Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Blue Jay, WV
Considering a move to Blue Jay, WV? With a small-town population of about 1,200, Blue Jay offers affordable living, featuring a median home price of $102,000 and average rents around $700. Commute times are short at just over 22 minutes, and the area enjoys 58% sunny days yearly with mild summers. The local crime rates are moderate for the region, and residents benefit from proximity to major hospitals and public schools. Low cost of living and a relaxed lifestyle make Blue Jay an attractive choice for those seeking value and tranquility.
Demographics - Blue Jay, WV
Demographics - Blue Jay, WV
Blue Jay, WV is a small community of around 1,200 residents with a median age of 46, reflecting a mature and settled population. The town is predominantly White, with a low percentage of non-English speakers, creating a close-knit, homogenous atmosphere. Population density is moderate, offering a balance between neighborly connections and personal space.
Population:
1,200
Density:
250 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.3
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
3.1%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Blue Jay, WV?
Blue Jay offers a highly affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $102,000 and average rents near $700. Everyday expenses like utilities and groceries are lower than national averages, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious individuals or families. State taxes range from 3% to 6.5%, further supporting the area's overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$102,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.2
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
65.5
Utilities:
92.5
Transportation:
80.1
Health Care:
88.4
Miscellaneous:
82.0
Crime
Is Blue Jay, WV a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Blue Jay are moderate for the region, with a violent crime rate of 264 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,620 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 378 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 62 chance of property crime. The community remains generally safe, but it's wise to take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
264
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,620
Crime Index:
1,884
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 378
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 62
Weather
What is the weather like in Blue Jay, WV year-round?
Blue Jay experiences all four seasons, with mild summers reaching highs around 83°F and winters dipping to lows near 23°F. The area receives about 42 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. These weather patterns support a comfortable, outdoor-friendly lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of $43,500, and the poverty rate stands at 17.2%. Most residents drive to work, with an average commute of just over 22 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal. The community values education, with over 83% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$30,000
Household Income:
$43,500
Family Income:
$54,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,500
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.8%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.2%
Bachelors or More:
15.4%
Education
How are the schools in Blue Jay, WV?
Families in Blue Jay have access to quality public schools, such as Shady Spring High and Elementary, which offer favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are nearby, with New River Community and Technical College and West Virginia University Institute of Technology both within a short drive. The community’s educational options support learners from kindergarten through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Shady Spring High School
Street:
300 Hinton Rd
Phone:
304-256-4646
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Name:
Shady Spring Elementary School
Street:
600 Flat Top Rd
Phone:
304-256-4585
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Colleges
Name:
New River Community and Technical College
City:
Beaver
State:
WV
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
City:
Beckley
State:
WV
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to Raleigh General Hospital in nearby Beckley, which offers general and emergency services. The area has 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people and high health insurance coverage at 90.2%. Healthcare is reliable and accessible for most families in Blue Jay.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Raleigh General Hospital
Address:
1710 Harper Rd, Beckley, WV 25801
Phone:
(304) 256-4100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
66.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Blue Jay, WV?
The Blue Jay housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $102,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 72%. Rental vacancies are moderate at 7.3%, and home values have appreciated by 3.6% over the past year. This environment makes it attractive for both homebuyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$102,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Blue Jay residents are served by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, located in Charleston. The DMV provides essential vehicle and licensing services, with information and appointments available online or by phone. Access to state DMV resources is straightforward for local drivers.
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.