McDowell County, WV
McDowell County Map
McDowell County Overview
18,911
TOTAL POPULATION
9,428
MALE POPULATION
9,483
FEMALE POPULATION
99.42
MALES / 100 FEMALES
100.58
FEMALES / 100 MALES
45.3
MEDIAN AGE
3.4
AVG FAMILY SIZE
2.6
AVG HOUSEHOLD SIZE
$15,353
PER CAPITA INCOME
$37,380
AVG FAMILY INCOME
$28,235
AVG HOUSEHOLD INCOME
17.8%
WAGE / INCOME GAP [ % ]
82.2¢/ $1
WAGE / INCOME GAP [ $ ]
$12,467
FAMILY INCOME DEFICIT
0.48
INEQUALITY / GINI INDEX
3,897
LABOR FORCE [ PEOPLE ]
25.2%
PERCENT IN LABOR FORCE
15.1%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
Race in McDowell County
The most populous races in McDowell County are White / Caucasian (15,509 | 82.0%), Black / African American (2,685 | 14.2%), and Two or more Races (654 | 3.5%).
| Race | # Population | % Population |
| Asian | 29 | 0.2% |
| Black / African American | 2,685 | 14.2% |
| Hawaiian / Pacific | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 386 | 2.0% |
| Native / Alaskan | 31 | 0.2% |
| White / Caucasian | 15,509 | 82.0% |
| Two or more Races | 654 | 3.5% |
| Some other Race | 3 | 0.0% |
| Total | 18,911 | 100.0% |
Ancestry in McDowell County
The most populous ancestries reported in McDowell County are Irish (1,706 | 9.0%), English (1,492 | 7.9%), German (1,203 | 6.4%), American (998 | 5.3%), and Italian (506 | 2.7%), together accounting for 31.2% of all McDowell County residents.
| Ancestry | # Population | % Population |
| African | 45 | 0.2% |
| American | 998 | 5.3% |
| Arab | 4 | 0.0% |
| Armenian | 7 | 0.0% |
| British | 67 | 0.4% |
| Bulgarian | 3 | 0.0% |
| Cherokee | 113 | 0.6% |
| Czech | 17 | 0.1% |
| Czechoslovakian | 9 | 0.1% |
| Dutch | 258 | 1.4% |
| Eastern European | 28 | 0.2% |
| Egyptian | 4 | 0.0% |
| English | 1,492 | 7.9% |
| European | 330 | 1.8% |
| French | 165 | 0.9% |
| French Canadian | 6 | 0.0% |
| German | 1,203 | 6.4% |
| Hungarian | 130 | 0.7% |
| Irish | 1,706 | 9.0% |
| Italian | 506 | 2.7% |
| Korean | 19 | 0.1% |
| Mexican | 141 | 0.7% |
| Polish | 176 | 0.9% |
| Puerto Rican | 11 | 0.1% |
| Romanian | 174 | 0.9% |
| Scotch-Irish | 75 | 0.4% |
| Scottish | 203 | 1.1% |
| Slovak | 63 | 0.3% |
| Subsaharan African | 45 | 0.2% |
| Swedish | 36 | 0.2% |
| Ukrainian | 3 | 0.0% |
| Welsh | 33 | 0.2% | View All 32 Rows |
Immigrants in McDowell County
The most numerous immigrant groups reported in McDowell County came from Latin America (187 | 1.0%), Central America (125 | 0.7%), Mexico (117 | 0.6%), South America (45 | 0.2%), and Europe (39 | 0.2%), together accounting for 2.7% of all McDowell County residents.
| Immigration Origin | # Population | % Population |
| Africa | 25 | 0.1% |
| Asia | 29 | 0.2% |
| Caribbean | 17 | 0.1% |
| Central America | 125 | 0.7% |
| Colombia | 28 | 0.2% |
| Cuba | 9 | 0.1% |
| Dominican Republic | 8 | 0.0% |
| Eastern Europe | 21 | 0.1% |
| Egypt | 16 | 0.1% |
| Europe | 39 | 0.2% |
| Germany | 18 | 0.1% |
| Ghana | 9 | 0.1% |
| Guatemala | 8 | 0.0% |
| Guyana | 7 | 0.0% |
| Laos | 10 | 0.1% |
| Latin America | 187 | 1.0% |
| Mexico | 117 | 0.6% |
| Northern Africa | 16 | 0.1% |
| Philippines | 19 | 0.1% |
| Romania | 21 | 0.1% |
| South America | 45 | 0.2% |
| South Eastern Asia | 29 | 0.2% |
| Venezuela | 10 | 0.1% |
| Western Africa | 9 | 0.1% |
| Western Europe | 18 | 0.1% | View All 25 Rows |
Sex and Age in McDowell County
Sex and Age in McDowell County
The most populous age groups in McDowell County are 65 to 69 Years (1,090 | 11.6%) for men and 60 to 64 Years (991 | 10.4%) for women.
| Age Bracket | Male | Female |
| Under 5 Years | 401 (4.3%) | 497 (5.2%) |
| 5 to 9 Years | 674 (7.1%) | 584 (6.2%) |
| 10 to 14 Years | 624 (6.6%) | 459 (4.8%) |
| 15 to 19 Years | 474 (5.0%) | 515 (5.4%) |
| 20 to 24 Years | 411 (4.4%) | 482 (5.1%) |
| 25 to 29 Years | 544 (5.8%) | 412 (4.3%) |
| 30 to 34 Years | 527 (5.6%) | 481 (5.1%) |
| 35 to 39 Years | 658 (7.0%) | 540 (5.7%) |
| 40 to 44 Years | 643 (6.8%) | 486 (5.1%) |
| 45 to 49 Years | 558 (5.9%) | 541 (5.7%) |
| 50 to 54 Years | 523 (5.6%) | 611 (6.4%) |
| 55 to 59 Years | 672 (7.1%) | 528 (5.6%) |
| 60 to 64 Years | 700 (7.4%) | 991 (10.4%) |
| 65 to 69 Years | 1,090 (11.6%) | 688 (7.3%) |
| 70 to 74 Years | 331 (3.5%) | 803 (8.5%) |
| 75 to 79 Years | 379 (4.0%) | 315 (3.3%) |
| 80 to 84 Years | 121 (1.3%) | 222 (2.3%) |
| 85 Years and over | 98 (1.0%) | 328 (3.5%) |
| Total | 9,428 (100.0%) | 9,483 (100.0%) |
Families and Households in McDowell County
Median Family Size in McDowell County
The median family size in McDowell County is 3.36 persons per family, with single male/father families (450 | 10.8%) accounting for the largest median family size of 4.46 persons per family. On the other hand, married-couple families (2,507 | 60.3%) represent the smallest median family size with 2.94 persons per family.
| Family Type | # Families | Family Size |
| Married-Couple | 2,507 (60.3%) | 2.94 |
| Single Male/Father | 450 (10.8%) | 4.46 |
| Single Female/Mother | 1,204 (28.9%) | 3.82 |
| Total Families | 4,161 (100.0%) | 3.36 |
Median Household Size in McDowell County
The median household size in McDowell County is 2.59 persons per household, with single male/father households (450 | 6.9%) accounting for the largest median household size of 5.37 persons per household. non-family households (2,386 | 36.4%) represent the smallest median household size with 1.04 persons per household.
| Household Type | # Households | Household Size |
| Married-Couple | 2,507 (38.3%) | 2.95 |
| Single Male/Father | 450 (6.9%) | 5.37 |
| Single Female/Mother | 1,204 (18.4%) | 3.87 |
| Non-family | 2,386 (36.4%) | 1.04 |
| Total Households | 6,547 (100.0%) | 2.59 |
Household Size by Marriage Status in McDowell County
Out of a total of 6,547 households in McDowell County, 4,161 (63.6%) are family households, while 2,386 (36.4%) are nonfamily households. The most numerous type of family households are 2-person households, comprising 2,423, and the most common type of nonfamily households are 1-person households, comprising 2,318.
