Violent Crime
218/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.4%
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
15.7%
336% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Scarbro Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population178
Median Age47.5 yrs
Density266/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 71%
Veterans15.8%
Economy
Per Capita$34,095
Unemployment15.7%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$4,532M
Housing
Ownership92.9%
Zillow$104,556
Housing Units89
Rent Burden29.9%
Crime
F
Violent218/100K
Property3,305/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking22.6%
Depression34.2%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain47.9 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation1,900 ft (579 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.4%
High School+97.6%
Graduate+13.1%
School Score5.02
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Broadband56.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Scarbro a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Scarbro receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Scarbro faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 15.7%, unemployment is notably high. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Scarbro is below the national average at 218 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,305 per 100,000, 69% above the national average.
Education
9.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Scarbro experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Scarbro has a population of 178 with a density of 266 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 47.5 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (70.8%), with 29.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 15.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.5yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $34,095 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 15.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,608 business establishments, including 129 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
| |
| Per Capita Income | $34,095 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,527 |
| Gini Index | 0.491 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 15.7% |
| 336% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,608 |
| County GDP | $4,532M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 129 |
| Healthcare | 299 |
| Retail | 302 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,735 |
| 22% 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 $104,556. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 89 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $2,735 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.9% 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 | 92.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.1% |
| Housing Units | 89 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,735 |
| 22% below US avg |
In Scarbro, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 38.4% have high blood pressure. 22.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.1% report binge drinking. 33.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 34.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,294. The dentist ratio is 1:1,279. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Scarbro vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.4% |
| Asthma | 13.1% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.6% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.5% |
| Depression | 34.2% |
| Mental Distress | 25.0% |
| Physical Distress | 17.4% |
| Short Sleep | 48.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,294 |
| Dentists | 1:1,279 |
| Mental Health | 1:340 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 49.2% |
| Premature Death | 16,996/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 299 |
Scarbro has a violent crime rate of 218 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,305 per 100,000, 69% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Scarbro receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Scarbro vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 217.9/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,304.7/100K |
| 69% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 82 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Scarbro experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 71°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 47.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,900 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 52.4°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,900 ft (579 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 266/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9511°N, 81.1706°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Raleigh County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW) 37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.9"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
47 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
85 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
136 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
83 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
67 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
45 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
129 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
34 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
106 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
73 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
77 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
101 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
85 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
80 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
59 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 55 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
21 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
4 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2019 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF1 |
98 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 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
20 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
52 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
26 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
36 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
44 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
25 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
24 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
29 km |
| 1991 |
LEFT FORK |
10,196 |
46 km |
| 1991 |
CANE ROCK |
9,017 |
75 km |
| 1987 |
PINE CREEK |
8,864 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Scarbro has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 32°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.0") and February the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Scarbro. 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 | $736 |
| Toddler | $700 |
| Preschool | $722 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $676 |
| Toddler | $737 |
| Preschool | $737 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scarbro
What is the population of Scarbro?
Scarbro has a population of 178 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 266 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Scarbro expensive to live in?
Scarbro is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Scarbro safe?
Scarbro is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 218 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,305 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Scarbro receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Scarbro?
Scarbro has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Scarbro?
The job market in Scarbro faces challenges, with unemployment at 15.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,043. There are 2,608 business establishments in the area, including 129 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Scarbro?
Schools in Scarbro score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.4% of adults in Scarbro hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. 13.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Scarbro?
The obesity rate in Scarbro is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.6% of adults are smokers. 33.5% are physically inactive. 34.2% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,294.
What are the demographics of Scarbro?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Scarbro is 70.8% White, 29.2% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 15.8% of the population are military veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 88.0% have health insurance coverage.