Violent Crime
70/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Pickens Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population15
Density7/mi²
Male / Female0% / 100%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans15.0%
Economy
Unemployment0.0%
County GDP$1,053M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$135,992
Housing Units36
Rent Burden29.5%
Crime
F
Violent70/100K
Property2,932/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Smoking21.8%
Depression30.9%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Sunny Days297/yr
Elevation2,924 ft (891 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.39
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Broadband15.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Pickens a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pickens receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Pickens offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%.
Safety & Crime
Pickens is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,932 per 100,000, 50% above the national average.
Education
0.0% 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 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Pickens experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 297 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Pickens has a population of 15 with a density of 7 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The gender split is 100% female and 0% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 15.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The average weekly wage is $932, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 833 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $932 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,919 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 833 |
| County GDP | $1,053M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 76 |
| Retail | 88 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,038 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,992. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 36 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $2,038 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 36 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,038 |
| 42% below US avg |
In Pickens, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 39.4% have high blood pressure. 21.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.1% report binge drinking. 33.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.4% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,699. The dentist ratio is 1:2,156. 61.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pickens vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.4% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.8% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.0% |
| Depression | 30.9% |
| Mental Distress | 22.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 40.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,699 |
| Dentists | 1:2,156 |
| Mental Health | 1:905 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 49.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,984/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 76 |
Pickens has a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,932 per 100,000, 50% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pickens receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pickens vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 70.2/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,932.4/100K |
| 50% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pickens experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 297 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 2,924 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 297 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,924 ft (891 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 7/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6559°N, 80.2160°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Upshur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Shenandoah Valley Regional (SHD) 76 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
32 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.8 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
79 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
61 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
54 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
108 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
60 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
123 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
63 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
56 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
64 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
115 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
14 km SE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
82 km |
| Mar 4, 2019 |
13 km E of Meadow Bridge, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
100 km |
| Aug 16, 2013 |
13 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
66 km |
| Nov 15, 1995 |
5 km ENE of Shady Spring, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
48 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 28 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1990 |
EF2 |
99 km |
2 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 1956 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2017 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2017 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2015 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1998 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1996 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RICH HOLE (15,923 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
RICH HOLE |
15,923 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
7,791 |
86 km |
| 1987 |
RICK CREEK ROAD |
7,740 |
94 km |
| 2014 |
ARCHER KNOB RX |
6,093 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
5,893 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
5,345 |
85 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
5,149 |
85 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,687 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,219 |
85 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,022 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
3,569 |
68 km |
| 1991 |
BLUE CREEK |
3,268 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
GAULEY MT2 |
3,223 |
98 km |
| 1999 |
KUNS BRANCH |
2,475 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
LOCKRIDGE RX |
2,473 |
61 km |
| 2024 |
RAMSHORN-GUINN RIDGES RX |
2,469 |
51 km |
| 2010 |
NORTH SHORT MTN |
2,304 |
95 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,114 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
4.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
5.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Pickens has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 28°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 55.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.9") and October the driest (3.9").
Average costs for common services in Pickens. 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 | $750 |
| Toddler | $713 |
| Preschool | $733 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $688 |
| Toddler | $588 |
| Preschool | $588 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pickens
What is the population of Pickens?
Pickens has a population of 15 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 7 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The population is 100% female and 0% male.
Is Pickens expensive to live in?
Pickens is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Pickens safe?
Pickens is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,932 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Pickens receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pickens?
Pickens has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 297 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 Pickens?
The job market in Pickens is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $932. There are 833 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Pickens?
Schools in Pickens have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Pickens hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pickens?
The obesity rate in Pickens is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 33.0% are physically inactive. 30.9% of residents report depression. 61.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,699.
What are the demographics of Pickens?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pickens is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 15.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.