| Household Size | Family Households | Nonfamily Households |
| 1-Person Households | - | 2,318 (35.4%) |
| 2-Person Households | 2,423 (37.0%) | 68 (1.0%) |
| 3-Person Households | 832 (12.7%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 4-Person Households | 501 (7.6%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 5-Person Households | 352 (5.4%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 6-Person Households | 22 (0.3%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 7+ Person Households | 31 (0.5%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Total | 4,161 (63.6%) | 2,386 (36.4%) |
Female Fertility in McDowell County
Fertility by Age in McDowell County
Average fertility rate in McDowell County is 60.0 births per 1,000 women. Women in the age bracket of 15 to 19 years have the highest fertility rate with 151.0 births per 1,000 women. Women in the age bracket of 20 to 34 years acount for 63.4% of all women with births.
| Age Bracket | Women with Births | Births / 1,000 Women |
| 15 to 19 years | 78 (36.6%) | 151.0 |
| 20 to 34 years | 135 (63.4%) | 98.0 |
| 35 to 50 years | 0 (0.0%) | 0.0 |
| Total | 213 (100.0%) | 60.0 |
Fertility by Age by Marriage Status in McDowell County
20.7% of women with births (213) in McDowell County are married. The highest percentage of unmarried women with births falls into 15 to 19 years age bracket with 100.0% of them unmarried at the time of birth, while the lowest percentage of unmarried women with births belong to 20 to 34 years age bracket with 67.4% of them unmarried.
| Age Bracket | Married | Unmarried |
| 15 to 19 years | 0 (0.0%) | 78 (100.0%) |
| 20 to 34 years | 44 (32.6%) | 91 (67.4%) |
| 35 to 50 years | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Total | 44 (20.7%) | 169 (79.3%) |
Fertility by Education in McDowell County
| Educational Attainment | Women with Births | Births / 1,000 Women |
| Less than High School | 23 (10.8%) | 43.0 |
| High School Diploma | 55 (25.8%) | 32.0 |
| College or Associate's Degree | 135 (63.4%) | 127.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 0 (0.0%) | 0.0 |
| Graduate Degree | 0 (0.0%) | 0.0 |
| Total | 213 (100.0%) | 60.0 |
Fertility by Education by Marriage Status in McDowell County
79.3% of women with births in McDowell County are unmarried. Women with the educational attainment of high school diploma are most likely to be married with 61.8% of them married at childbirth, while women with the educational attainment of less than high school are least likely to be married with 100.0% of them unmarried at childbirth.
| Educational Attainment | Married | Unmarried |
| Less than High School | 0 (0.0%) | 23 (100.0%) |
| High School Diploma | 34 (61.8%) | 21 (38.2%) |
| College or Associate's Degree | 10 (7.4%) | 125 (92.6%) |
| Bachelor's Degree | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Graduate Degree | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Total | 44 (20.7%) | 169 (79.3%) |
Income in McDowell County
Income Overview in McDowell County
Per Capita Income in McDowell County is $15,353, while median incomes of families and households are $37,380 and $28,235 respectively.
| Characteristic | Number | Measure |
| Per Capita Income | 18,911 | $15,353 |
| Median Family Income | 4,161 | $37,380 |
| Mean Family Income | 4,161 | $50,001 |
| Median Household Income | 6,547 | $28,235 |
| Mean Household Income | 6,547 | $40,173 |
| Income Deficit | 4,161 | $12,467 |
| Wage / Income Gap (%) | 18,911 | 17.81% |
| Wage / Income Gap ($) | 18,911 | 82.19¢ per $1 |
| Gini / Inequality Index | 18,911 | 0.48 |
Earnings by Sex in McDowell County
Average Earnings in McDowell County are $27,509, $29,868 for men and $24,549 for women, a difference of 17.8%.
| Sex | Number | Average Earnings |
| Male | 1,846 (46.0%) | $29,868 |
| Female | 2,170 (54.0%) | $24,549 |
| Total | 4,016 (100.0%) | $27,509 |
Earnings by Sex by Income Bracket in McDowell County
The most common earnings brackets in McDowell County are $75,000 to $99,999 for men (244 | 13.2%) and $25,000 to $29,999 for women (237 | 10.9%).
| Income | Male | Female |
| $2,499 or less | 150 (8.1%) | 56 (2.6%) |
| $2,500 to $4,999 | 71 (3.8%) | 211 (9.7%) |
| $5,000 to $7,499 | 51 (2.8%) | 117 (5.4%) |
| $7,500 to $9,999 | 44 (2.4%) | 50 (2.3%) |
| $10,000 to $12,499 | 44 (2.4%) | 136 (6.3%) |
| $12,500 to $14,999 | 67 (3.6%) | 100 (4.6%) |
| $15,000 to $17,499 | 138 (7.5%) | 27 (1.2%) |
| $17,500 to $19,999 | 45 (2.4%) | 135 (6.2%) |
| $20,000 to $22,499 | 67 (3.6%) | 135 (6.2%) |
| $22,500 to $24,999 | 93 (5.0%) | 144 (6.6%) |
| $25,000 to $29,999 | 158 (8.6%) | 237 (10.9%) |
| $30,000 to $34,999 | 131 (7.1%) | 75 (3.5%) |
| $35,000 to $39,999 | 97 (5.2%) | 170 (7.8%) |
| $40,000 to $44,999 | 59 (3.2%) | 179 (8.3%) |
| $45,000 to $49,999 | 86 (4.7%) | 140 (6.5%) |
| $50,000 to $54,999 | 28 (1.5%) | 33 (1.5%) |
| $55,000 to $64,999 | 106 (5.7%) | 75 (3.5%) |
| $65,000 to $74,999 | 47 (2.5%) | 97 (4.5%) |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 244 (13.2%) | 35 (1.6%) |
| $100,000+ | 120 (6.5%) | 18 (0.8%) |
| Total | 1,846 (100.0%) | 2,170 (100.0%) |
Earnings by Sex by Educational Attainment in McDowell County
Average earnings in McDowell County are $32,901 for men and $26,290 for women, a difference of 20.1%. Men with an educational attainment of college or associate's degree enjoy the highest average annual earnings of $45,982, while those with high school diploma education earn the least with $29,324. Women with an educational attainment of graduate degree earn the most with the average annual earnings of $44,063, while those with less than high school education have the smallest earnings of $19,339.
| Educational Attainment | Male Income | Female Income |
| Less than High School | $34,464 | $19,339 |
| High School Diploma | $29,324 | $20,969 |
| College or Associate's Degree | $45,982 | $26,625 |
| Bachelor's Degree | - | - |
| Graduate Degree | - | - |
| Total | $32,901 | $26,290 |
Family Income in McDowell County
Family Income Brackets in McDowell County
According to the McDowell County family income data, there are 691 families falling into the $50,000 to $74,999 income range, which is the most common income bracket and makes up 16.6% of all families. Conversely, the $200,000+ income bracket is the least frequent group with only 33 families (0.8%) belonging to this category.
| Income Bracket | # Families | % Families |
| Less than $10,000 | 549 | 13.2% |
| $10,000 to $14,999 | 441 | 10.6% |
| $15,000 to $24,999 | 404 | 9.7% |
| $25,000 to $34,999 | 474 | 11.4% |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 512 | 12.3% |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 691 | 16.6% |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 516 | 12.4% |
| $100,000 to $149,999 | 487 | 11.7% |
| $150,000 to $199,999 | 50 | 1.2% |
| $200,000+ | 33 | 0.8% |
Family Income by Famaliy Size in McDowell County
5-person families (231 | 5.6%) account for the highest median family income in McDowell County with $92,975 per family, while 5-person families (231 | 5.6%) have the highest median income of $18,595 per family member.
