Median Income
$82,443
10% higher than US avg
Home Value
$104,800
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.5%
93% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.2%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.6%
56% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.8%
60% higher than US avg
How Smith Island Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population340
Median Age57.2 yrs
Density78/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$82,443
Per Capita$39,209
Unemployment5.6%
Poverty19.8%
County GDP$478M
Commute9 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,800
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity34.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain46.3 in/yr
Elevation2 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.5%
High School+55.0%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute9 min
Broadband74.3%
Libraries2
Is Smith Island a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Smith Island receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Smith Island offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Smith Island is $82,443, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 19.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Smith Island is $104,800, 63% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
2.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 55.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Smith Island enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Smith Island has a population of 340 with a density of 78 people per square mile. The median age is 57.2 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (97.4%), with 1.5% Black.
Population
57.2yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Smith Island vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 99.2% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.8% |
| 94% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Smith Island vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Smith Island is $82,443, which is 10% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 5.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.8% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes.
Income: Smith Island vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $82,443 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,209 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $988 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,196 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.6% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.8% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 384 |
| County GDP | $478M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,930 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 8.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 31.7% |
| Public Transit | 3.6% |
| Work from Home | 23.7% |
The median home value in Smith Island is $104,800, 63% below the national average.
Home Values
| Census Median | $104,800 |
| 63% below US avg |
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
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,930 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.75% |
In Smith Island, 34.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 26.5% report depression. 28.5% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Smith Island vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.5% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,386/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Crime Rates: Smith Island vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
Safety Score
Smith Island has an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation is 46.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.3°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 46.3 inches |
| 22% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 2 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 4.4 sq mi (11.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 78/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9772°N, 76.0288°W |
| County FIPS | 51133 |