Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Beckley, WV
Considering a move to Beckley, WV? With a friendly population of 16,033 and a notably affordable median home price of $102,500, Beckley offers a small-town feel with reasonable living costs. Average rent is just $750, and typical commutes are a quick 19 minutes. While the city has a slightly higher property crime rate, residents enjoy four seasons, ample sunshine, and nearby educational institutions like WVU Tech. Explore more about Beckley’s cost of living, schools, and local amenities below.
Demographics - Beckley, WV
Demographics - Beckley, WV
Beckley is home to about 16,000 residents, featuring a median age of 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White (75%), with a significant Black community and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, creating a diverse yet close-knit atmosphere. Its moderate population density adds to the small-town charm while maintaining a blend of cultures.
Population:
16,033
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.0
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.3%
Black:
16.8%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
6.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Beckley, WV?
Beckley offers an affordable lifestyle with a median home value of $102,500 and average rent around $750, making it attractive for both homeowners and renters. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, allowing residents to enjoy lower housing and grocery expenses. Utilities and healthcare remain reasonably priced, helping budget-conscious families make the most of their money.
Median House Value:
$102,500
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
74.1
Grocery:
92.2
Housing:
49.5
Utilities:
100.7
Transportation:
81.2
Health Care:
93.4
Miscellaneous:
88.5
Crime
Is Beckley, WV a safe place to live?
While Beckley maintains a welcoming community, property crime rates are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 29 chance, while violent crime remains less frequent at about 1 in 260. Residents are encouraged to take standard safety precautions. Local law enforcement works proactively to maintain neighborhood security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
385
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,400
Crime Index:
3,785
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 260
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Beckley, WV year-round?
Beckley experiences all four seasons, with mild summers averaging highs near 80°F and winters dipping to lows in the mid-20s. The city receives about 41 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 61% of the year, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Residents benefit from comfortable spring and fall temperatures, making the climate pleasant year-round.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Beckley is around $40,000, with a median income of $30,400 and a poverty rate of 21.5%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commutes are short, averaging less than 20 minutes. The area offers a friendly, tight-knit community feel, though economic challenges are present for some families.
Median Income:
$30,400
Household Income:
$39,900
Family Income:
$52,100
Per Capita Income:
$23,100
Income Male:
$39,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
21.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
5.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
19.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.6%
Bachelors or More:
18.1%
Education
How are the schools in Beckley, WV?
Education options in Beckley include well-rated public schools like Woodrow Wilson High and Beckley-Stratton Middle, offering manageable class sizes. The city is also home to higher education institutions such as WVU Tech and New River Community and Technical College, making it convenient for families and students seeking quality learning opportunities. Private school choices further round out the educational landscape.
Public Schools
Name:
Woodrow Wilson High School
Street:
400 Stanaford Rd
Phone:
304-256-4646
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
Beckley-Stratton Middle School
Street:
401 Grey Flats Rd
Phone:
304-256-4642
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Francis de Sales School
Street:
622 S Oakwood Ave
Phone:
304-252-4087
Students:
200
Colleges
Name:
West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech)
City:
Beckley
State:
WV
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,700
Name:
New River Community and Technical College
City:
Beckley
State:
WV
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Beckley provides strong healthcare access, with major hospitals like Raleigh General and the Beckley VA Medical Center offering emergency services. The city has a good ratio of physicians (2.1 per 1,000 residents) and high health insurance coverage at over 92%. Residents can expect reliable medical care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Raleigh General Hospital
Address:
1710 Harper Rd, Beckley, WV 25801
Phone:
(304) 256-4100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Beckley VA Medical Center
Address:
200 Veterans Ave, Beckley, WV 25801
Phone:
(304) 255-2121
Type:
Veterans Affairs
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
68.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Beckley, WV?
The housing market in Beckley is highly affordable, with a median home price of just over $100,000 and an average rent of $750 for a two-bedroom. Homeownership is common, and vacancy rates are moderate, offering a range of options for buyers and renters alike. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates contribute to a stable market.
Median Home Price:
$102,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Beckley residents are handled by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, with the closest office in Princeton. The DMV provides comprehensive driver and vehicle services, and local residents can find information online or via phone. Convenient access helps make vehicle registration and licensing straightforward.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1227 Stafford Dr, Princeton, WV 24740
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.