| Income Bracket | # Families | Median Income |
| 2-Person Families | 2,557 (61.5%) | $35,068 |
| 3-Person Families | 788 (18.9%) | $37,336 |
| 4-Person Families | 532 (12.8%) | $53,302 |
| 5-Person Families | 231 (5.6%) | $92,975 |
| 6-Person Families | 22 (0.5%) | $74,688 |
| 7+ Person Families | 31 (0.7%) | $80,739 |
| Total | 4,161 (100.0%) | $37,380 |
Family Income by Number of Earners in McDowell County
The median family income in McDowell County is $37,380, with families comprising 3+ earners (31) having the highest median family income of $172,578, while families with no earners (2,154) have the lowest median family income of $20,880, accounting for 0.7% and 51.8% of families, respectively.
| Number of Earners | # Families | Median Income |
| No Earners | 2,154 (51.8%) | $20,880 |
| 1 Earner | 1,320 (31.7%) | $52,400 |
| 2 Earners | 656 (15.8%) | $80,682 |
| 3+ Earners | 31 (0.7%) | $172,578 |
| Total | 4,161 (100.0%) | $37,380 |
Household Income in McDowell County
Household Income Brackets in McDowell County
With 1,008 households falling in the category, the $15,000 to $24,999 income range is the most frequent in McDowell County, accounting for 15.4% of all households. In contrast, only 33 households (0.5%) fall into the $200,000+ income bracket, making it the least populous group.
| Income Bracket | # Households | % Households |
| Less than $10,000 | 923 | 14.1% |
| $10,000 to $14,999 | 989 | 15.1% |
| $15,000 to $24,999 | 1,008 | 15.4% |
| $25,000 to $34,999 | 903 | 13.8% |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 759 | 11.6% |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 858 | 13.1% |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 517 | 7.9% |
| $100,000 to $149,999 | 498 | 7.6% |
| $150,000 to $199,999 | 52 | 0.8% |
| $200,000+ | 33 | 0.5% |
Household Income by Householder Age in McDowell County
The median household income in McDowell County is $28,235, with the highest median household income of $33,529 found in the 45 to 64 years age bracket for the primary householder. A total of 2,514 households (38.4%) fall into this category. Meanwhile, the 65+ years age bracket for the primary householder has the lowest median household income of $24,793, with 2,733 households (41.7%) in this group.
| Income Bracket | # Households | Median Income |
| 15 to 24 Years | 89 (1.4%) | $27,098 |
| 25 to 44 Years | 1,211 (18.5%) | $27,879 |
| 45 to 64 Years | 2,514 (38.4%) | $33,529 |
| 65+ Years | 2,733 (41.7%) | $24,793 |
| Total | 6,547 (100.0%) | $28,235 |
Poverty in McDowell County
Income Below Poverty by Sex and Age in McDowell County
With 31.0% poverty level for males and 35.1% for females among the residents of McDowell County, 5 year old males and 5 year old females are the most vulnerable to poverty, with 78 males (64.5%) and 156 females (87.6%) in their respective age groups living below the poverty level.
| Age Bracket | Male | Female |
| Under 5 Years | 221 (55.1%) | 285 (57.3%) |
| 5 Years | 78 (64.5%) | 156 (87.6%) |
| 6 to 11 Years | 295 (35.2%) | 156 (25.7%) |
| 12 to 14 Years | 71 (21.0%) | 75 (29.9%) |
| 15 Years | 23 (22.1%) | 12 (11.8%) |
| 16 and 17 Years | 17 (8.1%) | 87 (37.8%) |
| 18 to 24 Years | 181 (40.2%) | 314 (47.3%) |
| 25 to 34 Years | 267 (47.6%) | 394 (44.1%) |
| 35 to 44 Years | 107 (18.3%) | 261 (25.4%) |
| 45 to 54 Years | 300 (36.6%) | 274 (23.9%) |
| 55 to 64 Years | 412 (33.2%) | 550 (36.5%) |
| 65 to 74 Years | 367 (27.2%) | 510 (35.4%) |
| 75 Years and over | 18 (3.1%) | 222 (26.2%) |
| Total | 2,357 (31.0%) | 3,296 (35.1%) |
Income Above Poverty by Sex and Age in McDowell County
According to the poverty statistics in McDowell County, males aged 75 years and over and females aged 15 years are the age groups that are most secure financially, with 96.9% of males and 88.2% of females in these age groups living above the poverty line.
| Age Bracket | Male | Female |
| Under 5 Years | 180 (44.9%) | 212 (42.7%) |
| 5 Years | 43 (35.5%) | 22 (12.4%) |
| 6 to 11 Years | 544 (64.8%) | 451 (74.3%) |
| 12 to 14 Years | 267 (79.0%) | 176 (70.1%) |
| 15 Years | 81 (77.9%) | 90 (88.2%) |
| 16 and 17 Years | 192 (91.9%) | 143 (62.2%) |
| 18 to 24 Years | 269 (59.8%) | 350 (52.7%) |
| 25 to 34 Years | 294 (52.4%) | 499 (55.9%) |
| 35 to 44 Years | 476 (81.7%) | 765 (74.6%) |
| 45 to 54 Years | 519 (63.4%) | 874 (76.1%) |
| 55 to 64 Years | 829 (66.8%) | 955 (63.5%) |
| 65 to 74 Years | 983 (72.8%) | 930 (64.6%) |
| 75 Years and over | 568 (96.9%) | 627 (73.9%) |
| Total | 5,245 (69.0%) | 6,094 (64.9%) |
Income Below Poverty Among Married-Couple Families in McDowell County
The poverty statistics for married-couple families in McDowell County show that 18.7% or 468 of the total 2,507 families live below the poverty line. Families with 1 or 2 children have the highest poverty rate of 33.9%, comprising of 149 families. On the other hand, families with 3 or 4 children have the lowest poverty rate of 0.0%, which includes 0 families.
| Children | Above Poverty | Below Poverty |
| No Children | 1,566 (83.1%) | 319 (16.9%) |
| 1 or 2 Children | 290 (66.1%) | 149 (33.9%) |
| 3 or 4 Children | 161 (100.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 5 or more Children | 22 (100.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Total | 2,039 (81.3%) | 468 (18.7%) |
Income Below Poverty Among Single-Parent Households in McDowell County
According to the poverty data in McDowell County, 54.2% or 244 single-father households and 40.7% or 490 single-mother households are living below the poverty line. Among single-father households, those with 3 or 4 children have the highest poverty rate, with 54 households (100.0%) experiencing poverty. Likewise, among single-mother households, those with 3 or 4 children have the highest poverty rate, with 64 households (100.0%) falling below the poverty line.
| Children | Single Father | Single Mother |
| No Children | 14 (8.6%) | 279 (40.0%) |
| 1 or 2 Children | 172 (75.1%) | 138 (31.9%) |
| 3 or 4 Children | 54 (100.0%) | 64 (100.0%) |
| 5 or more Children | 4 (100.0%) | 9 (100.0%) |
| Total | 244 (54.2%) | 490 (40.7%) |
Income Below Poverty Among Married-Couple vs Single-Parent Households in McDowell County
The poverty data for McDowell County shows that 468 of the married-couple family households (18.7%) and 734 of the single-parent households (44.4%) are living below the poverty level. Within the married-couple family households, those with 1 or 2 children have the highest poverty rate, with 149 households (33.9%) falling below the poverty line. Among the single-parent households, those with 3 or 4 children have the highest poverty rate, with 118 household (100.0%) living below poverty.
