Violent Crime
154/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Spelter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population105
Median Age53.0 yrs
Density210/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans79.0%
Economy
Per Capita$46,320
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$6,048M
Housing
Ownership47.2%
Zillow$104,704
Housing Units62
Rent Burden29.7%
Crime
F
Violent154/100K
Property3,167/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking21.2%
Depression33.7%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain48.2 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation1,023 ft (312 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.12
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 28%
Broadband89.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Spelter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Spelter 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, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Spelter 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%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Spelter is below the national average at 154 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,167 per 100,000, 62% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Spelter experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches, including 23.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Spelter has a population of 105 with a density of 210 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 53.0 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.8% female and 55.2% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%), with 4.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 79.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 50.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.0yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $46,320 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,236, 14% 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 2,482 business establishments, including 170 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $46,320 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,236 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,392 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,482 |
| County GDP | $6,048M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 170 |
| Healthcare | 228 |
| Retail | 269 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,964 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $104,704. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 47.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 62 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,964. 29.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 47.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.8% |
| Housing Units | 62 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,964 |
| 15% below US avg |
In Spelter, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 38.1% have high blood pressure. 21.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.8% report binge drinking. 31.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 33.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:795. The dentist ratio is 1:1,047. 75.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Spelter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.1% |
| Asthma | 13.4% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.2% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.4% |
| Depression | 33.7% |
| Mental Distress | 23.9% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 41.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:795 |
| Dentists | 1:1,047 |
| Mental Health | 1:297 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.7% |
| Dental Visits | 51.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,897/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 228 |
Spelter has a violent crime rate of 154 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,167 per 100,000, 62% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Spelter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Spelter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 154.2/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,166.9/100K |
| 62% 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 |
Spelter experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°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 48.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 23.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,023 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.8°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,023 ft (312 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 210/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3432°N, 80.3164°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Harrison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mid-Ohio Valley Regional (PKB) 60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.2"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
27 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
105 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
90 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
87 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
120 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
92 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
82 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
100 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
76 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
89 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
70 km |
| May 7, 2010 |
14 km WSW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
97 km |
| Aug 16, 2013 |
13 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
77 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
77 km |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
13 km NNE of Sissonville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
110 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 69 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2021 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1990 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1981 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1968 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 1956 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEW CREEK MTN (1,689 ac, 2001).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Spelter has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 31°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Spelter. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $704 |
| Toddler | $670 |
| Preschool | $698 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $651 |
| Toddler | $718 |
| Preschool | $718 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spelter
What is the population of Spelter?
Spelter has a population of 105 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 210 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.8% female and 55.2% male.
Is Spelter expensive to live in?
Spelter is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Spelter safe?
Spelter is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 154 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,167 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Spelter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Spelter?
Spelter has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.2 inches, with 23.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Spelter?
The job market in Spelter is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,236. There are 2,482 business establishments in the area, including 170 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Spelter?
Schools in Spelter score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Spelter 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 Spelter?
The obesity rate in Spelter is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.2% of adults are smokers. 31.4% are physically inactive. 33.7% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 75.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:795.
What are the demographics of Spelter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Spelter is 95.2% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 79.0% of the population are military veterans. 50.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.