Median Income
$26,369
65% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,100
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.3%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$465
60% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
11.2%
211% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
27.5%
122% higher than US avg
How Vanceburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,443
Median Age49.6 yrs
Density995/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
F
Median Income$26,369
Per Capita$22,510
Unemployment11.2%
Poverty27.5%
County GDP$252M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,100
Rent$465
Ownership50.2%
Zillow$76,805
Housing Units671
Rent Burden25.7%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property432/100K
Health
Obesity31.0%
Uninsured5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain46.8 in/yr
Elevation495 ft (151 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.3%
High School+75.7%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score4.77
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 12%
Commute24 min
Broadband74.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Vanceburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vanceburg receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Vanceburg has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vanceburg is $26,369, 65% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 27.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vanceburg is $78,100, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $465 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Vanceburg 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 432 per 100,000, 78% below the national average.
Education
8.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Vanceburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.8 inches, including 20.2 inches of snow.
Vanceburg has a population of 1,443 with a density of 995 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 49.6 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.4% female and 44.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 39.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,443
Total Population
2023 Census
49.6yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Vanceburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Vanceburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Vanceburg is $26,369, which is 65% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,510 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $797, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 27.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 283 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 1.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Vanceburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $26,369 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,510 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $797 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,076 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.2% |
| 211% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.5% |
| 122% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 283 |
| County GDP | $252M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 31 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,850 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.6% |
The median home value in Vanceburg is $78,100, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $76,805. Monthly rent averages $465 (60% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 50.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 671 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $1,850 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,100 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $76,805 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $465 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.8% |
| Housing Units | 671 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,850 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.37% |
In Vanceburg, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 5.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,493. The dentist ratio is 1:3,239. 4.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vanceburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 5.3% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,493 |
| Dentists | 1:3,239 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,162 |
| Dental Visits | 44.3% |
| Premature Death | 15,649/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 4.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Vanceburg has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 432 per 100,000, 78% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Vanceburg receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Vanceburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 432.3/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Vanceburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 20.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 495 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 495 ft (151 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 995/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5945°N, 83.3236°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lewis County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Portsmouth Regional (PMH)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.8"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.79"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
60 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
95 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
102 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
59 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
74 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
36 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
131 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
48 km |
| May 11, 2025 |
11 km SE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
11 km ENE of Lancaster, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
144 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
32 km |
| Mar 16, 2012 |
7 km SE of Alum Creek, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
80 km |
| Mar 8, 2016 |
0 km N of Thurman, Ohio |
M2.6 |
84 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
56 km |
| Jan 21, 2018 |
8 km SSE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
150 km |
| Jun 20, 2017 |
10 km N of Hyden, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
44 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
256 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 33 fatalities, 779 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
47 km |
7 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
91 km |
6 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
93 km |
3 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
81 km |
10 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1993 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (21,562 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
97 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
7,281 |
93 km |
| 1987 |
MILL CREEK ROAD |
7,029 |
100 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
6,337 |
81 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
5,981 |
87 km |
| 1991 |
PRICHARD |
5,220 |
82 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,451 |
88 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,373 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,259 |
15 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,786 |
97 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,559 |
65 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,302 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,908 |
100 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,683 |
57 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,505 |
91 km |
| 2010 |
FISH TRAP COMPLEX |
1,430 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
1170 DONITHON ROAD |
1,428 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
127 |
1,349 |
66 km |
| 2019 |
CY19 BLUEGRASS PRESCRIBED BURN |
1,190 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.8 in |
|
Vanceburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 33°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and November the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Vanceburg. 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 Vanceburg
What is the population of Vanceburg?
Vanceburg has a population of 1,443 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 995 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.4% female and 44.6% male.
Is Vanceburg expensive to live in?
Vanceburg 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 $26,369, 65% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,100 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $465 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Vanceburg safe?
Vanceburg 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 432 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Vanceburg receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vanceburg?
Vanceburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 46.8 inches, with 20.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Vanceburg?
The job market in Vanceburg faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $797. There are 283 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 1.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vanceburg?
The median home value in Vanceburg is $78,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $76,805. For renters, the median monthly rent is $465. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.2%. The average annual property tax is $1,850.
How are the schools in Vanceburg?
Schools in Vanceburg have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 8.3% of adults in Vanceburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.7% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vanceburg?
The obesity rate in Vanceburg is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 5.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 4.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,493.
What is transportation like in Vanceburg?
The average commute in Vanceburg is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vanceburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vanceburg is 95.9% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 39.9% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.