Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bretz, WV
Considering a move to Bretz, WV? With a small, close-knit population of about 400, Bretz offers affordable living—median home prices are just $122,000 and average rent is $650. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate of 92 per 100K, a relaxed average commute of 24 minutes, and a peaceful rural setting. Local schools serve the community well, and the climate brings four mild seasons with 53% sunny days each year. Bretz is perfect for those seeking affordability, quiet living, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
Demographics - Bretz, WV
Bretz is a small, close-knit community of around 400 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 44. The population is predominantly White, and just over 2% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a welcoming, familiar atmosphere.
Population:
400
Density:
95 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.2%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bretz, WV?
Living in Bretz is highly affordable, with a median home value of $122,000 and average rent at $650 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals or families.
Median House Value:
$122,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
94.5
Housing:
64.8
Utilities:
99.7
Transportation:
77.5
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Bretz, WV a safe place to live?
Bretz boasts a low violent crime rate, with only 92 incidents per 100,000 people, and property crime is also moderate for a rural area. Residents enjoy a sense of safety and security within this peaceful community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
92
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,140
Crime Index:
1,232
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,080
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 88
Weather
What is the weather like in Bretz, WV year-round?
Bretz experiences all four seasons, featuring cold winters with average lows of 21°F and warm summers peaking around 80°F. The area receives about 44.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 53% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Households in Bretz earn a median income of $48,700, with a poverty rate of 16.1% and unemployment under 6%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is a manageable 24 minutes, reflecting the area's small-town pace of life.
Median Income:
$33,200
Household Income:
$48,700
Family Income:
$54,500
Per Capita Income:
$24,300
Income Male:
$34,400
Income Female:
$29,800
Poverty Rate:
16.1%
Non English Speakers:
2.2%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
24.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.3%
Bachelors or More:
13.5%
Education
How are the schools in Bretz, WV?
Families in Bretz benefit from well-rated local schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to private education options. Higher education is easily accessible, with West Virginia University located just 25 miles away in Morgantown.

Public Schools
Name:
Terra Alta/East Preston School
Street:
1107 E State Ave
Phone:
304-789-2281
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Preston High School
Street:
400 Knight Dr
Phone:
304-329-0400
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Sebastian School
Street:
322 E Main St, Kingwood
Phone:
304-329-3630
Students:
100

Colleges
Name:
West Virginia University
City:
Morgantown
State:
WV
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
25,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 91.4%. The area offers a moderate number of physicians per capita, ensuring essential medical services are within reach.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Preston Memorial Hospital
Address:
150 Memorial Dr, Kingwood, WV 26537
Phone:
(304) 329-1400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mon Health Medical Center
Address:
1200 J D Anderson Dr, Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone:
(304) 598-1200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bretz, WV?
The housing market in Bretz is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $122,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 77%. Home values have seen modest appreciation, and rental availability remains healthy for new arrivals.
Median Home Price:
$122,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Bretz residents are served by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, which offers convenient online and in-person services through its Charleston headquarters. The DMV provides essential resources for licensing and vehicle registration statewide.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1800 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25317
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.