Median Income
$100,461
34% higher than US avg
Home Value
$345,800
23% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
889/100K
134% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.5%
84% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.7%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Smith River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,270
Median Age29.4 yrs
Density287/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 68%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$100,461
Per Capita$26,972
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,088M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$345,800
Ownership76.7%
Zillow$423,928
Housing Units292
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent889/100K
Property2,694/100K
Health
Obesity30.7%
Uninsured10.9%
Smoking12.8%
Depression23.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain71.5 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation46 ft (14 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.5%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.90
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 40%
Commute13 min
Broadband79.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Smith River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Smith River receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Smith River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Smith River is $100,461, which is significantly higher than the national average / 34% above $75,149. This places Smith River among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Smith River is $345,800, 23% above the national median. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 889 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,694 per 100,000, 37% above the national average.
Education
5.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.9/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Smith River experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 71.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Smith River has a population of 1,270 with a density of 287 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age is 29.4 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (68%), with 20.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.7% of residents, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.4yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Smith River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.7%
12% above US avg
Spanish
12.3%
8% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Smith River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Smith River is $100,461, which is 34% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,972 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,035, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (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 845 business establishments, including 63 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Smith River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $100,461 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,972 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,035 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,408 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 845 |
| County GDP | $1,088M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 67 |
| Retail | 59 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,167 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.0% |
| Public Transit | 6.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Smith River is $345,800, 23% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $423,928, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 292 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $4,167 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $345,800 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $423,928 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.3% |
| Housing Units | 292 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,167 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.21% |
In Smith River, 30.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 12.8% are current smokers. 18.6% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 23.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,653. The dentist ratio is 1:1,177. 84.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Smith River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.7% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| Uninsured | 10.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,653 |
| Dentists | 1:1,177 |
| Mental Health | 1:198 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.5% |
| Dental Visits | 60.8% |
| Premature Death | 11,533/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 67 |
Smith River has a violent crime rate of 889 per 100,000 residents, 134% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,694 per 100,000, 37% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Smith River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Smith River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 888.6/100K |
| 134% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,693.9/100K |
| 37% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 189 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Smith River experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 269 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 71.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 46 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
58°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 52.2°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (15°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 46 ft (14 m) |
| Area | 4.4 sq mi (11.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 287/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9238°N, 124.1478°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Del Norte County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rogue Valley International - Medford (MFR)
72 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
71.5"
88% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
14.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 94.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 23.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Very High |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,005 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 4, 2025.
| Aug 17, 1991 |
136 km WSW of Brookings, Oregon |
M7.0 |
144 km |
| Jul 13, 1991 |
103 km W of Pistol River, Oregon |
