Median Income
$62,500
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$83,900
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.2%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$989
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.7%
169% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
78% lower than US avg
How Paw Paw Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population440
Median Age47.2 yrs
Density830/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$62,500
Per Capita$24,498
Unemployment9.7%
Poverty2.7%
County GDP$413M
Commute41 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$83,900
Rent$989
Ownership68.7%
Zillow$225,273
Housing Units198
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property168/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking25.4%
Depression33.9%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain42.8 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation561 ft (171 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.2%
High School+79.7%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score4.47
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute41 min
Broadband86.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Paw Paw a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Paw Paw receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, long commute times, high obesity rates. Paw Paw offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Paw Paw is $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.7%, unemployment is notably high. Only 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Paw Paw is $83,900, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $989 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Paw Paw 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 168 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
5.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Paw Paw experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Paw Paw has a population of 440 with a density of 830 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 47.2 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The city is predominantly White (77.5%), with 4.3% Hispanic, 9.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.4% of residents, while 12.6% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.2yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.4%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.6%
6% below US avg
The median household income in Paw Paw is $62,500, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,498 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $889, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 386 business establishments, including 30 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,500 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,498 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $889 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,981 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.7% |
| 169% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.7% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 386 |
| County GDP | $413M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,431 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 41.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in Paw Paw is $83,900, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,273, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $989 (15% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 198 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $2,431 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $83,900 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $225,273 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $989 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.3% |
| Housing Units | 198 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,431 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.90% |
In Paw Paw, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 40.6% have high blood pressure. 25.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.7% report binge drinking. 37.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 33.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.7% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,913. The dentist ratio is 1:3,486. 72.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Paw Paw vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.6% |
| Asthma | 13.5% |
| COPD | 11.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.4% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.1% |
| Depression | 33.9% |
| Mental Distress | 25.7% |
| Physical Distress | 18.9% |
| Short Sleep | 45.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,913 |
| Dentists | 1:3,486 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,261 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 47.5% |
| Premature Death | 13,254/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Paw Paw has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 168 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Paw Paw receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Paw Paw vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 168.2/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Paw Paw experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 293 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 42.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 561 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.4°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 561 ft (171 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 830/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5314°N, 78.4553°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Morgan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.8"
13% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 71.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 36.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.8 on Sep 15, 2019.
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
95 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
59 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
138 km |
| Jan 13, 1990 |
6 km ENE of Eldersburg, Maryland |
M2.6 |
136 km |
| Jul 27, 1997 |
5 km SSE of Culpeper, Virginia |
M2.5 |
129 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
8 km S of Remington, Virginia |
M2.5 |
131 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
118 km |
| Mar 10, 1993 |
3 km WSW of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.5 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
223 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 73 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 1961 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1994 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1989 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1978 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WATERFALL MOUNTAIN (9,251 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WATERFALL MOUNTAIN |
9,251 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
56 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,460 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
NEIGHBOR MTN FIRE |
1,986 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
SMITH RUN FIRE |
1,908 |
84 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
DOVE HOLLOW |
1,634 |
79 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
69 km |
| 2006 |
CARDINAL |
1,345 |
95 km |
| 2012 |
POINT 2 |
1,126 |
73 km |
| 2000 |
BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. |
1,055 |
88 km |
| 2024 |
ROCKY BRANCH |
1,018 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
39 km |
| 2024 |
SERENITY RIDGE FIRE |
877 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
SPRING RUN |
847 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
KENNEDY PEAK |
769 |
86 km |
| 2024 |
GRACE MOUNTAIN |
760 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
WOLF GAP |
710 |
70 km |
| 1994 |
ELKHORN TOWER |
696 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Paw Paw has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 31°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Paw Paw. 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 | $785 |
| Toddler | $746 |
| Preschool | $768 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $688 |
| Toddler | $750 |
| Preschool | $750 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Paw Paw
What is the population of Paw Paw?
Paw Paw has a population of 440 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 830 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
Is Paw Paw expensive to live in?
Paw Paw 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 $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $83,900 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $989 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Paw Paw safe?
Paw Paw 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 168 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Paw Paw receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Paw Paw?
Paw Paw has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Paw Paw?
The job market in Paw Paw faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $889. There are 386 business establishments in the area, including 30 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 41 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Paw Paw?
The median home value in Paw Paw is $83,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,273. For renters, the median monthly rent is $989. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,431.
How are the schools in Paw Paw?
Schools in Paw Paw have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 5.2% of adults in Paw Paw hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.7% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Paw Paw?
The obesity rate in Paw Paw is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.4% of adults are smokers. 37.1% are physically inactive. 33.9% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,913.
What is transportation like in Paw Paw?
The average commute in Paw Paw is 41 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Paw Paw?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Paw Paw is 77.5% White, 9.1% Black or African American, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino. 87.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.6% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
