Sep 1, 2015 |
15 km N of Nespelem Community, Washington |
M4.2 |
135 km |
| Nov 11, 2001 |
3 km NE of Spokane, Washington |
M4.0 |
129 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Hope, Idaho |
M3.9 |
101 km |
| Feb 5, 2023 |
British Columbia, Canada |
M3.9 |
138 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
Washington |
M3.9 |
130 km |
| Sep 10, 2016 |
23 km E of Oliver, Canada |
M3.9 |
140 km |
| Mar 3, 1998 |
16 km NNE of Grand Forks, Canada |
M3.8 |
79 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
12 km SSW of East Hope, Idaho |
M3.7 |
110 km |
| Jan 20, 2000 |
21 km ENE of Athol, Idaho |
M3.5 |
117 km |
| Dec 15, 2012 |
19 km S of Troy, Montana |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
2 km SSE of Town and Country, Washington |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Nov 12, 2001 |
3 km NNE of Spokane, Washington |
M3.3 |
129 km |
| Sep 22, 2003 |
12 km NW of Rathdrum, Idaho |
M3.3 |
110 km |
| Oct 27, 1991 |
21 km N of Castlegar, Canada |
M3.3 |
75 km |
| Aug 20, 1990 |
23 km NW of Nelson, Canada |
M3.3 |
87 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
7 km SW of Hope, Idaho |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| Jul 31, 2001 |
2 km WNW of Town and Country, Washington |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| Mar 3, 1998 |
15 km NNE of Grand Forks, Canada |
M3.2 |
76 km |
| Feb 15, 2020 |
37 km ESE of Nelson, Canada |
M3.2 |
73 km |
| Aug 29, 1997 |
12 km N of Troy, Montana |
M3.1 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
11 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 1991 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1978 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1972 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1997 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1997 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1994 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1983 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1980 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1978 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2004 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
9 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 19.8 m (65 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1952 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
19.8 m |
- |
64 km |
| 1949 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
19.8 m |
- |
136 km |
| 2024 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
14.3 m |
- |
64 km |
| 1944 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
9.1 m |
- |
64 km |
| 2009 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
9.0 m |
- |
126 km |
| 1953 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
4.8 m |
- |
64 km |
| 2009 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
3.6 m |
- |
121 km |
| 1953 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
- |
- |
64 km |
| 1952 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
- |
- |
64 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SUMMIT TRAIL (54,855 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
SUMMIT TRAIL |
54,855 |
94 km |
| 2015 |
STICKPIN |
54,119 |
75 km |
| 2022 |
RUSSELL MOUNTAIN |
26,130 |
65 km |
| 2015 |
TOWER |
24,779 |
45 km |
| 1988 |
WHITE MOUNTAIN |
21,855 |
88 km |
| 2015 |
RENNER |
13,975 |
60 km |
| 2023 |
OREGON |
10,957 |
96 km |
| 1994 |
COPPER BUTTE |
9,068 |
83 km |
| 2015 |
GRAVES MOUNTAIN |
8,559 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
S.17MILE1 |
8,089 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
BULLDOG MOUNTAIN |
8,049 |
66 km |
| 2020 |
INCHELIUM HIWAY |
7,046 |
85 km |
| 2018 |
HORNS MOUNTAIN |
6,890 |
51 km |
| 2001 |
MT. LEONA COMPLEX |
5,978 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
TOGO MOUNTAIN |
5,495 |
74 km |
| 2017 |
NOISY CREEK |
5,452 |
12 km |
| 2018 |
BOYDS |
5,196 |
61 km |
| 2015 |
PARKER RIDGE |
4,773 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
NORTH FORK HUGHES |
4,628 |
26 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES 32 COMPLEX |
4,536 |
31 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
60°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
Metaline has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 27°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.2 inches, with December being the wettest month (3.6") and August the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Metaline. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$268 ($161-$428) |
| Specialist Visit |
$375 ($214-$589) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$214 ($107-$375) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,354 ($856-$5,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$139 ($80-$214) |
| Dental Filling |
$268 ($161-$428) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($27-$80) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$80 ($54-$128) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$321 ($161-$535) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($21-$80) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$642 ($428-$1,070) |
| Battery Replacement |
$214 ($107-$375) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$107 ($64-$161) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$96 ($54-$150) |
| HVAC Repair |
$428 ($161-$856) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,490 ($4,280-$12,840) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,070 ($428-$2,140) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,630 ($5,885-$16,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,605 ($535-$3,745) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,050 ($5,350-$32,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,350 ($2,140-$10,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,605 ($856-$3,210) |
| Will Preparation |
$535 ($214-$1,070) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,675 ($1,070-$5,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16-$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32-$107) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$161 ($80-$268) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16-$48) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27-$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54-$139) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.39 ($3.21-$5.89) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.75 ($2.68-$5.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.07 ($2.68-$5.89) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.82 ($3.21-$6.96) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.89 ($4.28-$8.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.07 ($0.64-$1.93) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$150 ($86-$268) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$75 ($32-$161) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$75 ($43-$128) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$75 ($43-$107) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32-$107) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$91 ($54-$161) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$214 ($80-$535) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,140 ($1,284-$3,745) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$75 ($32-$139) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.56-$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$107 ($32-$268) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16-$80) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,284 ($642-$2,675) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,070 ($535-$2,140) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$428 ($214-$749) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27-$107) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,070 ($428-$2,675) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,375 ($5,350-$32,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$64 ($32-$107) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$107 ($54-$214) |
| Dog Grooming |
$64 ($32-$107) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($21-$80) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$321 ($161-$535) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$214 ($107-$428) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,026 |
| Toddler | $938 |
| Preschool | $938 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $857 |
| Toddler | $749 |
| Preschool | $749 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Metaline
What is the population of Metaline?
Metaline has a population of 133 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 429 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.6% female and 56.4% male.
Is Metaline expensive to live in?
Metaline is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,625, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $255,000 (10% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Metaline?
Metaline has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 28.2 inches, with 54.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Metaline?
The job market in Metaline faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,214. There are 344 business establishments in the area, including 23 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 11.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Metaline?
The median home value in Metaline is $255,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,379. The homeownership rate is 87.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,196.
How are the schools in Metaline?
Schools in Metaline score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.5% of adults in Metaline hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Metaline?
The obesity rate in Metaline is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 18.5% are physically inactive. 27.6% of residents report depression. 4.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 62.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,736.
What is transportation like in Metaline?
The average commute in Metaline is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Metaline?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Metaline is 86.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 16.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.