Median Income
$39,196
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$143,500
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
593/100K
56% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
62.6%
86% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How New River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population377
Median Age55.6 yrs
Density967/mi²
Male / Female32% / 68%
Largest GroupWhite 27%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$39,196
Per Capita$35,674
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
Housing
A+
Home Value$143,500
Ownership83.6%
Zillow$261,350
Housing Units203
Rent Burden38.3%
Crime
F
Violent593/100K
Property2,146/100K
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking11.4%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain42.1 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation1,956 ft (596 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+62.6%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+46.7%
School Score5.58
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 49%
Broadband90.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is New River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New River receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. New River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in New River is $39,196, 48% below the national average of $75,149. 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%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New River is $143,500, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 593 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,146 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
New River is a highly educated community / 62.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
New River experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
New River has a population of 377 with a density of 967 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 55.6 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 68.2% female and 31.8% male. The city is predominantly Black (65.3%), with 27.3% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.6yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
New River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New River is $39,196, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,674. The average weekly wage is $1,039, 27% 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 372 business establishments, including 43 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: New River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,196 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,674 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,039 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,929 |
| Gini Index | 0.517 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 372 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,194 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 95.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in New River is $143,500, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,350, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 203 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $3,194. 38.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $143,500 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $261,350 |
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 | 83.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.4% |
| Housing Units | 203 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,194 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.23% |
In New River, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 33.5% have high blood pressure. 11.4% are current smokers. 15.0% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 20.9% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,833. The dentist ratio is 1:1,288. 77.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: New River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.5% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.4% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,833 |
| Dentists | 1:1,288 |
| Mental Health | 1:386 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.4% |
| Dental Visits | 70.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,739/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
New River has a violent crime rate of 593 per 100,000 residents, 56% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,146 per 100,000, 9% above the U.S. average. Overall, New River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: New River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 592.5/100K |
| 56% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,145.8/100K |
| 9% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
New River experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 305 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 42.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,956 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 53.0°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,956 ft (596 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 967/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.1429°N, 80.5958°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Radford city County |
| Nearest Airport | Roanoke/Blacksburg Regional (Woodrum Field) (ROA) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.1"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
35 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
95 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
90 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
38 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
66 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
54 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
137 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
20 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
26 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
117 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
23 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
26 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
49 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
58 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
141 km |
| Aug 30, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
124 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
14 km SE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
3 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Isabel (2003, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
262 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 2 |
275 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 1 |
275 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
100 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 114 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1996 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1996 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1994 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES (11,055 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
81 km |
| 2012 |
BARBOURS CREEK. |
7,244 |
68 km |
| 1987 |
SAMS BRANCH |
5,872 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
KIWIS CREEK |
4,879 |
97 km |
| 2001 |
MOUNTAIN FORK |
4,393 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
ANGEL |
4,129 |
59 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,518 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
SOUTH FORK OF TUG RIVER |
3,490 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
BULL MOUNTAIN |
3,300 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
NANCY FORK |
3,198 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
MULLENS BRANCH |
3,059 |
84 km |
| 1995 |
JIM BRANCH |
3,019 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
LITTLE CUBA |
3,017 |
60 km |
| 1991 |
JOHNSON HOLLOW |
2,987 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
PATTERSON MTN |
2,443 |
77 km |
| 2000 |
MEASLE FORK |
2,432 |
94 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,194 |
63 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,038 |
66 km |
| 1986 |
TUCKER |
1,976 |
76 km |
| 1987 |
ALLEN JCT. |
1,918 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
New River has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 33°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in New River. 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 | $625 |
| Toddler | $498 |
| Preschool | $498 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $403 |
| Toddler | $325 |
| Preschool | $325 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About New River
What is the population of New River?
New River has a population of 377 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 967 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 68.2% female and 31.8% male.
Is New River expensive to live in?
New River has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $39,196, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $143,500 (49% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is New River safe?
The violent crime rate in New River is 593 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,146 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, New River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in New River?
New River has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in New River?
The job market in New River is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,039. There are 372 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in New River?
The median home value in New River is $143,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,350. The homeownership rate is 83.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,194.
How are the schools in New River?
Schools in New River score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 62.6% of adults in New River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 46.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is New River?
The obesity rate in New River is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.4% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 77.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,833.
What are the demographics of New River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New River is 27.3% White, 65.3% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.