Bachelor's+
8.3%
75% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Water Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population112
Median Age28.8 yrs
Density211/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$38,899
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$280M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$117,571
Housing Units52
Rent Burden21.9%
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured0.0%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
Rain54.7 in/yr
Elevation389 ft (119 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.3%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.19
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries1
Is Water Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Water Valley receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Water Valley 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%.
Education
8.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Water Valley enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 54.7 inches.
Water Valley has a population of 112 with a density of 211 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 28.8 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents, while 8% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below 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
112
Total Population
2023 Census
28.8yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Water Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
8.0%
40% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Water Valley vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $38,899. The average weekly wage is $792, 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 111 business establishments, including 49 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Water Valley vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $38,899 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $792 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,054 |
| Gini Index | 0.499 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 111 |
| County GDP | $280M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 49 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 17 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,850 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,571. Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 52 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $1,850 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 52 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,850 |
| 47% below US avg |
In Water Valley, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:4,422. 53.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Water Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:4,422 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,447 |
| Dental Visits | 53.3% |
| Premature Death | 14,521/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Water Valley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 54.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 389 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 58.9°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 389 ft (119 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 211/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5687°N, 88.8100°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Hickman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Everett-Stewart Regional (UCY) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.7"
44% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.66"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
356 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
97 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
91 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
95 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
145 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
121 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
76 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
38 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
64 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
124 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
72 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
55 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
74 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
143 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
91 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
43 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
108 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
45 km |
| Jan 8, 1993 |
6 km WSW of Gosnell, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
131 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
80 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
563 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 134 fatalities, 1,477 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
31 km |
57 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
80 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1971 |
EF4 |
56 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1968 |
EF4 |
46 km |
2 |
| Mar 4, 1964 |
EF4 |
35 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
66 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
70 km |
2 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
59 km |
3 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
59 km |
6 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
48 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
81 km |
16 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
20 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEVILS BACKBONE RX (3,215 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
DEVILS BACKBONE RX |
3,215 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
FRANKLIN CREEK RX |
2,828 |
72 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,282 |
72 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,837 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
69 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
99 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
LBL - NWDA UNIT 3 RX |
1,187 |
74 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,167 |
74 km |
| 2024 |
PINE HOLLOW RX |
1,038 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
ROCKY BRANCH RX |
1,033 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
BUFFALO TRAIL (NORTH) RX |
959 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
BEAN RIDGE RX |
955 |
92 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
917 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
PLEASANT VALLEY RX |
899 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
CLAY CREEK |
896 |
71 km |
| 2024 |
DEAN EAST RX |
753 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
4.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
49°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
40°F (4°C) |
5.3 in |
|
Water Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 36°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.7") and August the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Water Valley. 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 | $553 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $520 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $518 |
| Toddler | $525 |
| Preschool | $525 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Valley
What is the population of Water Valley?
Water Valley has a population of 112 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 211 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
Is Water Valley expensive to live in?
Water Valley is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100.
What is the weather like in Water Valley?
Water Valley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 54.7 inches, with 3.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Water Valley?
The job market in Water Valley is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $792. There are 111 business establishments in the area, including 49 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Water Valley?
Schools in Water Valley score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.3% of adults in Water Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Water Valley?
The obesity rate in Water Valley is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 53.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What are the demographics of Water Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Water Valley is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home, while 8% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.