Median Income
$83,750
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$178,500
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
140/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.1%
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.7%
30% lower than US avg
How Poca Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,056
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density1,886/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans12.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,750
Per Capita$34,501
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty8.7%
County GDP$3,832M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$178,500
Ownership90.7%
Zillow$176,336
Housing Units480
Rent Burden29.2%
Crime
F
Violent140/100K
Property4,272/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking22.4%
Depression34.1%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Sunny Days297/yr
Elevation602 ft (183 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.1%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score6.04
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute23 min
Broadband91.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Poca a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Poca receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Poca offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Poca is $83,750, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. 8.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Poca is $178,500, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Poca is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,272 per 100,000, 118% above the national average.
Education
23.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Poca experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°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.
Poca has a population of 1,056 with a density of 1,886 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% below 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 Poca is $83,750, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,501 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,238, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,894 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,750 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,501 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,238 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,515 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.7% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,894 |
| County GDP | $3,832M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 137 |
| Retail | 171 |
| Manufacturing | 45 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,677 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Poca is $178,500, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,336. Homes sell for 95% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 480 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $2,677 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $178,500 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $176,336 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $103 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
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 | 90.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.3% |
| Housing Units | 480 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,677 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.50% |
In Poca, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 41.7% have high blood pressure. 22.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.4% report binge drinking. 33.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 34.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:954. The dentist ratio is 1:2,376. 67.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Poca vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.7% |
| Asthma | 12.7% |
| COPD | 10.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.4% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.9% |
| Depression | 34.1% |
| Mental Distress | 24.4% |
| Physical Distress | 17.2% |
| Short Sleep | 45.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:954 |
| Dentists | 1:2,376 |
| Mental Health | 1:919 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.4% |
| Dental Visits | 48.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,065/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 137 |
Poca has a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,272 per 100,000, 118% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Poca receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Poca vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 140.1/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,272.3/100K |
| 118% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Poca experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°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 602 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.4°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 297 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 602 ft (183 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,886/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.4744°N, 81.8119°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Putnam County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.88"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
43 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.8 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
113 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
102 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
64 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
79 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
87 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
148 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
83 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
50 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
141 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
101 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
88 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
113 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
53 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
93 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
86 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
102 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 149 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
90 km |
7 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2003 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2000 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1967 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2024 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
12 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
17 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRUSHY (61,231 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
69 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
100 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
64 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
81 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
89 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
39 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
70 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
63 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
86 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
46 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
75 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
80 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
68 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
83 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
57 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
68 km |
| 1991 |
LEFT FORK |
10,196 |
37 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
10,183 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Poca has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 32°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.9") and October the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Poca. 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 | $707 |
| Toddler | $673 |
| Preschool | $706 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $657 |
| Toddler | $731 |
| Preschool | $780 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Poca
What is the population of Poca?
Poca has a population of 1,056 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,886 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Poca expensive to live in?
Poca 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 $83,750, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $178,500 (37% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Poca safe?
Poca is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,272 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Poca receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Poca?
Poca has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°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 Poca?
The job market in Poca is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,238. There are 1,894 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Poca?
The median home value in Poca is $178,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,336. The homeownership rate is 90.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,677.
How are the schools in Poca?
Schools in Poca score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.1% of adults in Poca hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Poca?
The obesity rate in Poca is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.4% of adults are smokers. 33.9% are physically inactive. 34.1% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 67.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:954.
What is transportation like in Poca?
The average commute in Poca is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Poca?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Poca is 98.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.9% of the population are military veterans. 23.3% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
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