West Virginia · Metropolitan Area
Smithers is a small town in West Virginia with a population of 891. Residents earn $32,237 per year, which is 57% below the national average.
Based on current data, Smithers receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Smithers offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Smithers is $32,237, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. The poverty rate of 24.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Smithers is $72,800, 74% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $496 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
23.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Smithers enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
| English Only | 98.5% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.5% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $32,237 |
| 57% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $28,190 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $916 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,919 |
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 24.0% |
| 94% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,186 |
| County GDP | $1,578M |
| Restaurants | 81 |
| Healthcare | 97 |
| Retail | 114 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,905 |
| 46% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.62% |
| Commute Time | 15.3 min |
| Work from Home | 45.6% |
| Census Median | $72,800 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Census Median Rent | $496 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.2% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,905 |
| 46% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.62% |
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 13.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.9% |
| Asthma | 13.5% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.8% |
| Depression | 34.6% |
| Mental Distress | 25.3% |
| Physical Distress | 17.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 88.8% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Premature Death | 15,973/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 97 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Annual Average | 55.6°F |
| 3% above US avg | |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 46.4 inches |
| 22% above US avg |
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,219 ft (372 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 619/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1658°N, 81.2975°W |
| County FIPS | 54019 |
Winner: Republican by 41.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 23.6% |
| 30% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 86.3% |
| School Test Score | 4.81 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 619/sq mi |
| Total Area | 1.4 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 8 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 97 |
| Restaurants | 81 |
| Retail Stores | 114 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Commute | 15.3 min |
| Work from Home | 45.6% |