Median Income
$32,895
56% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,500
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
93/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.4%
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
32.8%
165% higher than US avg
How Van Lear Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population520
Median Age42.5 yrs
Density128/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans9.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$32,895
Per Capita$47,864
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty32.8%
County GDP$619M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,500
Ownership73.0%
Zillow$124,503
Housing Units334
Rent Burden29.7%
Crime
F
Violent93/100K
Property1,677/100K
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain46.2 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation766 ft (233 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.4%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+11.2%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Commute21 min
Broadband84.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Van Lear a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Van Lear receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Van Lear has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Van Lear is $32,895, 56% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 32.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Van Lear is $77,500, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Van Lear is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 93 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,677 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
21.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Van Lear experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Van Lear has a population of 520 with a density of 128 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 42.5 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly White (88.7%), with 2.9% Hispanic, 8.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.5yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Van Lear is $32,895, which is 56% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,864 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $825, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 32.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 640 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $32,895 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,864 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $825 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,978 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 32.8% |
| 165% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 640 |
| County GDP | $619M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 47 |
| Retail | 84 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,914 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Van Lear is $77,500, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,503, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 334 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $2,914 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $77,500 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $124,503 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.0% |
| Housing Units | 334 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,914 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.76% |
In Van Lear, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,735. The dentist ratio is 1:7,415. 60.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Van Lear vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.8% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,735 |
| Dentists | 1:7,415 |
| Mental Health | 1:514 |
| Dental Visits | 61.5% |
| Premature Death | 16,084/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 47 |
Van Lear has a violent crime rate of 93 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,677 per 100,000, 14% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Van Lear receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Van Lear vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 93.2/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,676.8/100K |
| 14% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Van Lear experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 305 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 46.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 766 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 55.3°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 766 ft (233 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 128/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.7766°N, 82.7479°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Johnson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Portsmouth Regional (PMH)
74 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.2"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 82.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 17.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
76 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
109 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
127 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
101 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
78 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
149 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
105 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
118 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
98 km |
| May 22, 2024 |
18 km SSE of Hyden, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
98 km |
| Oct 30, 2017 |
2 km N of Artemus, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
141 km |
| Jan 22, 2018 |
13 km ENE of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Feb 8, 2005 |
15 km E of Vansant, Virginia |
M2.7 |
95 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Cumberland, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
79 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 15 fatalities, 249 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
77 km |
10 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
47 km |
2 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1978 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2022 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
37 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
65 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
56 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
57 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
20 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
52 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
37 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
45 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
64 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
14 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
15 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
55 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
58 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
38 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
51 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
52 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
53 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Van Lear has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 34°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.9") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Van Lear. 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 | $491 |
| Toddler | $489 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $348 |
| Toddler | $355 |
| Preschool | $355 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Van Lear
What is the population of Van Lear?
Van Lear has a population of 520 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 128 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is Van Lear expensive to live in?
Van Lear 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 $32,895, 56% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,500 (73% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Van Lear safe?
Van Lear is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 93 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,677 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Van Lear receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Van Lear?
Van Lear has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Van Lear?
The job market in Van Lear is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $825. There are 640 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Van Lear?
The median home value in Van Lear is $77,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,503. The homeownership rate is 73.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,914.
How are the schools in Van Lear?
Schools in Van Lear score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.4% of adults in Van Lear hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 11.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Van Lear?
The obesity rate in Van Lear is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 60.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,735.
What is transportation like in Van Lear?
The average commute in Van Lear is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Van Lear?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Van Lear is 88.7% White, 8.5% Black or African American, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 20.3% of residents have a disability. 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
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