Median Income
$58,603
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,900
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
173/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.7%
140% higher than US avg
How Selma Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population333
Median Age34.7 yrs
Density757/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$58,603
Per Capita$23,279
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty29.7%
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,900
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$138,927
Housing Units183
Rent Burden27.2%
Crime
F
Violent173/100K
Property1,918/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking17.9%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Sunny Days317/yr
Elevation1,209 ft (369 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.58
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Broadband85.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Selma a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Selma receives an overall livability score of 3.5 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Selma offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Selma is $58,603, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 29.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Selma is $96,900, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Selma is below the national average at 173 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,918 per 100,000, near 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 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Selma experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 317 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 10.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Selma has a population of 333 with a density of 757 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 34.7 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.2% female and 43.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.7yrs
Median Age
11% 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 Selma is $58,603, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,279 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,114, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 29.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 293 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,603 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,279 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,114 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $46,980 |
| Gini Index | 0.397 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.7% |
| 140% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 293 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 37 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,700 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Selma is $96,900, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,927, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 183 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $1,700 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,900 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $138,927 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 183 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,700 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.75% |
In Selma, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.5% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,906. The dentist ratio is 1:1,893. 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Selma vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.5% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,906 |
| Dentists | 1:1,893 |
| Mental Health | 1:292 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.2% |
| Premature Death | 15,933/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 100.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Selma has a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,918 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. Overall, Selma receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Selma vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 172.8/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,918.4/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Selma experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 317 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 39.5 inches. The area receives 10.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,209 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.7°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 317 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,209 ft (369 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 757/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.8041°N, 79.8499°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Covington city County |
| Nearest Airport | Roanoke/Blacksburg Regional (Woodrum Field) (ROA) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
39 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 6, 2025.
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
131 km |
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
35 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
127 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
84 km |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
5 km E of Pantops, Virginia |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
80 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
63 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
118 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
97 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
106 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
105 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
144 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
130 km |
| Nov 25, 2009 |
14 km S of Arrington, Virginia |
M2.7 |
90 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Isabel (2003, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
226 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
77 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 40 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2022 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1996 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1996 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1990 |
EF2 |
56 km |
2 |
| Jun 25, 1977 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1964 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 1963 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1953 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2022 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 2021 |
EF1 |
100 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 |
19 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
28 km |
| 2023 |
MATTS CREEK |
11,028 |
43 km |
| 2016 |
MOUNT PLEASANT |
11,001 |
60 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
7,791 |
16 km |
| 2012 |
BARBOURS CREEK. |
7,244 |
31 km |
| 2014 |
ARCHER KNOB RX |
6,093 |
55 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
5,893 |
55 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
5,345 |
88 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
5,149 |
88 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,687 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
ST MARYS |
4,373 |
63 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,219 |
18 km |
| 2008 |
ANGEL |
4,129 |
50 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,022 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
3,569 |
37 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,518 |
28 km |
| 2002 |
MARBLEYARD |
3,123 |
40 km |
| 2008 |
LITTLE CUBA |
3,017 |
41 km |
| 2006 |
PEAVINE COMPLEX |
2,950 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
2.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Selma has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 32°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Selma. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$253 ($152–$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202–$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101–$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809–$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152–$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404–$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101–$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61–$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51–$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152–$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044–$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404–$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561–$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506–$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055–$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022–$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809–$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202–$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011–$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76–$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03–$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53–$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53–$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03–$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04–$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61–$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81–$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51–$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76–$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213–$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607–$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506–$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202–$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404–$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055–$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51–$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101–$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $625 |
| Toddler | $498 |
| Preschool | $498 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $403 |
| Toddler | $346 |
| Preschool | $346 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Selma
What is the population of Selma?
Selma has a population of 333 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 757 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.2% female and 43.8% male.
Is Selma expensive to live in?
Selma has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $58,603, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,900 (66% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Selma safe?
Selma is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,918 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Selma receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Selma?
Selma has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 317 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.5 inches, with 10.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Selma?
The job market in Selma is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,114. There are 293 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Selma?
The median home value in Selma is $96,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,927. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $1,700.
How are the schools in Selma?
Schools in Selma score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Selma 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 Selma?
The obesity rate in Selma is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,906.
What are the demographics of Selma?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Selma is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.