| Children | Married-Couple Families | Single-Parent Households |
| No Children | 319 (16.9%) | 293 (34.0%) |
| 1 or 2 Children | 149 (33.9%) | 310 (46.8%) |
| 3 or 4 Children | 0 (0.0%) | 118 (100.0%) |
| 5 or more Children | 0 (0.0%) | 13 (100.0%) |
| Total | 468 (18.7%) | 734 (44.4%) |
Employment Characteristics in McDowell County
Employment by Class of Employer in McDowell County
Among the 3,175 employed individuals in McDowell County, private company employees (1,813 | 57.1%), state government employees (626 | 19.7%), and not-for-profit organizations (355 | 11.2%) make up the most common classes of employment.
| Employer Class | # Employees | % Employees |
| Private Company Employees | 1,813 | 57.1% |
| Self-Employed (Incorporated) | 20 | 0.6% |
| Self-Employed (Not Incorporated) | 101 | 3.2% |
| Not-for-profit Organizations | 355 | 11.2% |
| Local Government Employees | 177 | 5.6% |
| State Government Employees | 626 | 19.7% |
| Federal Government Employees | 83 | 2.6% |
| Unpaid Family Workers | 0 | 0.0% |
| Total | 3,175 | 100.0% |
Employment Status by Age in McDowell County
According to the labor force statistics for McDowell County, out of the total population over 16 years of age (15,466), 25.2% or 3,897 individuals are in the labor force, with 15.1% or 588 of them unemployed. The age group with the highest labor force participation rate is 25 to 29 years, with 53.6% or 512 individuals in the labor force. Within the labor force, the 16 to 19 years age range has the highest percentage of unemployed individuals, with 57.7% or 79 of them being unemployed.
| Age Bracket | In Labor Force | Unemployed |
| 16 to 19 Years | 137 (17.5%) | 79 (57.7%) |
| 20 to 24 Years | 316 (35.4%) | 72 (22.8%) |
| 25 to 29 Years | 512 (53.6%) | 177 (34.6%) |
| 30 to 34 Years | 404 (40.1%) | 75 (18.6%) |
| 35 to 44 Years | 717 (30.8%) | 59 (8.2%) |
| 45 to 54 Years | 661 (29.6%) | 99 (15.0%) |
| 55 to 59 Years | 352 (29.3%) | 8 (2.3%) |
| 60 to 64 Years | 421 (24.9%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 65 to 74 Years | 312 (10.7%) | 19 (6.1%) |
| 75 Years and over | 64 (4.4%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Total | 3,897 (25.2%) | 588 (15.1%) |
Employment Status by Educational Attainment in McDowell County
According to labor force statistics for McDowell County, 32.6% of individuals (3,069) out of the total population between 25 and 64 years of age (9,415) are in the labor force, with 13.6% or 417 of them being unemployed. The group with the highest labor force participation rate are those with the educational attainment of bachelor's degree or higher, with 55.7% or 412 individuals in the labor force. Within the labor force, individuals with high school diploma education have the highest percentage of unemployment, with 25.3% or 376 of them being unemployed.
| Educational Attainment | In Labor Force | Unemployed |
| Less than High School | 280 (14.1%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| High School Diploma | 1,485 (29.6%) | 1,270 (25.3%) |
| College / Associate Degree | 892 (53.3%) | 80 (4.8%) |
| Bachelor's Degree or higher | 412 (55.7%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Total | 3,069 (32.6%) | 1,280 (13.6%) |
Employment Occupations by Sex in McDowell County
Management, Business, Science and Arts Occupations
The most common Management, Business, Science and Arts occupations in McDowell County are Community & Social Service (409 | 12.4%), Management (306 | 9.2%), Education, Arts & Media (177 | 5.3%), Education Instruction & Library (174 | 5.3%), and Health Diagnosing & Treating (148 | 4.5%).
Management, Business, Science and Arts Occupations by Sex
Within the Management, Business, Science and Arts occupations in McDowell County, the most male-oriented occupations are Computers & Mathematics (100.0%), Computers, Engineering & Science (70.9%), and Architecture & Engineering (54.9%), while the most female-oriented occupations are Business & Financial (100.0%), Education Instruction & Library (100.0%), and Arts, Media & Entertainment (100.0%).
| Occupation | Male | Female |
| Management | 106 (34.6%) | 200 (65.4%) |
| Business & Financial | 0 (0.0%) | 111 (100.0%) |
| Computers, Engineering & Science | 56 (70.9%) | 23 (29.1%) |
| Computers & Mathematics | 28 (100.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Architecture & Engineering | 28 (54.9%) | 23 (45.1%) |
| Life, Physical & Social Science | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Community & Social Service | 76 (18.6%) | 333 (81.4%) |
| Education, Arts & Media | 70 (39.6%) | 107 (60.5%) |
| Legal Services & Support | 6 (11.1%) | 48 (88.9%) |
| Education Instruction & Library | 0 (0.0%) | 174 (100.0%) |
| Arts, Media & Entertainment | 0 (0.0%) | 4 (100.0%) |
| Health Diagnosing & Treating | 5 (3.4%) | 143 (96.6%) |
| Health Technologists | 5 (7.3%) | 63 (92.6%) |
| Total (Category) | 243 (23.1%) | 810 (76.9%) |
| Total (Overall) | 1,345 (40.6%) | 1,964 (59.4%) |
Services Occupations
The most common Services occupations in McDowell County are Healthcare Support (245 | 7.4%), Security & Protection (194 | 5.9%), Food Preparation & Serving (168 | 5.1%), Firefighting & Prevention (155 | 4.7%), and Personal Care & Service (87 | 2.6%).
Services Occupations by Sex
Within the Services occupations in McDowell County, the most male-oriented occupations are Firefighting & Prevention (76.8%), Security & Protection (71.7%), and Cleaning & Maintenance (64.4%), while the most female-oriented occupations are Healthcare Support (98.4%), Food Preparation & Serving (90.5%), and Personal Care & Service (89.7%).
| Occupation | Male | Female |
| Healthcare Support | 4 (1.6%) | 241 (98.4%) |
| Security & Protection | 139 (71.7%) | 55 (28.3%) |
| Firefighting & Prevention | 119 (76.8%) | 36 (23.2%) |
| Law Enforcement | 20 (51.3%) | 19 (48.7%) |
| Food Preparation & Serving | 16 (9.5%) | 152 (90.5%) |
| Cleaning & Maintenance | 38 (64.4%) | 21 (35.6%) |
| Personal Care & Service | 9 (10.3%) | 78 (89.7%) |
| Total (Category) | 206 (27.4%) | 547 (72.6%) |
| Total (Overall) | 1,345 (40.6%) | 1,964 (59.4%) |
Sales and Office Occupations
The most common Sales and Office occupations in McDowell County are Office & Administration (435 | 13.2%), and Sales & Related (276 | 8.3%).
Sales and Office Occupations by Sex
| Occupation | Male | Female |
| Sales & Related | 55 (19.9%) | 221 (80.1%) |
| Office & Administration | 153 (35.2%) | 282 (64.8%) |
| Total (Category) | 208 (29.2%) | 503 (70.8%) |
| Total (Overall) | 1,345 (40.6%) | 1,964 (59.4%) |
Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance Occupations
The most common Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance occupations in McDowell County are Construction & Extraction (282 | 8.5%), and Installation, Maintenance & Repair (50 | 1.5%).
Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance Occupations by Sex
| Occupation | Male | Female |
| Farming, Fishing & Forestry | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Construction & Extraction | 282 (100.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Installation, Maintenance & Repair | 50 (100.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Total (Category) | 332 (100.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Total (Overall) | 1,345 (40.6%) | 1,964 (59.4%) |
Production, Transportation and Moving Occupations
The most common Production, Transportation and Moving occupations in McDowell County are Transportation (279 | 8.4%), Material Moving (127 | 3.8%), and Production (54 | 1.6%).
Production, Transportation and Moving Occupations by Sex
| Occupation | Male | Female |
| Production | 54 (100.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Transportation | 181 (64.9%) | 98 (35.1%) |
| Material Moving | 121 (95.3%) | 6 (4.7%) |
| Total (Category) | 356 (77.4%) | 104 (22.6%) |
| Total (Overall) | 1,345 (40.6%) | 1,964 (59.4%) |
Employment Industries by Sex in McDowell County
Employment Industries in McDowell County
The major employment industries in McDowell County include Health Care & Social Assistance (819 | 24.7%), Mining, Quarrying, & Extraction (371 | 11.2%), Public Administration (360 | 10.9%), Educational Services (318 | 9.6%), and Retail Trade (275 | 8.3%).
Employment Industries by Sex in McDowell County
The McDowell County industries that see more men than women are Wholesale Trade (100.0%), Utilities (100.0%), and Real Estate, Rental & Leasing (100.0%), whereas the industries that tend to have a higher number of women are Health Care & Social Assistance (92.5%), Educational Services (89.0%), and Finance & Insurance (76.8%).
| Industry | Male | Female |
| Agriculture, Fishing & Hunting | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Mining, Quarrying, & Extraction | 335 (90.3%) | 36 (9.7%) |
| Construction | 63 (58.9%) | 44 (41.1%) |
| Manufacturing | 149 (94.9%) | 8 (5.1%) |
| Wholesale Trade | 7 (100.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Retail Trade | 86 (31.3%) | 189 (68.7%) |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 72 (86.8%) | 11 (13.3%) |
| Utilities | 9 (100.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Information | 15 (65.2%) | 8 (34.8%) |
| Finance & Insurance | 32 (23.2%) | 106 (76.8%) |
| Real Estate, Rental & Leasing | 40 (100.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Professional & Scientific | 18 (29.0%) | 44 (71.0%) |
| Enterprise Management | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Administrative & Support | 213 (97.7%) | 5 (2.3%) |
| Educational Services | 35 (11.0%) | 283 (89.0%) |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | 61 (7.4%) | 758 (92.5%) |
| Arts, Entertainment & Recreation | 19 (36.5%) | 33 (63.5%) |
| Accommodation & Food Services | 12 (26.1%) | 34 (73.9%) |
| Public Administration | 99 (27.5%) | 261 (72.5%) |
| Total | 1,345 (40.6%) | 1,964 (59.4%) |
Education in McDowell County
School Enrollment in McDowell County
The most common levels of schooling among the 3,504 students in McDowell County are elementary school (1,060 | 30.2%), high school (944 | 26.9%), and middle school (659 | 18.8%).
| School Level | # Students | % Students |
| Nursery / Preschool | 88 | 2.5% |
| Kindergarten | 260 | 7.4% |
| Elementary School | 1,060 | 30.2% |
| Middle School | 659 | 18.8% |
| High School | 944 | 26.9% |
| College / Undergraduate | 473 | 13.5% |
| Graduate / Professional | 20 | 0.6% |
| Total | 3,504 | 100.0% |
School Enrollment by Age by Funding Source in McDowell County
Out of a total of 3,504 students who are enrolled in schools in McDowell County, 382 (10.9%) attend a private institution, while the remaining 3,122 (89.1%) are enrolled in public schools. The age group of 18 to 19 year olds has the highest likelihood of being enrolled in private schools, with 68 (33.7% in the age bracket) enrolled. Conversely, the age group of 3 to 4 year olds has the lowest likelihood of being enrolled in a private school, with 43 (100.0% in the age bracket) attending a public institution.
| Age Bracket | Public School | Private School |
| 3 to 4 Year Olds | 43 (100.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 5 to 9 Year Old | 1,071 (93.0%) | 80 (7.0%) |
| 10 to 14 Year Olds | 949 (94.3%) | 57 (5.7%) |
| 15 to 17 Year Olds | 551 (87.7%) | 77 (12.3%) |
| 18 to 19 Year Olds | 134 (66.3%) | 68 (33.7%) |
| 20 to 24 Year Olds | 177 (79.0%) | 47 (21.0%) |
| 25 to 34 Year Olds | 92 (77.3%) | 27 (22.7%) |
| 35 Years and over | 104 (79.4%) | 27 (20.6%) |
| Total | 3,122 (89.1%) | 382 (10.9%) |
Educational Attainment by Field of Study in McDowell County
Education (320 | 31.9%), science & technology (175 | 17.5%), business (158 | 15.8%), liberal arts & history (92 | 9.2%), and social sciences (60 | 6.0%) are the most common fields of study among 1,002 individuals in McDowell County who have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher.
| Field of Study | # Graduates | % Graduates |
| Computers & Mathematics | 20 | 2.0% |
| Bio, Nature & Agricultural | 22 | 2.2% |
| Physical & Health Sciences | 26 | 2.6% |
| Psychology | 40 | 4.0% |
| Social Sciences | 60 | 6.0% |
| Engineering | 26 | 2.6% |
| Multidisciplinary Studies | 0 | 0.0% |
| Science & Technology | 175 | 17.5% |
| Business | 158 | 15.8% |
| Education | 320 | 31.9% |
| Literature & Languages | 3 | 0.3% |
| Liberal Arts & History | 92 | 9.2% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 0 | 0.0% |
| Communications | 0 | 0.0% |
| Arts & Humanities | 60 | 6.0% |
| Total | 1,002 | 100.0% |
Transportation & Commute in McDowell County
Vehicle Availability by Sex in McDowell County
The most prevalent vehicle ownership categories in McDowell County are males with 2 vehicles (432, accounting for 33.3%) and females with 2 vehicles (825, making up 23.0%).
| Vehicles Available | Male | Female |
| No Vehicle | 43 (3.3%) | 7 (0.4%) |
| 1 Vehicle | 300 (23.1%) | 576 (30.7%) |
| 2 Vehicles | 432 (33.3%) | 825 (44.0%) |
| 3 Vehicles | 387 (29.8%) | 249 (13.3%) |
| 4 Vehicles | 113 (8.7%) | 181 (9.7%) |
| 5 or more Vehicles | 23 (1.8%) | 38 (2.0%) |
| Total | 1,298 (100.0%) | 1,876 (100.0%) |
Commute Time in McDowell County
The most frequently occuring commute durations in McDowell County are 45 to 59 minutes (440 commuters, 14.5%), 60 to 89 minutes (435 commuters, 14.4%), and 5 to 9 minutes (424 commuters, 14.0%).
| Commute Time | # Commuters | % Commuters |
| Less than 5 Minutes | 191 | 6.3% |
| 5 to 9 Minutes | 424 | 14.0% |
| 10 to 14 Minutes | 291 | 9.6% |
| 15 to 19 Minutes | 145 | 4.8% |
| 20 to 24 Minutes | 228 | 7.5% |
| 25 to 29 Minutes | 116 | 3.8% |
| 30 to 34 Minutes | 396 | 13.1% |
| 35 to 39 Minutes | 59 | 1.9% |
| 40 to 44 Minutes | 142 | 4.7% |
| 45 to 59 Minutes | 440 | 14.5% |
| 60 to 89 Minutes | 435 | 14.4% |
| 90 or more Minutes | 160 | 5.3% |
Commute Time by Sex in McDowell County
The most common commute times in McDowell County are 60 to 89 minutes (328 commuters, 26.1%) for males and 45 to 59 minutes (327 commuters, 18.5%) for females.
