Median Income
$47,143
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$35,800
87% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.8%
92% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
51.5%
60% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.6%
250% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.0%
110% higher than US avg
How Northfork Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population271
Median Age43.2 yrs
Density282/mi²
Male / Female33% / 67%
Largest GroupWhite 56%
Veterans1.8%
Economy
D
Median Income$47,143
Per Capita$15,966
Unemployment12.6%
Poverty26.0%
County GDP$728M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$35,800
Ownership80.0%
Zillow$35,834
Housing Units228
Rent Burden40.8%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity51.5%
Uninsured13.2%
Smoking27.7%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease8.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation1,880 ft (573 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.8%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score3.70
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute32 min
Broadband70.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Northfork a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Northfork receives an overall livability score of 2.6 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 above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Northfork has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Northfork is $47,143, 37% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.6%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 26.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Northfork is $35,800, 87% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Northfork is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
2.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Northfork experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Northfork has a population of 271 with a density of 282 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 43.2 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 66.8% female and 33.2% male. The city is predominantly White (55.7%), with 44.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 1.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 35.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.2yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Northfork 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
Northfork vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Northfork is $47,143, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,966 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,078, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 26.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 382 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 22.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Northfork vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,143 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,966 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,078 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $44,508 |
| Gini Index | 0.477 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.6% |
| 250% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.0% |
| 110% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 382 |
| County GDP | $728M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 52.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.1% |
The median home value in Northfork is $35,800, 87% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $35,834. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 228 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1940. 40.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $35,800 |
| 87% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $35,834 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.0% |
| Housing Units | 228 |
| Median Year Built | 1940 |
Property Tax
In Northfork, 51.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 21.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.1% of residents, above the national average. 50.4% have high blood pressure. 27.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.5% report binge drinking. 45.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.9% experience frequent mental distress. 13.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,673. The dentist ratio is 1:5,950. 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Northfork vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 51.5% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 21.3% |
| Heart Disease | 8.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 50.4% |
| Asthma | 14.7% |
| COPD | 11.8% |
| Cancer | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 5.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 27.7% |
| 98% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 45.8% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 25.9% |
| Physical Distress | 19.5% |
| Short Sleep | 54.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.5% |
| Uninsured | 13.2% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,673 |
| Dentists | 1:5,950 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,180 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.8% |
| Dental Visits | 38.4% |
| Premature Death | 24,029/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Northfork has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Northfork vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Northfork experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,880 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 52.8°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,880 ft (573 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 282/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4196°N, 81.4274°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | McDowell County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
67 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 96.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
47 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
147 km |
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
122 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
64 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
69 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
128 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
110 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
70 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
50 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
58 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
57 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
54 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
65 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 113 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
97 km |
3 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2022 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 2021 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRUSHY (61,231 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
66 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
78 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
65 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
54 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
65 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
68 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
59 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
45 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
77 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
42 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
87 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Northfork has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 33°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Northfork. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $649 |
| Toddler | $611 |
| Preschool | $593 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $556 |
| Preschool | $556 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Northfork
What is the population of Northfork?
Northfork has a population of 271 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 282 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 66.8% female and 33.2% male.
Is Northfork expensive to live in?
Northfork is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $47,143, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $35,800 (87% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Northfork safe?
Northfork is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Northfork?
Northfork 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 72°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Northfork?
The job market in Northfork faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,078. There are 382 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 22.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Northfork?
The median home value in Northfork is $35,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $35,834. The homeownership rate is 80.0%.
How are the schools in Northfork?
Schools in Northfork have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 2.8% of adults in Northfork hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Northfork?
The obesity rate in Northfork is 51.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.7% of adults are smokers. 45.8% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 13.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,673.
What is transportation like in Northfork?
The average commute in Northfork is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 52.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Northfork?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Northfork is 55.7% White, 44.3% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 1.8% of the population are military veterans. 35.9% of residents have a disability. 81.5% have health insurance coverage.
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