Median Income
$37,037
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,400
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
83/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.5%
81% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$582
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.6%
106% higher than US avg
How Morgantown Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,729
Median Age36.3 yrs
Density820/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$37,037
Per Capita$20,189
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty25.6%
County GDP$409M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,400
Rent$582
Ownership35.3%
Zillow$193,523
Housing Units1,079
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent83/100K
Property624/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary208/100K
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain50.8 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation446 ft (136 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.5%
High School+80.6%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score5.04
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 16%
Commute24 min
Broadband82.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Morgantown a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Morgantown receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Morgantown has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Morgantown is $37,037, 51% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 25.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Morgantown is $111,400, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $582 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Morgantown is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 624 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
6.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Morgantown enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Morgantown has a population of 2,729 with a density of 820 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 36.3 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (82.4%), with 2.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.9% of residents, while 14.1% speak Spanish. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.3yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Morgantown vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.9%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.1%
5% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Morgantown vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Morgantown is $37,037, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,189 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $893, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 25.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 309 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Morgantown vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,037 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,189 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $893 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,011 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.6% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 309 |
| County GDP | $409M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 31 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,856 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Morgantown is $111,400, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,523, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $582 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 35.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,079 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $1,856 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,400 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,523 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $582 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 35.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 35.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 64.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,079 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,856 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.67% |
In Morgantown, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:12,294. The dentist ratio is 1:12,295. 20.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Morgantown vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:12,294 |
| Dentists | 1:12,295 |
| Mental Health | 1:651 |
| Dental Visits | 42.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,443/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 20.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Morgantown has a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 83.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 624 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 333, burglary at 208, vehicle theft at 83 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Morgantown receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Morgantown vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 83.3/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 83.3/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 624.5/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| Burglary | 208.2/100K |
| Theft | 333.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 83.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Morgantown enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 77°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 50.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 446 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 446 ft (136 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 820/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2174°N, 86.7002°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Butler County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bowling Green-Warren County Regional (BWG)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.8"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 18.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
127 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
104 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
118 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
110 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
6 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M3.0 |
66 km |
| Jan 3, 2003 |
9 km SW of Mount Vernon, Indiana |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Nov 28, 1998 |
6 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
51 km |
| Jan 28, 1991 |
9 km SW of Sacramento, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
57 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
112 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
138 km |
| Aug 15, 2001 |
5 km SSE of Spottsville, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
90 km |
| Mar 6, 2000 |
0 km E of Darmstadt, Indiana |
M2.7 |
125 km |
| Sep 12, 2015 |
5 km SE of Corydon, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
101 km |
| Feb 27, 2020 |
5 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
51 km |
| Aug 26, 2000 |
6 km N of Boonville, Indiana |
M2.6 |
111 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
Kentucky |
M2.6 |
45 km |
| Jul 8, 2001 |
7 km SE of Franklin, Tennessee |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Mar 22, 1990 |
9 km E of Rochester, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
8 km |
| Aug 9, 2025 |
2 km ESE of Cynthiana, Indiana |
M2.6 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
481 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 118 fatalities, 1,340 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
95 km |
6 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
59 km |
31 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
90 km |
3 |
| Apr 27, 1970 |
EF4 |
94 km |
3 |
| Dec 9, 2023 |
EF3 |
99 km |
4 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
34 km |
16 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
83 km |
4 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
47 km |
3 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
99 km |
22 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2006 |
EF3 |
100 km |
7 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLOATING MILL HOLLOW (2,422 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FLOATING MILL HOLLOW |
2,422 |
54 km |
| 2008 |
BROOKS KNOB |
2,225 |
44 km |
| 2012 |
FY2012 CRYSTAL CAVE BROADCAST BURN |
2,221 |
57 km |
| 2010 |
JOPPA CHURCH |
2,037 |
51 km |
| 2004 |
JIM LEE |
1,770 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
TEMPLE HILL |
1,628 |
43 km |
| 2009 |
JIM LEE |
1,613 |
53 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD DEER |
1,557 |
24 km |
| 2007 |
Big Woods |
1,500 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
GOBLIN KNOB |
1,445 |
55 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,336 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,039 |
20 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
959 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
LONG RUN RX |
774 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
DENNISON FERRY RX |
655 |
59 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
641 |
37 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
584 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
ROCKHOUSE HOLLOW RX |
581 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
576 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
56°F (14°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Morgantown has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 34°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Morgantown. 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 | $615 |
| Toddler | $582 |
| Preschool | $582 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $533 |
| Toddler | $455 |
| Preschool | $455 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Morgantown
What is the population of Morgantown?
Morgantown has a population of 2,729 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 820 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Morgantown expensive to live in?
Morgantown 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 $37,037, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,400 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $582 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Morgantown safe?
Morgantown is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 624 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Morgantown receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Morgantown?
Morgantown enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.8 inches, with 4.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Morgantown?
Morgantown has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $893. There are 309 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Morgantown?
The median home value in Morgantown is $111,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,523. For renters, the median monthly rent is $582. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 35.3%. The average annual property tax is $1,856.
How are the schools in Morgantown?
Schools in Morgantown score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.5% of adults in Morgantown hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Morgantown?
The obesity rate in Morgantown is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:12,294.
What is transportation like in Morgantown?
The average commute in Morgantown is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Morgantown?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Morgantown is 82.4% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 85.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.1% speak Spanish. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 19.8% of residents have a disability. 82.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
