Violent Crime
761/100K
100% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.7%
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.1%
83% lower than US avg
How Oakvale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population232
Median Age11.8 yrs
Density552/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans96.0%
Economy
Per Capita$12,422
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty2.1%
County GDP$923M
Commute33 min
Housing
Ownership40.4%
Zillow$162,691
Housing Units69
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent761/100K
Property3,493/100K
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking23.9%
Depression35.6%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain42.2 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation1,780 ft (543 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.7%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score4.81
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute33 min
Broadband57.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Oakvale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oakvale receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Oakvale faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Safety & Crime
With 761 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,493 per 100,000, 78% above the national average.
Education
21.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Oakvale 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 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.2 inches, including 22.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Oakvale has a population of 232 with a density of 552 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 11.8 years, 70% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (94%), with 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 96.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
11.8yrs
Median Age
70% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $12,422 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,234, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 445 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $12,422 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,234 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,597 |
| Gini Index | 0.393 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.1% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 445 |
| County GDP | $923M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 61 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,542 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,691. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 40.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 69 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2010. The average annual property tax is $2,542 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
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 | 40.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 40.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 59.6% |
| Housing Units | 69 |
| Median Year Built | 2010 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,542 |
| 27% below US avg |
In Oakvale, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 38.6% have high blood pressure. 23.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.0% report binge drinking. 36.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 35.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,070. The dentist ratio is 1:2,742. 83.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oakvale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.6% |
| Asthma | 13.8% |
| COPD | 11.0% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.9% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.0% |
| Depression | 35.6% |
| Mental Distress | 25.4% |
| Physical Distress | 18.2% |
| Short Sleep | 44.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,070 |
| Dentists | 1:2,742 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,351 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.5% |
| Dental Visits | 47.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,049/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Oakvale has a violent crime rate of 761 per 100,000 residents, 100% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,493 per 100,000, 78% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Oakvale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oakvale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 760.6/100K |
| 100% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,492.7/100K |
| 78% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oakvale experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°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 42.2 inches. The area receives 22.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,780 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 52.6°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,780 ft (543 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 552/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3321°N, 80.9729°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Giles County County |
| Nearest Airport | Roanoke/Blacksburg Regional (Woodrum Field) (ROA) 55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.2"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0465 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 3.45 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 16.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 53.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
41 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 |
96 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
109 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
79 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
29 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
86 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
105 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
35 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
139 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
17 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
85 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
17 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
13 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
72 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 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 |
299 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 1 |
293 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
70 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 80 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1953 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KAYFORD MOUNTAIN (31,509 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
86 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
83 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
75 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
87 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
79 km |
| 1991 |
CANEBRAKE |
8,152 |
90 km |
| 1987 |
RICK CREEK ROAD |
7,740 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
BARBOURS CREEK. |
7,244 |
83 km |
| 1991 |
MUD LICK CREEK |
7,111 |
83 km |
| 1991 |
PEACHTREE |
6,635 |
73 km |
| 1991 |
CARBANATE |
6,533 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
SAMS BRANCH |
5,872 |
38 km |
| 1987 |
TUCKER HOLLOW |
5,862 |
95 km |
| 1991 |
ELSIE CREEK |
5,771 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
DAVIN CREEK |
5,265 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
5,048 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Oakvale has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 33°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Oakvale. 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 | $748 |
| Toddler | $611 |
| Preschool | $561 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $566 |
| Toddler | $429 |
| Preschool | $417 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oakvale
What is the population of Oakvale?
Oakvale has a population of 232 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 552 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 11.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Oakvale expensive to live in?
Oakvale is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Oakvale safe?
Public safety is a concern in Oakvale, with a violent crime rate of 761 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,493 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Oakvale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oakvale?
Oakvale has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.2 inches, with 22.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Oakvale?
Oakvale has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,234. There are 445 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Oakvale?
Schools in Oakvale have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.7% of adults in Oakvale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oakvale?
The obesity rate in Oakvale is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.9% of adults are smokers. 36.0% are physically inactive. 35.6% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 83.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,070.
What is transportation like in Oakvale?
The average commute in Oakvale is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oakvale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oakvale is 94% White, 1.7% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 96.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.3% of residents have a disability. 99.1% have health insurance coverage.