Median Income
$51,583
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$159,600
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.7%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,156
1% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.4%
24% lower than US avg
How Smiths Grove Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population684
Median Age47.9 yrs
Density877/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,583
Per Capita$30,545
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty9.4%
County GDP$250M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$159,600
Rent$1,156
Ownership76.7%
Zillow$256,352
Housing Units312
Rent Burden33.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property249/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain53.5 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation629 ft (192 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.7%
High School+82.6%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute27 min
Broadband87.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Smiths Grove a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Smiths Grove receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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 below-average incomes. Smiths Grove offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Smiths Grove is $51,583, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. 9.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Smiths Grove is $159,600, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,156 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Smiths Grove is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 249 per 100,000, 87% below the national average.
Education
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Smiths Grove enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Smiths Grove has a population of 684 with a density of 877 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 47.9 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.6% female and 53.4% male. The city is predominantly White (80.4%), with 2.3% Hispanic, 14.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.9yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Smiths Grove vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Smiths Grove vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Smiths Grove is $51,583, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,545 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $817, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 186 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 7.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Smiths Grove vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,583 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,545 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $817 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,009 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.4% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 186 |
| County GDP | $250M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,111 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.0% |
The median home value in Smiths Grove is $159,600, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,352, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,156 (1% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 312 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $2,111 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 33.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $159,600 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $256,352 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,156 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.3% |
| Housing Units | 312 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,111 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.32% |
In Smiths Grove, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:12,291. The dentist ratio is 1:6,134. 40.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Smiths Grove vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:12,291 |
| Dentists | 1:6,134 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,490 |
| Dental Visits | 63.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,976/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Smiths Grove has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 249 per 100,000, 87% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 249, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Smiths Grove receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Smiths Grove vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 249.1/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 249.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Smiths Grove enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 299 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 53.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 629 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 60.2°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 629 ft (192 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 877/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.0502°N, 86.2081°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Edmonson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bowling Green-Warren County Regional (BWG) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.5"
41% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.16"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0464 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.14 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.18 ppm |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 22.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Jun 3, 2023.
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
124 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
6 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M3.0 |
113 km |
| Nov 28, 1998 |
6 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| Jan 28, 1991 |
9 km SW of Sacramento, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
131 km |
| Aug 15, 2001 |
5 km SSE of Spottsville, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
135 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
121 km |
| Feb 27, 2020 |
5 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
98 km |
| Sep 12, 2015 |
5 km SE of Corydon, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
Kentucky |
M2.6 |
92 km |
| Jul 8, 2001 |
7 km SE of Franklin, Tennessee |
M2.6 |
140 km |
| Mar 22, 1990 |
9 km E of Rochester, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
54 km |
| Dec 8, 1997 |
6 km NE of Murfreesboro, Tennessee |
M2.6 |
130 km |
| Jun 3, 2023 |
7 km N of Nebo, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
135 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
7 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
114 km |
| Mar 8, 1990 |
4 km SW of Oak Grove, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
60 km |
| May 2, 1998 |
6 km WNW of Nebo, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
96 km |
| Apr 18, 2012 |
13 km W of Owensboro, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
436 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 120 fatalities, 1,260 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
81 km |
31 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
87 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
79 km |
3 |
| Apr 27, 1971 |
EF4 |
68 km |
6 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
39 km |
16 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
46 km |
4 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
91 km |
3 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
75 km |
22 |
| Apr 7, 2006 |
EF3 |
95 km |
7 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
53 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLOATING MILL HOLLOW (2,422 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FLOATING MILL HOLLOW |
2,422 |
21 km |
| 2008 |
BROOKS KNOB |
2,225 |
16 km |
| 2012 |
FY2012 CRYSTAL CAVE BROADCAST BURN |
2,221 |
22 km |
| 2010 |
JOPPA CHURCH |
2,037 |
15 km |
| 2004 |
JIM LEE |
1,770 |
16 km |
| 2009 |
TEMPLE HILL |
1,628 |
18 km |
| 2009 |
JIM LEE |
1,613 |
16 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD DEER |
1,557 |
71 km |
| 2007 |
Big Woods |
1,500 |
25 km |
| 2008 |
GOBLIN KNOB |
1,445 |
23 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,083 |
84 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,039 |
68 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
848 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
DENNISON FERRY RX |
655 |
24 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
641 |
31 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
576 |
22 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
47°F (9°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
38°F (4°C) |
4.9 in |
|
Smiths Grove has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 38°F in February to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Smiths Grove. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $615 |
| Toddler | $582 |
| Preschool | $582 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $533 |
| Toddler | $455 |
| Preschool | $455 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Smiths Grove
What is the population of Smiths Grove?
Smiths Grove has a population of 684 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 877 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.6% female and 53.4% male.
Is Smiths Grove expensive to live in?
Smiths Grove is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $51,583, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $159,600 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,156 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Smiths Grove safe?
Smiths Grove is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 249 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Smiths Grove receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Smiths Grove?
Smiths Grove enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.5 inches, with 4.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Smiths Grove?
The job market in Smiths Grove is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $817. There are 186 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 7.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Smiths Grove?
The median home value in Smiths Grove is $159,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,352. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,156. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,111.
How are the schools in Smiths Grove?
Schools in Smiths Grove score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.7% of adults in Smiths Grove hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.6% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Smiths Grove?
The obesity rate in Smiths Grove is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 40.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:12,291.
What is transportation like in Smiths Grove?
The average commute in Smiths Grove is 27 minutes. 87.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Smiths Grove?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Smiths Grove is 80.4% White, 14.5% Black or African American, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability. 92.1% have health insurance coverage.