Violent Crime
162/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
63.2%
88% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.6%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Shaft Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population298
Median Age48.7 yrs
Density377/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans4.2%
Economy
Per Capita$64,000
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,542M
Commute18 min
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$173,166
Housing Units131
Rent Burden30.4%
Crime
F
Violent162/100K
Property2,261/100K
Health
Obesity34.6%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking15.8%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain45.2 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation1,771 ft (540 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+63.2%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+25.0%
School Score5.78
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute18 min
Broadband96.5%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Shaft a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shaft 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, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Shaft offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Shaft is below the national average at 162 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,261 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Shaft is a highly educated community / 63.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Shaft experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.2 inches, including 72.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Shaft has a population of 298 with a density of 377 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 48.7 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 4.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.7yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
Per capita income is $64,000 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,577 business establishments, including 167 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $64,000 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,857 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,577 |
| County GDP | $3,542M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 167 |
| Healthcare | 256 |
| Retail | 244 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,083 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $173,166. Fair market rent ranges from $1,400 for a one-bedroom to $1,648 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 131 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $3,083. 30.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,312 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,648 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 131 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,083 |
| 12% below US avg |
In Shaft, 34.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 17.3% report binge drinking. 26.6% are physically inactive. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,881. The dentist ratio is 1:1,294. 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shaft vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.6% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.6% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,881 |
| Dentists | 1:1,294 |
| Mental Health | 1:246 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 62.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,358/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 256 |
Shaft has a violent crime rate of 162 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,261 per 100,000, 15% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shaft receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shaft vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 162.3/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,260.6/100K |
| 15% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shaft experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 293 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 45.2 inches. The area receives 72.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,771 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,771 ft (540 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 377/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6223°N, 78.9429°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Allegany County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.2"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 11, 2024.
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
101 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
187 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 127 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
18 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1975 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WAITES RUN (5,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
72 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
94 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
74 km |
| 2024 |
DOVE HOLLOW |
1,634 |
80 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
82 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
DRY HOLLOW |
1,327 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
POINT 2 |
1,126 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. |
1,055 |
84 km |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
34 km |
| 2024 |
SPRING RUN |
847 |
80 km |
| 2024 |
GRACE MOUNTAIN |
760 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
WOLF GAP |
710 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
ELKHORN TOWER |
696 |
79 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
696 |
92 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
618 |
100 km |
| 2001 |
SOUTH BRANCH |
519 |
50 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
28 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Shaft has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 26°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Shaft. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$263 ($158–$420) |
| Specialist Visit |
$368 ($210–$578) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$210 ($105–$368) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,310 ($840–$5,250) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$137 ($79–$210) |
| Dental Filling |
$263 ($158–$420) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$79) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$79 ($53–$126) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$630 ($420–$1,050) |
| Battery Replacement |
$210 ($105–$368) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$105 ($63–$158) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$95 ($53–$147) |
| HVAC Repair |
$420 ($158–$840) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,350 ($4,200–$12,600) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,050 ($420–$2,100) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,450 ($5,775–$15,750) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,575 ($525–$3,675) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,750 ($5,250–$31,500) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,250 ($2,100–$10,500) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,575 ($840–$3,150) |
| Will Preparation |
$525 ($210–$1,050) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,625 ($1,050–$5,250) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$58 ($32–$105) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$158 ($79–$263) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$84 ($53–$137) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.31 ($3.15–$5.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.68 ($2.63–$5.25) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.99 ($2.63–$5.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.73 ($3.15–$6.83) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.78 ($4.20–$7.88) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.05 ($0.63–$1.89) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$147 ($84–$263) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$158) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$126) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$105) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($32–$105) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($53–$158) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$210 ($79–$525) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,100 ($1,260–$3,675) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$137) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.40–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$105 ($32–$263) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$79) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,260 ($630–$2,625) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,050 ($525–$2,100) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$420 ($210–$735) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$53 ($26–$105) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,050 ($420–$2,625) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,125 ($5,250–$31,500) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$105 ($53–$210) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$210 ($105–$420) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,030 |
| Toddler | $695 |
| Preschool | $695 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $647 |
| Toddler | $587 |
| Preschool | $587 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shaft
What is the population of Shaft?
Shaft has a population of 298 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 377 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.7% female and 45.3% male.
Is Shaft expensive to live in?
Shaft has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100).
Is Shaft safe?
Shaft is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 162 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,261 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Shaft receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shaft?
Shaft 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 69°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.2 inches, with 72.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Shaft?
The job market in Shaft is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 1,577 business establishments in the area, including 167 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Shaft?
Schools in Shaft score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 63.2% of adults in Shaft hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 25.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shaft?
The obesity rate in Shaft is 34.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 26.6% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,881.
What is transportation like in Shaft?
The average commute in Shaft is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shaft?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shaft is 100% White. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 4.2% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.