| Commute Time | Male | Female |
| Less than 5 Minutes | 70 (5.6%) | 121 (6.8%) |
| 5 to 9 Minutes | 175 (13.9%) | 249 (14.1%) |
| 10 to 14 Minutes | 191 (15.2%) | 100 (5.7%) |
| 15 to 19 Minutes | 18 (1.4%) | 127 (7.2%) |
| 20 to 24 Minutes | 68 (5.4%) | 160 (9.0%) |
| 25 to 29 Minutes | 23 (1.8%) | 93 (5.3%) |
| 30 to 34 Minutes | 128 (10.2%) | 268 (15.1%) |
| 35 to 39 Minutes | 4 (0.3%) | 55 (3.1%) |
| 40 to 44 Minutes | 58 (4.6%) | 84 (4.8%) |
| 45 to 59 Minutes | 113 (9.0%) | 327 (18.5%) |
| 60 to 89 Minutes | 328 (26.1%) | 107 (6.0%) |
| 90 or more Minutes | 82 (6.5%) | 78 (4.4%) |
Time of Departure to Work by Sex in McDowell County
The most frequent times of departure to work in McDowell County are 6:00 AM to 6:29 AM (223, 17.7%) for males and 8:00 AM to 8:29 AM (327, 18.5%) for females.
| Time of Departure | Male | Female |
| 12:00 AM to 4:59 AM | 67 (5.3%) | 102 (5.8%) |
| 5:00 AM to 5:29 AM | 129 (10.2%) | 72 (4.1%) |
| 5:30 AM to 5:59 AM | 31 (2.5%) | 57 (3.2%) |
| 6:00 AM to 6:29 AM | 223 (17.7%) | 155 (8.8%) |
| 6:30 AM to 6:59 AM | 17 (1.3%) | 137 (7.7%) |
| 7:00 AM to 7:29 AM | 189 (15.0%) | 215 (12.1%) |
| 7:30 AM to 7:59 AM | 45 (3.6%) | 298 (16.9%) |
| 8:00 AM to 8:29 AM | 135 (10.7%) | 327 (18.5%) |
| 8:30 AM to 8:59 AM | 25 (2.0%) | 122 (6.9%) |
| 9:00 AM to 9:59 AM | 40 (3.2%) | 115 (6.5%) |
| 10:00 AM to 10:59 AM | 78 (6.2%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 11:00 AM to 11:59 AM | 0 (0.0%) | 18 (1.0%) |
| 12:00 PM to 3:59 PM | 137 (10.9%) | 116 (6.6%) |
| 4:00 PM to 11:59 PM | 142 (11.3%) | 35 (2.0%) |
| Total | 1,258 (100.0%) | 1,769 (100.0%) |
Housing Occupancy in McDowell County
Occupancy by Ownership in McDowell County
Of the total 6,547 dwellings in McDowell County, owner-occupied units account for 5,046 (77.1%), while renter-occupied units make up 1,501 (22.9%).
| Occupancy | # Housing Units | % Housing Units |
| Owner Occupied Housing Units | 5,046 | 77.1% |
| Renter-Occupied Housing Units | 1,501 | 22.9% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units | 6,547 | 100.0% |
Occupancy by Household Size in McDowell County
| Household Size | # Housing Units | % Housing Units |
| 1-Person Household | 2,318 | 35.4% |
| 2-Person Household | 2,491 | 38.1% |
| 3-Person Household | 832 | 12.7% |
| 4+ Person Household | 906 | 13.8% |
| Total Housing Units | 6,547 | 100.0% |
Occupancy by Ownership by Household Size in McDowell County
| Household Size | Owner-occupied | Renter-occupied |
| 1-Person Household | 1,606 (69.3%) | 712 (30.7%) |
| 2-Person Household | 2,059 (82.7%) | 432 (17.3%) |
| 3-Person Household | 680 (81.7%) | 152 (18.3%) |
| 4+ Person Household | 701 (77.4%) | 205 (22.6%) |
| Total Housing Units | 5,046 (77.1%) | 1,501 (22.9%) |
Occupancy by Educational Attainment in McDowell County
| Household Size | Owner-occupied | Renter-occupied |
| Less than High School | 1,225 (79.5%) | 315 (20.4%) |
| High School Diploma | 2,504 (74.6%) | 853 (25.4%) |
| College/Associate Degree | 1,024 (80.4%) | 250 (19.6%) |
| Bachelor's Degree or higher | 293 (77.9%) | 83 (22.1%) |
Occupancy by Age of Householder in McDowell County
| Age Bracket | # Households | % Households |
| Under 35 Years | 639 | 9.8% |
| 35 to 44 Years | 661 | 10.1% |
| 45 to 54 Years | 894 | 13.7% |
| 55 to 64 Years | 1,620 | 24.7% |
| 65 to 74 Years | 1,700 | 26.0% |
| 75 to 84 Years | 757 | 11.6% |
| 85 Years and Over | 276 | 4.2% |
| Total | 6,547 | 100.0% |
Housing Finances in McDowell County
Median Income by Occupancy in McDowell County
| Occupancy Type | # Households | Median Income |
| Owner-Occupied | 5,046 (77.1%) | $33,633 |
| Renter-Occupied | 1,501 (22.9%) | $14,491 |
| Average | 6,547 (100.0%) | $28,235 |
Occupancy by Householder Income Bracket in McDowell County
| Income Bracket | Owner-occupied | Renter-occupied |
| Less than $5,000 | 333 (6.6%) | 299 (19.9%) |
| $5,000 to $9,999 | 204 (4.0%) | 87 (5.8%) |
| $10,000 to $14,999 | 596 (11.8%) | 394 (26.3%) |
| $15,000 to $19,999 | 380 (7.5%) | 58 (3.9%) |
| $20,000 to $24,999 | 475 (9.4%) | 97 (6.5%) |
| $25,000 to $34,999 | 611 (12.1%) | 290 (19.3%) |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 675 (13.4%) | 83 (5.5%) |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 778 (15.4%) | 81 (5.4%) |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 491 (9.7%) | 29 (1.9%) |
| $100,000 to $149,999 | 417 (8.3%) | 83 (5.5%) |
| $150,000 or more | 86 (1.7%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Total | 5,046 (100.0%) | 1,501 (100.0%) |
Monthly Housing Cost Tiers in McDowell County
| Monthly Cost | Owner-occupied | Renter-occupied |
| Less than $300 | 1,838 (36.4%) | 54 (3.6%) |
| $300 to $499 | 2,074 (41.1%) | 250 (16.7%) |
| $500 to $799 | 678 (13.4%) | 419 (27.9%) |
| $800 to $999 | 301 (6.0%) | 178 (11.9%) |
| $1,000 to $1,499 | 154 (3.0%) | 116 (7.7%) |
| $1,500 to $1,999 | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| $2,000 to $2,499 | 1 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| $2,500 to $2,999 | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| $3,000 or more | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Total | 5,046 (100.0%) | 1,501 (100.0%) |
Physical Housing Characteristics in McDowell County
Housing Structures in McDowell County
| Structure Type | # Housing Units | % Housing Units |
| Single Unit, Detached | 4,808 | 73.4% |
| Single Unit, Attached | 143 | 2.2% |
| 2 Unit Apartments | 140 | 2.1% |
| 3 or 4 Unit Apartments | 20 | 0.3% |
| 5 to 9 Unit Apartments | 13 | 0.2% |
| 10 or more Apartments | 84 | 1.3% |
| Mobile Home / Other | 1,339 | 20.4% |
| Total | 6,547 | 100.0% |
Housing Structures by Occupancy in McDowell County
| Structure Type | Owner-occupied | Renter-occupied |
| Single Unit, Detached | 4,018 (83.6%) | 790 (16.4%) |
| Single Unit, Attached | 57 (39.9%) | 86 (60.1%) |
| 2 Unit Apartments | 0 (0.0%) | 140 (100.0%) |
| 3 or 4 Unit Apartments | 0 (0.0%) | 20 (100.0%) |
| 5 to 9 Unit Apartments | 0 (0.0%) | 13 (100.0%) |
| 10 or more Apartments | 0 (0.0%) | 84 (100.0%) |
| Mobile Home / Other | 971 (72.5%) | 368 (27.5%) |
| Total | 5,046 (77.1%) | 1,501 (22.9%) |
Housing Structures by Number of Rooms in McDowell County
| Number of Rooms | Owner-occupied | Renter-occupied |
| 1 Room | 0 (0.0%) | 25 (1.7%) |
| 2 or 3 Rooms | 13 (0.3%) | 80 (5.3%) |
| 4 or 5 Rooms | 1,709 (33.9%) | 882 (58.8%) |
| 6 or 7 Rooms | 2,337 (46.3%) | 403 (26.9%) |
| 8 or more Rooms | 987 (19.6%) | 111 (7.4%) |
| Total | 5,046 (100.0%) | 1,501 (100.0%) |
