Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Beards Fork, WV
Considering a move to Beards Fork, WV? This quiet community of about 170 people offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home prices around $52,000 and average rents near $620. Residents enjoy a reasonable commute of 27 minutes, a cost of living well below the national average, and a peaceful rural setting. While crime rates are moderate for the region, you'll find friendly neighbors and access to public schools and a nearby hospital. Expect four distinct seasons, low population density, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Demographics - Beards Fork, WV
Demographics - Beards Fork, WV
Beards Fork is a small, close-knit community with a population of about 170 people and a median age of 44, reflecting a mature resident base. The town is predominantly White, with a nearly even gender balance and very few non-English speakers, contributing to its intimate and familiar atmosphere.
Population:
170
Density:
115 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
1.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
4.1%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Beards Fork, WV?
The cost of living in Beards Fork is significantly below the national average, with a median home value of $52,000 and typical rents around $620 per month. Affordable utilities and moderate state taxes make managing everyday expenses easier for residents.
Median House Value:
$52,000
Gross Rent:
$620
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$295
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.4
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
54.5
Utilities:
103.1
Transportation:
82.0
Health Care:
87.3
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Beards Fork, WV a safe place to live?
Beards Fork experiences moderate crime for its region, with a property crime rate of 1,650 per 100,000 people and a violent crime chance of 1 in 357. While precautions are wise, most residents enjoy a generally peaceful, small-town environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
280
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,650
Crime Index:
1,930
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 357
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 61
Weather
What is the weather like in Beards Fork, WV year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and chilly winters dipping to 23°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine just over half the year, offering a balanced climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in Beards Fork have a median income of $31,200, and while a notable 27.5% poverty rate exists, neighbors value community connections and rural life. Most adults have a high school diploma, and commutes average around 27 minutes, reflecting the town's quiet, spread-out nature.
Median Income:
$23,500
Household Income:
$31,200
Family Income:
$36,800
Per Capita Income:
$16,200
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$21,500
Poverty Rate:
27.5%
Non English Speakers:
1.5%
Rent:
$620
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
27.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81.4%
Bachelors or More:
10.2%
Education
How are the schools in Beards Fork, WV?
Local students attend public schools such as Oak Hill High School and Valley PK-8, both offering reasonable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is accessible through the nearby West Virginia University Institute of Technology, just 18 miles away in Beckley.

Public Schools
Name:
Oak Hill High School
Street:
350 W Oyler Ave
Phone:
304-469-2911
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Valley PK-8 School
Street:
98 Panther Dr, Smithers, WV 25186
Phone:
304-442-8284
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8

Colleges
Name:
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
City:
Beckley
State:
WV
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
1,600
Healthcare
Beards Fork residents have access to Plateau Medical Center, a general hospital with emergency services located nearby in Oak Hill. Health insurance coverage is high at nearly 90%, and local healthcare resources provide basic medical support for the population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Plateau Medical Center
Address:
430 Main St, Oak Hill, WV 25901
Phone:
(304) 469-8600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
65.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Beards Fork, WV?
The housing market is very affordable, with a median home price of just $52,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $620. Owner-occupancy rates are high, making Beards Fork appealing for those seeking stable, budget-friendly homeownership in a rural setting.
Median Home Price:
$52,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$620
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Beards Fork residents are provided by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office conveniently located in Charleston. Residents can access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other DMV services both in person and online.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5707 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone:
1-800-642-9066
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.