Median Income
$39,219
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
212/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.3%
81% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.0%
10% lower than US avg
Unemployment
7.9%
119% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Methow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population91
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density134/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans63.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$39,219
Per Capita$24,568
Unemployment7.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,850M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$341,494
Housing Units42
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent212/100K
Property4,928/100K
Health
Obesity29.0%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking14.8%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease4.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI28 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation1,155 ft (352 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 35%
Broadband39.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Methow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Methow receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Methow faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Methow is $39,219, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Methow is below the national average at 212 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,928 per 100,000, 151% above the national average.
Education
6.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Methow experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 200 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28.
Methow has a population of 91 with a density of 134 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 63.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 88.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below 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 Methow is $39,219, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,568 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $989, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.9% (above 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 1,148 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,219 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,568 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $989 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,977 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.9% |
| 119% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,148 |
| County GDP | $2,850M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 65 |
| Retail | 92 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,588 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $341,494. Fair market rent ranges from $1,180 for a one-bedroom to $1,472 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 42 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $5,588 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 42 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,588 |
| 60% above US avg |
In Methow, 29.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.0% of residents, below the national average. 24.8% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 17.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,641. The dentist ratio is 1:2,009. 87.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Methow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.0% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.8% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.5% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,641 |
| Dentists | 1:2,009 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,493 |
| Checkup Rate | 60.2% |
| Dental Visits | 55.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,504/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 65 |
Methow has a violent crime rate of 212 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,928 per 100,000, 151% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 546 federally declared disasters. Overall, Methow receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Methow vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 212.4/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,927.8/100K |
| 151% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 546 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Methow experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 1,155 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,155 ft (352 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 134/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.1311°N, 120.0052°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Douglas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grant County International (MWH) 71 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Dec)
3.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 28.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
332 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 10, 2025.
| May 3, 1996 |
8 km NNE of Lake Marcel-Stillwater, Washington |
M5.4 |
145 km |
| Jun 24, 1997 |
16 km WNW of Malott, Washington |
M4.6 |
27 km |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
11 km SE of Skykomish, Washington |
M4.3 |
110 km |
| Jun 27, 2013 |
25 km N of Leavenworth, Washington |
M4.3 |
61 km |
| Feb 18, 2015 |
15 km ENE of Cle Elum, Washington |
M4.2 |
113 km |
| Sep 1, 2015 |
15 km N of Nespelem Community, Washington |
M4.2 |
76 km |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
9 km NNE of Snoqualmie, Washington |
M3.9 |
144 km |
| Sep 10, 2016 |
23 km E of Oliver, Canada |
M3.9 |
132 km |
| Apr 15, 1991 |
4 km SE of Pateros, Washington |
M3.9 |
16 km |
| Sep 12, 2015 |
3 km NE of North Bend, Washington |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| Mar 29, 2010 |
10 km NE of Cliffdell, Washington |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Jan 26, 1992 |
9 km SSE of Okanagan Falls, Canada |
M3.7 |
131 km |
| Jul 4, 1997 |
8 km NNE of Waterville, Washington |
M3.7 |
46 km |
| Jun 24, 1997 |
16 km NW of Malott, Washington |
M3.6 |
29 km |
| Mar 8, 1990 |
2 km WSW of Swede Heaven, Washington |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Jan 20, 2025 |
9 km NE of Snoqualmie, Washington |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Mar 6, 2005 |
8 km ENE of Lake Roesiger, Washington |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| Dec 24, 2000 |
8 km NNW of Entiat, Washington |
M3.5 |
47 km |
| May 3, 1996 |
8 km S of Sultan, Washington |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Jan 7, 1993 |
17 km SW of Skykomish, Washington |
M3.4 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
10 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 5, 1972 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1997 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1997 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1987 |
EF1 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1982 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2016 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1997 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1992 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
8 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 |
— |
146 km |
| 1949 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
19.8 m |
— |
127 km |
| 2024 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
14.3 m |
— |
146 km |
| 1944 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
9.1 m |
— |
146 km |
| 1953 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
4.8 m |
— |
146 km |
| 2009 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
3.6 m |
— |
140 km |
| 1953 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
— |
— |
146 km |
| 1952 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
— |
— |
146 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Glacier Peak (82 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Glacier Peak |
Stratovolcano |
3,213 m (10,541 ft) |
1700 |
82 km |
| Baker |
Stratovolcano(es) |
3,285 m (10,778 ft) |
1880 |
151 km |
| Rainier |
Stratovolcano |
4,392 m (14,409 ft) |
1450 |
194 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CARLTON COMPLEX (276,249 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
CARLTON COMPLEX |
276,249 |
13 km |
| 2015 |
NORTH STAR |
218,547 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
PEARL HILL |
217,720 |
42 km |
| 2020 |
COLD SPRINGS |
187,561 |
37 km |
| 2015 |
TUNK BLOCK |
180,111 |
63 km |
| 2015 |
LIMEBELT |
137,098 |
48 km |
| 1994 |
TYEE CREEK |
123,618 |
45 km |
| 2017 |
DIAMOND CREEK |
117,527 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
TRIPOD COMPLEX (SPUR PEAK) |
115,123 |
79 km |
| 2012 |
BARKER CANYON COMPLEX |
85,906 |
61 km |
| 2003 |
FAWN PEAK COMPLEX (FAREWELL) |
77,444 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
GRASS VALLEY |
76,074 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
CUB CREEK 2 |
74,601 |
61 km |
| 2015 |
WOLVERINE |
66,329 |
48 km |
| 2015 |
BLACK CANYON |
61,379 |
18 km |
| 2021 |
WHITMORE |
59,925 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
TRIPOD COMPLEX (TRIPOD) |
59,712 |
45 km |
| 2021 |
CEDAR CREEK |
58,591 |
52 km |
| 2001 |
REX CREEK COMPLEX (REX CREEK) |
54,456 |
34 km |
| 2018 |
CRESCENT MOUNTAIN |
53,258 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
0.7 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Methow has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 23°F in December to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.5 inches, with December being the wettest month (3.0") and July the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Methow. 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 Methow
What is the population of Methow?
Methow has a population of 91 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 134 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.3 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Methow expensive to live in?
Methow 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 $39,219, 48% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Methow safe?
Methow is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 212 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,928 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Methow receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Methow?
Methow has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.
How is the job market in Methow?
The unemployment rate in Methow is 7.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $989. There are 1,148 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Methow?
Schools in Methow score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.3% of adults in Methow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Methow?
The obesity rate in Methow is 29.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 17.5% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 87.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,641.
What are the demographics of Methow?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Methow is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 63.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 88.4% have health insurance coverage.