Home Value
$74,400
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
70/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.7%
89% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
50.2%
56% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Valley Head Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population107
Median Age53.1 yrs
Density109/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans35.0%
Economy
Per Capita$30,771
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$353M
Housing
Home Value$74,400
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$127,916
Housing Units71
Rent Burden20.6%
Crime
F
Violent70/100K
Property2,932/100K
Health
Obesity50.2%
Uninsured12.6%
Smoking28.6%
Depression35.8%
Heart Disease8.5%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain63.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation2,556 ft (779 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.7%
High School+85.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.85
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Valley Head a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Valley Head receives an overall livability score of 1.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Valley Head faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
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%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Valley Head is $74,400, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Valley Head is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,932 per 100,000, 50% above the national average.
Education
3.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Valley Head experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 63.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Valley Head has a population of 107 with a density of 109 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 53.1 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43% female and 57% male. The city is predominantly White (85%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 35.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.1yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Valley Head vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Valley Head vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $30,771 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $791, 45% 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 344 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 38.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Valley Head vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $30,771 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $791 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,381 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 344 |
| County GDP | $353M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 39 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,250 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 61.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 38.2% |
The median home value in Valley Head is $74,400, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,916, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 71 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $1,250 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $74,400 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $127,916 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 71 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,250 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.68% |
In Valley Head, 50.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.5% of residents, above the national average. 43.4% have high blood pressure. 28.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.0% report binge drinking. 39.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 35.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 26.7% experience frequent mental distress. 12.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,960. The dentist ratio is 1:2,606. 94.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Valley Head vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 50.2% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.6% |
| Heart Disease | 8.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.4% |
| Asthma | 13.5% |
| COPD | 12.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.6% |
| 104% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.8% |
| Depression | 35.8% |
| Mental Distress | 26.7% |
| Physical Distress | 20.2% |
| Short Sleep | 46.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.6% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,960 |
| Dentists | 1:2,606 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,553 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 42.7% |
| Premature Death | 15,349/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 94.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Valley Head has a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,932 per 100,000, 50% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Valley Head receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Valley Head vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 70.2/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,932.4/100K |
| 50% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Valley Head experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 276 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 63.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,556 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
65°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 46.2°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,556 ft (779 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 109/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5471°N, 80.0319°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Pocahontas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Shenandoah Valley Regional (SHD) 65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
63.0"
66% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.55"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 76.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 36.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
32 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.8 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
69 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
119 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
83 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
75 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
14 km SE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
72 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
84 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
73 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
125 km |
| Nov 25, 2009 |
14 km S of Arrington, Virginia |
M2.7 |
150 km |
| Mar 4, 2019 |
13 km E of Meadow Bridge, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
98 km |
| Nov 15, 1995 |
5 km ENE of Shady Spring, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| May 7, 2010 |
14 km WSW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
77 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Isabel (2003, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
290 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
47 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 2 fatalities, 27 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1990 |
EF2 |
79 km |
2 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 1956 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2017 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2015 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1998 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1989 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1985 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RICH HOLE (15,923 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
RICH HOLE |
15,923 |
81 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
7,791 |
70 km |
| 2014 |
ARCHER KNOB RX |
6,093 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
5,893 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
5,345 |
67 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
5,149 |
67 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,687 |
75 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,219 |
68 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,022 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
3,569 |
50 km |
| 2011 |
VALLEY |
2,514 |
88 km |
| 2018 |
LOCKRIDGE RX |
2,473 |
45 km |
| 2024 |
RAMSHORN-GUINN RIDGES RX |
2,469 |
31 km |
| 2017 |
GOSHEN PASS |
2,309 |
84 km |
| 2010 |
NORTH SHORT MTN |
2,304 |
76 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,114 |
51 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,048 |
76 km |
| 1998 |
STONEY LICK |
1,986 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
65°F (19°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Valley Head has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 25°F in January to 66°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 53.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.6") and October the driest (3.9").
Average costs for common services in Valley Head. 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 | $772 |
| Toddler | $733 |
| Preschool | $751 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $675 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Valley Head
What is the population of Valley Head?
Valley Head has a population of 107 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 109 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43% female and 57% male.
Is Valley Head expensive to live in?
Valley Head is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $74,400 (74% below the U.S. median).
Is Valley Head safe?
Valley Head is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,932 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Valley Head receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Valley Head?
Valley Head has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 63.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Valley Head?
The job market in Valley Head is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $791. There are 344 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Valley Head?
The median home value in Valley Head is $74,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,916. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $1,250.
How are the schools in Valley Head?
Schools in Valley Head have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 3.7% of adults in Valley Head hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Valley Head?
The obesity rate in Valley Head is 50.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.6% of adults are smokers. 39.8% are physically inactive. 35.8% of residents report depression. 12.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 94.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,960.
What are the demographics of Valley Head?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Valley Head is 85% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 35.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.