Median Income
$70,625
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$135,000
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.6%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,046
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
7.5%
108% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Rural Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population929
Median Age50.1 yrs
Density440/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$70,625
Per Capita$33,303
Unemployment7.5%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$2,798M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$135,000
Rent$1,046
Ownership71.0%
Zillow$137,496
Housing Units453
Rent Burden14.6%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Smoking21.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain45.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,129 ft (344 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.6%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute32 min
Broadband90.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Rural Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rural Valley receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Rural Valley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rural Valley is $70,625, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rural Valley is $135,000, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,046 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rural Valley 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
16.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Rural Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.7 inches, including 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Rural Valley has a population of 929 with a density of 440 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 50.1 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (96.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 25.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.1yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rural Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rural Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rural Valley is $70,625, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,303 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,450 business establishments, including 116 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rural Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,625 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,303 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,996 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.5% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,450 |
| County GDP | $2,798M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 116 |
| Healthcare | 182 |
| Retail | 175 |
| Manufacturing | 59 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,942 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.2% |
The median home value in Rural Valley is $135,000, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $137,496. Monthly rent averages $1,046 (10% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 453 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $4,942 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $135,000 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $137,496 |
| Median List Price | $90,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $90,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $86 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 28.6% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,046 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.0% |
| Housing Units | 453 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,942 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.66% |
In Rural Valley, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 21.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 13.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,325. The dentist ratio is 1:3,237. 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rural Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.8% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 13.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,325 |
| Dentists | 1:3,237 |
| Mental Health | 1:593 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,779/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 182 |
Rural Valley has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Rural Valley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Rural Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 275 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 45.7 inches. The area receives 34.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,129 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 48.7°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,129 ft (344 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 440/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7991°N, 79.3149°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Armstrong County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pittsburgh/Butler Regional (BTP) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.7"
20% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0464 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 11, 2024.
| Sep 25, 1998 |
2 km SW of Adamsville, Pennsylvania |
M4.5 |
119 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
122 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
5 km SSE of Middleboro, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
263 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 617 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
95 km |
4 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
87 km |
7 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
97 km |
9 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Jun 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (628 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
628 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
586 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Rural Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 26°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Rural Valley. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Rural Valley
What is the population of Rural Valley?
Rural Valley has a population of 929 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 440 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Rural Valley expensive to live in?
Rural Valley has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $70,625, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $135,000 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,046 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rural Valley safe?
Rural Valley 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 Rural Valley?
Rural Valley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.7 inches, with 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Rural Valley?
The unemployment rate in Rural Valley is 7.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 1,450 business establishments in the area, including 116 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 8.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rural Valley?
The median home value in Rural Valley is $135,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $137,496. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,046. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,942.
How are the schools in Rural Valley?
Schools in Rural Valley score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.6% of adults in Rural Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rural Valley?
The obesity rate in Rural Valley is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,325.
What is transportation like in Rural Valley?
The average commute in Rural Valley is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rural Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rural Valley is 96.7% White. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 25.0% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.