Median Income
$58,250
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,700
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.7%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$538
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
34.0%
174% higher than US avg
How Wheelwright Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population945
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density537/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
C+
Median Income$58,250
Per Capita$15,961
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty34.0%
County GDP$274M
Commute38 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,700
Rent$538
Ownership71.1%
Zillow$51,431
Housing Units327
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain50.6 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation1,236 ft (377 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.7%
High School+73.3%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute38 min
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Wheelwright a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wheelwright receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. 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, long commute times. Wheelwright offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wheelwright is $58,250, 22% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 34.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wheelwright is $85,700, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $538 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Wheelwright 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
10.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Wheelwright experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Wheelwright has a population of 945 with a density of 537 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42% female and 58% male. The city is predominantly White (90.8%), with 6.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 25.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wheelwright 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
Wheelwright vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wheelwright is $58,250, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,961 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $801, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 34.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 312 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wheelwright vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,250 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,961 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $801 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,676 |
| Gini Index | 0.461 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 34.0% |
| 174% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 312 |
| County GDP | $274M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,333 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 38.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Wheelwright is $85,700, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $51,431, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $538 (54% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 327 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $2,333 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,700 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $51,431 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $538 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.9% |
| Housing Units | 327 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,333 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.72% |
In Wheelwright, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,684. The dentist ratio is 1:2,775. 13.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wheelwright vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:4,684 |
| Dentists | 1:2,775 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,707 |
| Dental Visits | 44.9% |
| Premature Death | 20,881/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 13.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Wheelwright has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Wheelwright vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Wheelwright experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 299 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 50.6 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 1,236 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 53.9°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,236 ft (377 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 537/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3392°N, 82.7186°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Knott County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
94 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.6"
33% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very 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
47 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.7 on May 22, 2024.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
37 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
74 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
118 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
88 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
38 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
106 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
7 km SW of New Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
71 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
Kentucky-Tennessee border region |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
73 km |
| Feb 12, 2021 |
8 km SW of Banner Hill, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Mar 8, 2015 |
1 km SE of Pleasant View, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
83 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 82 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1980 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1962 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1955 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2024 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF1 |
70 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 |
12 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
59 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
82 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
52 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
38 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
68 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
62 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
50 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
62 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
53 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
60 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
46 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
26 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
8 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
7 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
7 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
58 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Wheelwright has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 34°F in January to 73°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 44.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Wheelwright. 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 Wheelwright
What is the population of Wheelwright?
Wheelwright has a population of 945 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 537 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.0 years. The population is 42% female and 58% male.
Is Wheelwright expensive to live in?
Wheelwright 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 $58,250, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,700 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $538 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wheelwright safe?
Wheelwright 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Wheelwright?
Wheelwright has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Wheelwright?
Wheelwright has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $801. There are 312 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 38 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wheelwright?
The median home value in Wheelwright is $85,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $51,431. For renters, the median monthly rent is $538. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,333.
How are the schools in Wheelwright?
Schools in Wheelwright score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.7% of adults in Wheelwright hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.3% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wheelwright?
The obesity rate in Wheelwright is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,684.
What is transportation like in Wheelwright?
The average commute in Wheelwright is 38 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wheelwright?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wheelwright is 90.8% White, 6.3% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 25.3% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
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