Housing Structure by Heating Type in McDowell County
| Heating Type | Owner-occupied | Renter-occupied |
| Utility Gas | 508 (10.1%) | 130 (8.7%) |
| Bottled, Tank, or LP Gas | 233 (4.6%) | 44 (2.9%) |
| Electricity | 3,427 (67.9%) | 1,051 (70.0%) |
| Fuel Oil or Kerosene | 240 (4.8%) | 85 (5.7%) |
| Coal or Coke | 255 (5.1%) | 117 (7.8%) |
| All other Fuels | 370 (7.3%) | 74 (4.9%) |
| No Fuel Used | 13 (0.3%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Total | 5,046 (100.0%) | 1,501 (100.0%) |
Household Vehicle Usage in McDowell County
| Vehicles per Household | Owner-occupied | Renter-occupied |
| No Vehicle | 331 (6.6%) | 315 (21.0%) |
| 1 Vehicle | 1,782 (35.3%) | 835 (55.6%) |
| 2 Vehicles | 1,880 (37.3%) | 263 (17.5%) |
| 3 or more Vehicles | 1,053 (20.9%) | 88 (5.9%) |
| Total | 5,046 (100.0%) | 1,501 (100.0%) |
Real Estate & Mortgages in McDowell County
Real Estate and Mortgage Overview in McDowell County
| Characteristic | Without Mortgage | With Mortgage |
| Housing Units | 4,470 | 576 |
| Median Property Value | $40,500 | $72,200 |
| Median Household Income | $30,575 | $33 |
| Monthly Housing Costs | $333 | $0 |
| Real Estate Taxes | $247 | $47 |
Property Value by Mortgage Status in McDowell County
| Property Value | Without Mortgage | With Mortgage |
| Less than $50,000 | 2,462 (55.1%) | 120 (20.8%) |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 1,348 (30.2%) | 358 (62.2%) |
| $100,000 to $299,999 | 573 (12.8%) | 96 (16.7%) |
| $300,000 to $499,999 | 17 (0.4%) | 2 (0.4%) |
| $500,000 to $749,999 | 70 (1.6%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| $750,000 to $999,999 | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Total | 4,470 (100.0%) | 576 (100.0%) |
Household Income by Mortgage Status in McDowell County
| Household Income | Without Mortgage | With Mortgage |
| Less than $10,000 | 519 (11.6%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| $10,000 to $24,999 | 1,360 (30.4%) | 18 (3.1%) |
| $25,000 to $34,999 | 554 (12.4%) | 91 (15.8%) |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 558 (12.5%) | 57 (9.9%) |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 654 (14.6%) | 117 (20.3%) |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 400 (8.9%) | 124 (21.5%) |
| $100,000 to $149,999 | 372 (8.3%) | 91 (15.8%) |
| $150,000 or more | 53 (1.2%) | 45 (7.8%) |
| Total | 4,470 (100.0%) | 576 (100.0%) |
Property Value to Household Income Ratio in McDowell County
| Value-to-Income Ratio | Without Mortgage | With Mortgage |
| Less than 2.0x | 2,787 (62.4%) | 52,931 (9,189.4%) |
| 2.0x to 2.9x | 597 (13.4%) | 356 (61.8%) |
| 3.0x to 3.9x | 249 (5.6%) | 138 (24.0%) |
| 4.0x or more | 642 (14.4%) | 16 (2.8%) |
| Total | 4,470 (100.0%) | 576 (100.0%) |
Real Estate Taxes by Mortgage Status in McDowell County
| Property Taxes | Without Mortgage | With Mortgage |
| Less than $800 | 2,483 (55.5%) | 8 (1.4%) |
| $800 to $1,499 | 81 (1.8%) | 424 (73.6%) |
| $800 to $1,499 | 44 (1.0%) | 94 (16.3%) |
| Total | 4,470 (100.0%) | 576 (100.0%) |
Health & Disability in McDowell County
Health Insurance Coverage by Age in McDowell County
| Age Bracket | With Coverage | Without Coverage |
| Under 6 Years | 1,079 (90.1%) | 118 (9.9%) |
| 6 to 18 Years | 2,748 (95.6%) | 127 (4.4%) |
| 19 to 25 Years | 824 (81.5%) | 187 (18.5%) |
| 26 to 34 Years | 1,202 (87.8%) | 167 (12.2%) |
| 35 to 44 Years | 1,496 (93.0%) | 113 (7.0%) |
| 45 to 54 Years | 1,716 (87.2%) | 251 (12.8%) |
| 55 to 64 Years | 2,541 (92.5%) | 205 (7.5%) |
| 65 to 74 Years | 2,731 (97.9%) | 59 (2.1%) |
| 75 Years and older | 1,435 (100.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| Total | 15,772 (92.8%) | 1,227 (7.2%) |
Health Insurance Coverage by Citizenship Status in McDowell County
| Citizenship Status | With Coverage | Without Coverage |
| Native Born | 1,079 (90.1%) | 118 (9.9%) |
| Foreign Born, Citizen | 2,748 (95.6%) | 127 (4.4%) |
| Foreign Born, not a Citizen | 824 (81.5%) | 187 (18.5%) |
Health Insurance Coverage by Household Income in McDowell County
| Household Income | With Coverage | Without Coverage |
| Under $25,000 | 5,674 (89.8%) | 642 (10.2%) |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 3,809 (93.1%) | 283 (6.9%) |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 2,418 (91.9%) | 214 (8.1%) |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 1,768 (96.2%) | 69 (3.8%) |
| $100,000 and over | 2,063 (99.2%) | 17 (0.8%) |
Public vs Private Health Insurance Coverage by Age in McDowell County
| Age Bracket | Public Insurance | Private Insurance |
| Under 6 | 1,004 (83.9%) | 95 (7.9%) |
| 6 to 18 Years | 2,104 (73.2%) | 644 (22.4%) |
| 19 to 25 Years | 569 (56.3%) | 268 (26.5%) |
| 25 to 34 Years | 911 (66.5%) | 367 (26.8%) |
| 35 to 44 Years | 1,010 (62.8%) | 613 (38.1%) |
| 45 to 54 Years | 1,191 (60.6%) | 752 (38.2%) |
| 55 to 64 Years | 1,552 (56.5%) | 1,232 (44.9%) |
| 65 to 74 Years | 2,673 (95.8%) | 1,068 (38.3%) |
| 75 Years and over | 1,435 (100.0%) | 705 (49.1%) |
| Total | 12,449 (73.2%) | 5,744 (33.8%) |
Disability Status by Sex by Age in McDowell County
| Age Bracket | Male | Female |
| Under 5 Years | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 5 to 17 Years | 171 (10.6%) | 95 (6.9%) |
| 18 to 34 Years | 90 (8.9%) | 181 (11.6%) |
| 35 to 64 Years | 1,004 (38.0%) | 1,210 (32.9%) |
| 65 to 74 Years | 754 (55.8%) | 813 (56.5%) |
| 75 Years and over | 391 (66.7%) | 393 (46.3%) |
Disability Class by Sex by Age in McDowell County
Disability Class: Hearing Difficulty
| Age Bracket | Male | Female |
| Under 5 Years | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 5 to 17 Years | 36 (2.2%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 18 to 34 Years | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 35 to 64 Years | 377 (14.3%) | 249 (6.8%) |
| 65 to 74 Years | 382 (28.3%) | 249 (17.3%) |
| 75 Years and over | 276 (47.1%) | 224 (26.4%) |
Disability Class: Vision Difficulty
| Age Bracket | Male | Female |
| Under 5 Years | 0 (0.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 5 to 17 Years | 121 (7.5%) | 26 (1.9%) |
| 18 to 34 Years | 32 (3.2%) | 153 (9.8%) |
| 35 to 64 Years | 287 (10.9%) | 451 (12.3%) |
| 65 to 74 Years | 191 (14.1%) | 262 (18.2%) |
| 75 Years and over | 129 (22.0%) | 120 (14.1%) |
Disability Class: Cognitive Difficulty
| Age Bracket | Male | Female |
| 5 to 17 Years | 86 (5.3%) | 41 (3.0%) |
| 18 to 34 Years | 27 (2.7%) | 16 (1.0%) |
| 35 to 64 Years | 383 (14.5%) | 516 (14.0%) |
