Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.3%
87% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
13.9%
286% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Payne Gap Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population217
Median Age48.6 yrs
Density94/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 72%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
Per Capita$21,071
Unemployment13.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$539M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$46,276
Housing Units180
Rent Burden32.2%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain50.6 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation1,879 ft (573 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score5.33
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Payne Gap a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Payne Gap receives an overall livability score of 1.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Payne Gap faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 13.9%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Payne Gap 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
4.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Payne Gap experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Payne Gap has a population of 217 with a density of 94 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 48.6 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.2% female and 60.8% male. The city is predominantly White (71.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 46.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.6yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Payne Gap 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
Payne Gap vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $21,071 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $885, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 13.9% (above 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 500 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Payne Gap vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $21,071 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $885 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,467 |
| Gini Index | 0.499 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.9% |
| 286% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 500 |
| County GDP | $539M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 51 |
| Retail | 56 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,300 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 65.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $46,276. Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 180 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $2,300 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 180 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,300 |
| 34% below US avg |
In Payne Gap, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,771. The dentist ratio is 1:2,612. 67.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Payne Gap vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,771 |
| Dentists | 1:2,612 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,075 |
| Dental Visits | 46.0% |
| Premature Death | 18,646/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 67.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
Payne Gap 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 5 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters.
Crime Rates: Payne Gap 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) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Payne Gap experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 73°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 50.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,879 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 53.9°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,879 ft (573 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 94/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.1477°N, 82.6711°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Letcher County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW) 103 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.6"
33% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
65 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.7 on May 22, 2024.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
34 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
68 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
105 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
121 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
115 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
150 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
32 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
104 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
104 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
7 km SW of New Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| Apr 5, 2005 |
1 km SE of Blaine, Tennessee |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
51 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
Kentucky-Tennessee border region |
M2.8 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
87 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 8 fatalities, 130 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
3 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1980 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1962 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1955 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2024 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
34 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
97 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
70 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
47 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
86 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
55 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
74 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
72 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
58 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
45 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
23 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
22 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
18 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
100 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
44 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Payne Gap has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 34°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and October the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Payne Gap. 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 | $491 |
| Toddler | $489 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $348 |
| Toddler | $355 |
| Preschool | $355 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Payne Gap
What is the population of Payne Gap?
Payne Gap has a population of 217 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 94 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.2% female and 60.8% male.
Is Payne Gap expensive to live in?
Payne Gap is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Payne Gap safe?
Payne Gap 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 Payne Gap?
Payne Gap has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Payne Gap?
The job market in Payne Gap faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $885. There are 500 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Payne Gap?
Schools in Payne Gap score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.3% of adults in Payne Gap hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Payne Gap?
The obesity rate in Payne Gap is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 67.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,771.
What are the demographics of Payne Gap?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Payne Gap is 71.9% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 46.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.