Median Income
$28,542
62% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,600
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
130/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.7%
80% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
19.1%
431% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.9%
28% lower than US avg
How Phelps Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population387
Median Age55.6 yrs
Density48/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans2.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$28,542
Per Capita$13,468
Unemployment19.1%
Poverty8.9%
County GDP$2,665M
Housing
A
Home Value$111,600
Ownership76.3%
Zillow$67,506
Housing Units178
Rent Burden31.8%
Crime
F
Violent130/100K
Property8,309/100K
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain48.3 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation1,013 ft (309 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.7%
High School+74.2%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Phelps a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Phelps receives an overall livability score of 2.3 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, below-average incomes. Phelps has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Phelps is $28,542, 62% below the national average of $75,149. At 19.1%, unemployment is notably high. 8.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Phelps is $111,600, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Phelps is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,309 per 100,000, 324% above the national average.
Education
6.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Phelps enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.3 inches, including 13.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Phelps has a population of 387 with a density of 48 people per square mile, spread across 8.0 square miles. The median age is 55.6 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 64.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 64.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.6yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Phelps is $28,542, which is 62% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,468 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $991, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 19.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,627 business establishments, including 102 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
| Median HH Income | $28,542 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,468 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $991 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,060 |
| Gini Index | 0.501 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 19.1% |
| 431% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.9% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,627 |
| County GDP | $2,665M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 169 |
| Retail | 247 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,330 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Phelps is $111,600, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $67,506, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 178 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. The average annual property tax is $4,330 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,600 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $67,506 |
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 | 76.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.7% |
| Housing Units | 178 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,330 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.88% |
In Phelps, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,335. The dentist ratio is 1:1,279. 40.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Phelps vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 64.3% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,335 |
| Dentists | 1:1,279 |
| Mental Health | 1:549 |
| Dental Visits | 44.2% |
| Premature Death | 16,442/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 169 |
Phelps has a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 8,309 per 100,000, 324% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Phelps receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Phelps vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 130.3/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 8,309.2/100K |
| 324% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Phelps enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 78°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 48.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 13.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,013 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 57.7°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,013 ft (309 m) |
| Area | 8.0 sq mi (20.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 48/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5091°N, 82.1606°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Pike County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
67 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.3"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0414 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
44 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 |
89 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
126 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
80 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
104 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
129 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
89 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
126 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
108 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
85 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
41 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| May 22, 2024 |
18 km SSE of Hyden, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
114 km |
| Jan 22, 2018 |
13 km ENE of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Cumberland, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
100 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
61 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 4 fatalities, 105 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
97 km |
3 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2019 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2011 |
EF1 |
44 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 |
52 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
45 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
12 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
44 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
14 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
88 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
44 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
28 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
80 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
8 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
64 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
74 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
15 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
70 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
61 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
60 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
69 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Phelps has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 36°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Phelps. 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 | $362 |
| Toddler | $362 |
| Preschool | $362 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phelps
What is the population of Phelps?
Phelps has a population of 387 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 48 people per square mile, spread across 8.0 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 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Phelps expensive to live in?
Phelps is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $28,542, 62% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,600 (60% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Phelps safe?
Phelps is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,309 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Phelps receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Phelps?
Phelps enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.3 inches, with 13.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Phelps?
The job market in Phelps faces challenges, with unemployment at 19.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $991. There are 1,627 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Phelps?
The median home value in Phelps is $111,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $67,506. The homeownership rate is 76.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,330.
How are the schools in Phelps?
Schools in Phelps score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.7% of adults in Phelps hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.2% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Phelps?
The obesity rate in Phelps is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 40.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,335.
What are the demographics of Phelps?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Phelps is 90.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.6% of the population are military veterans. 64.8% of residents have a disability. 64.3% have health insurance coverage.
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