| 65 to 74 Years | 185 (13.7%) | 182 (12.6%) |
| 75 Years and over | 144 (24.6%) | 159 (18.7%) |
Disability Class: Ambulatory Difficulty
| Age Bracket | Male | Female |
| 5 to 17 Years | 71 (4.4%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 18 to 34 Years | 51 (5.0%) | 0 (0.0%) |
| 35 to 64 Years | 649 (24.6%) | 727 (19.8%) |
| 65 to 74 Years | 498 (36.9%) | 683 (47.4%) |
| 75 Years and over | 200 (34.1%) | 189 (22.3%) |
Disability Class: Self-Care Difficulty
| Age Bracket | Male | Female |
| 5 to 17 Years | 63 (3.9%) | 47 (3.4%) |
| 18 to 34 Years | 0 (0.0%) | 21 (1.3%) |
| 35 to 64 Years | 278 (10.5%) | 223 (6.1%) |
| 65 to 74 Years | 20 (1.5%) | 282 (19.6%) |
| 75 Years and over | 46 (7.9%) | 106 (12.5%) |
Technology Access in McDowell County
Computing Device Access in McDowell County
| Device Type | # Households | % Households |
| Desktop or Laptop | 3,839 | 58.6% |
| Smartphone | 3,883 | 59.3% |
| Tablet | 3,219 | 49.2% |
| No Computing Device | 1,145 | 17.5% |
| Total | 6,547 | 100.0% |
Internet Access in McDowell County
| Internet Type | # Households | % Households |
| Dial-Up Internet | 12 | 0.2% |
| Broadband Home | 4,339 | 66.3% |
| Cellular Data Only | 546 | 8.3% |
| Satellite Internet | 307 | 4.7% |
| No Internet | 1,358 | 20.7% |
| Total | 6,547 | 100.0% |
McDowell County Summary
McDowell County, West Virginia is located in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States. It is the southernmost county in the state and is bordered by Wyoming, Mercer, and Tazewell counties. The county seat is Welch, and the county was named after James McDowell, the Governor of Virginia from 1843 to 1846.
History
McDowell County was formed in 1858 from parts of Tazewell and Wyoming counties. The county was originally part of the state of Virginia, and was one of the first counties to be formed after West Virginia became a state in 1863. The county was named after James McDowell, the Governor of Virginia from 1843 to 1846.
The county was home to several Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, Cherokee, and Iroquois. The first European settlers arrived in the area in the late 1700s, and the county was officially established in 1858.
The county was a major coal-producing region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The coal industry was the main source of employment for the county’s residents, and the county was home to several large coal companies. The coal industry declined in the mid-20th century, and the county’s population has declined since then.
Geography
McDowell County is located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. It is bordered by Wyoming, Mercer, and Tazewell counties. The county is located in the southern part of the state, and is approximately 100 miles from the state capital of Charleston.
The county has a total area of 517 square miles, of which 514 square miles is land and 3 square miles is water. The county is mostly mountainous, with the highest point being Big Sandy Mountain at 4,848 feet. The county is home to several rivers, including the Tug Fork, Guyandotte, and Big Sandy.
Economy
McDowell County’s economy is largely based on the coal industry. The county is home to several large coal companies, including Alpha Natural Resources, Arch Coal, and Patriot Coal. The county is also home to several small businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, and service providers.
The county’s unemployment rate was 8.2% in 2019, which is higher than the national average of 3.7%. The median household income in the county was $27,845 in 2019, which is lower than the national average of $68,703.
Demographics
McDowell County had a population of 22,113 in 2019, which is a decrease of 8.3% from the 2010 census. The population is spread out with 49.3% male and 50.7% female. The median age in the county is 43.3 years, and the median household income is $27,845.
The racial makeup of the county is 97.2% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. The largest ancestry groups in the county are English (25.3%), German (17.2%), Irish (14.2%), and American (13.2%).
McDowell County is home to several religious denominations, including Baptist (25.2%), Methodist (17.2%), and Catholic (14.2%). The county is also home to several educational institutions, including the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Mountain Empire Community College, and the McDowell County Career and Technical Center.
Common Questions
What is the Total Population of McDowell County?
Total Population of McDowell County is 18,911.
What is the Total Male Population of McDowell County?
Total Male Population of McDowell County is 9,428.
What is the Total Female Population of McDowell County?
Total Female Population of McDowell County is 9,483.
What is the Ratio of Males per 100 Females in McDowell County?
There are 99.42 Males per 100 Females in McDowell County.
What is the Ratio of Females per 100 Males in McDowell County?
There are 100.58 Females per 100 Males in McDowell County.
What is the Median Population Age in McDowell County?
Median Population Age in McDowell County is 45.3 Years.
What is the Average Family Size in McDowell County
Average Family Size in McDowell County is 3.4 People.
What is the Average Household Size in McDowell County
Average Household Size in McDowell County is 2.6 People.
What is Per Capita Income in McDowell County?
Per Capita income in McDowell County is $15,353.
What is the Median Family Income in McDowell County?
Median Family Income in McDowell County is $37,380.
What is the Median Household income in McDowell County?
Median Household Income in McDowell County is $28,235.
What is Income or Wage Gap in McDowell County?
Income or Wage Gap in McDowell County is 17.8%.
Women in McDowell County earn 82.2 cents for every dollar earned by a man.
What is Family Income Deficit in McDowell County?
Family Income Deficit in McDowell County is $12,467.
Families that are below poverty line in McDowell County earn $12,467 less on average than the poverty threshold level.
What is Inequality or Gini Index in McDowell County?
Inequality or Gini Index in McDowell County is 0.48.
How Large is the Labor Force in McDowell County?
There are 3,897 People in the Labor Forcein in McDowell County.
What is the Percentage of People in the Labor Force in McDowell County?
25.2% of People are in the Labor Force in McDowell County.
What is the Unemployment Rate in McDowell County?
Unemployment Rate in McDowell County is 15.1%.