M6.9 |
127 km |
| Mar 10, 2014 |
77 km WNW of Indianola, California |
M6.8 |
147 km |
| Jan 10, 2010 |
The 2010 Eureka, California Earthquake |
M6.5 |
149 km |
| Aug 16, 1991 |
136 km WSW of Brookings, Oregon |
M6.1 |
144 km |
| Jul 24, 1996 |
136 km WSW of Pistol River, Oregon |
M5.9 |
147 km |
| Feb 13, 2012 |
26 km NNW of Willow Creek, California |
M5.6 |
92 km |
| Oct 4, 1997 |
100 km WNW of Samoa, California |
M5.5 |
139 km |
| Dec 26, 1994 |
7 km WNW of Fields Landing, California |
M5.4 |
133 km |
| Apr 30, 2008 |
3 km NNW of Burnt Ranch, California |
M5.4 |
133 km |
| Oct 26, 1997 |
99 km W of Trinidad, California |
M5.2 |
137 km |
| Jun 17, 2002 |
29 km WNW of Fields Landing, California |
M5.2 |
128 km |
| Aug 15, 2003 |
100 km WNW of Indianola, California |
M5.0 |
146 km |
| Jun 25, 2007 |
57 km W of Trinidad, California |
M5.0 |
106 km |
| Mar 25, 2006 |
130 km W of Pistol River, Oregon |
M5.0 |
150 km |
| Oct 11, 2013 |
50 km WNW of Samoa, California |
M4.9 |
116 km |
| Jan 18, 1990 |
27 km ESE of Orick, California |
M4.9 |
90 km |
| Jul 21, 2016 |
19km SSE of Blue Lake, CA |
M4.8 |
135 km |
| Aug 10, 2017 |
112 km WSW of Pistol River, Oregon |
M4.8 |
126 km |
| Nov 8, 2013 |
98 km W of Big Lagoon, California |
M4.7 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
9 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 30, 1992 |
EF1 |
20 km |
0 |
| Dec 11, 1992 |
EF1 |
20 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2010 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 2002 |
EF0 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jan 20, 1996 |
EF0 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jan 20, 1996 |
EF0 |
3 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1983 |
EF0 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1960 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 1958 |
EF0 |
20 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.1 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1873 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
3.1 m |
— |
15 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Shasta (172 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Shasta |
Stratovolcano |
4,317 m (14,163 ft) |
1250 |
172 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BISCUIT COMPLEX (BISCUIT) (495,308 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
BISCUIT COMPLEX (BISCUIT) |
495,308 |
61 km |
| 2017 |
CHETCO BAR |
194,877 |
36 km |
| 2018 |
KLONDIKE |
178,311 |
59 km |
| 2020 |
SLATER |
157,784 |
50 km |
| 2014 |
HAPPY CAMP COMPLEX |
118,491 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
SISKIYOU-BLUE 2 COMPLEX (BLUE 2) |
100,823 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
SILVER |
96,698 |
51 km |
| 2021 |
MCCASH |
95,762 |
79 km |
| 2017 |
OAK |
95,692 |
51 km |
| 2023 |
KELLY |
90,267 |
25 km |
| 2008 |
PANTHER |
71,448 |
77 km |
| 1987 |
KING TITUS |
71,390 |
71 km |
| 2018 |
TAYLOR CREEK |
57,505 |
76 km |
| 1987 |
YELLOW 2 |
53,626 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
BEAR WALLOW COMPLEX (UKONOM) |
40,029 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
NATCHEZ |
38,800 |
48 km |
| 1987 |
FORT COPPER |
36,333 |
77 km |
| 2023 |
MOSQUITO |
36,111 |
64 km |
| 2023 |
FLAT |
34,496 |
59 km |
| 2016 |
GAP |
33,940 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
13.1 in |
|
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
10.7 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
10.9 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
58°F (15°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| July |
58°F (15°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
1.0 in |
Warmest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| November |
49°F (9°C) |
13.0 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
14.1 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Smith River has a seasonal temperature swing of 18°F / from 45°F in December to 62°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 81.3 inches, with December being the wettest month (14.1") and July the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Smith River. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $972 |
| Toddler | $774 |
| Preschool | $641 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $999 |
| Toddler | $910 |
| Preschool | $845 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Smith River
What is the population of Smith River?
Smith River has a population of 1,270 residents and is located in California. The population density is 287 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Smith River expensive to live in?
Smith River is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $100,461, 34% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $345,800 (23% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Smith River safe?
Public safety is a concern in Smith River, with a violent crime rate of 889 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,694 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Smith River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Smith River?
Smith River has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 71.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Smith River?
The job market in Smith River is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,035. There are 845 business establishments in the area, including 63 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Smith River?
The median home value in Smith River is $345,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $423,928. The homeownership rate is 76.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,167.
How are the schools in Smith River?
Schools in Smith River have an average test score of 3.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 5.5% of adults in Smith River 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 Smith River?
The obesity rate in Smith River is 30.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.8% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 23.5% of residents report depression. 10.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 84.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,653.
What is transportation like in Smith River?
The average commute in Smith River is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 94% of workers drive alone to work, 6% use public transit, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Smith River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Smith River is 68% White, 20.6% Hispanic or Latino. 87.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
