Median Income
$49,653
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$99,400
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
137/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$764
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
45% lower than US avg
How Powderly Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population999
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density640/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,653
Per Capita$19,478
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty6.8%
County GDP$1,544M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$99,400
Rent$764
Ownership83.9%
Zillow$144,130
Housing Units436
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent137/100K
Property1,233/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault137/100K
Burglary137/100K
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain50.8 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation501 ft (153 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+82.0%
Graduate+12.8%
School Score5.93
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute17 min
Broadband79.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Powderly a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Powderly 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, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Powderly offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Powderly is $49,653, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Powderly is $99,400, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $764 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Powderly is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 137 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,233 per 100,000, 37% below the national average.
Education
14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Powderly enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Powderly has a population of 999 with a density of 640 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (86.8%), with 4.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 38.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Powderly is $49,653, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,478 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,050, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 747 business establishments, including 58 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,653 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,478 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,050 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,215 |
| Gini Index | 0.506 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.8% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 747 |
| County GDP | $1,544M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 58 |
| Healthcare | 69 |
| Retail | 109 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,375 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.6% |
The median home value in Powderly is $99,400, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,130, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $764 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 436 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $2,375 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $99,400 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $144,130 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $764 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.1% |
| Housing Units | 436 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,375 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.39% |
In Powderly, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,069. The dentist ratio is 1:3,807. 61.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Powderly vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:3,069 |
| Dentists | 1:3,807 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,176 |
| Dental Visits | 49.1% |
| Premature Death | 12,123/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 69 |
Powderly has a violent crime rate of 137 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 137.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,233 per 100,000, 37% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,096, burglary at 137, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Powderly receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Powderly vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 137.0/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 137.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,232.9/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
| Burglary | 137.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,095.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Powderly enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 77°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 50.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 501 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 501 ft (153 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 640/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2394°N, 87.1539°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Muhlenberg County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owensboro/Daviess County Regional (OWB)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.8"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
48 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
149 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
149 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
100 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
149 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
92 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
116 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
123 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
130 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
5 km WSW of Brookport, Illinois |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Sep 9, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
6 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M3.0 |
37 km |
| Jun 24, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M2.9 |
148 km |
| Jan 3, 2003 |
9 km SW of Mount Vernon, Indiana |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Apr 28, 2000 |
6 km W of Equality, Illinois |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| Jun 27, 2000 |
6 km S of Joppa, Illinois |
M2.9 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
491 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 105 fatalities, 1,307 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
99 km |
6 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
78 km |
31 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1970 |
EF4 |
88 km |
3 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Dec 9, 2023 |
EF3 |
79 km |
4 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
60 km |
16 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
11 km |
3 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
86 km |
24 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FRANKLIN CREEK RX (2,828 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FRANKLIN CREEK RX |
2,828 |
93 km |
| 2010 |
FLOATING MILL HOLLOW |
2,422 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,282 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
BROOKS KNOB |
2,225 |
84 km |
| 2012 |
FY2012 CRYSTAL CAVE BROADCAST BURN |
2,221 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
JOPPA CHURCH |
2,037 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,837 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
JIM LEE |
1,770 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
TEMPLE HILL |
1,628 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
JIM LEE |
1,613 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD DEER |
1,557 |
19 km |
| 2007 |
Big Woods |
1,500 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
GOBLIN KNOB |
1,445 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
LBL - NWDA UNIT 3 RX |
1,187 |
91 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,167 |
93 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,039 |
22 km |
| 2010 |
BUFFALO TRAIL (NORTH) RX |
959 |
100 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
917 |
86 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
750 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
47°F (9°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
38°F (4°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Powderly has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 34°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Powderly. 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 | $525 |
| Toddler | $494 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $513 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $520 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Powderly
What is the population of Powderly?
Powderly has a population of 999 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 640 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.3 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Powderly expensive to live in?
Powderly 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 $49,653, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $99,400 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $764 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Powderly safe?
Powderly is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 137 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,233 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Powderly receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Powderly?
Powderly enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.8 inches, with 4.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Powderly?
The job market in Powderly is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,050. There are 747 business establishments in the area, including 58 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 6.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Powderly?
The median home value in Powderly is $99,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,130. For renters, the median monthly rent is $764. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,375.
How are the schools in Powderly?
Schools in Powderly score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.6% of adults in Powderly hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school. 12.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Powderly?
The obesity rate in Powderly is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 61.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,069.
What is transportation like in Powderly?
The average commute in Powderly is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Powderly?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Powderly is 86.8% White, 4.6% Black or African American. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 38.4% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
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