Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Buckhannon, WV
Thinking of moving to Buckhannon, WV? With a close-knit population of just 5,310 and a median home price of $144,000, Buckhannon offers affordable small-town living and a short average commute of 15 minutes. The cost of living is well below the national average, and while property crime rates are a bit higher than average, violent crime remains low. The city is home to West Virginia Wesleyan College, provides access to local healthcare, and enjoys four distinct seasons—making Buckhannon a friendly, budget-conscious place to call home.
Demographics - Buckhannon, WV
Demographics - Buckhannon, WV
Buckhannon is a small, close-knit city with a population of 5,310, predominantly White (94.3%) with a median age of 37.9 years. The community features a balanced gender ratio and a modest proportion of non-English speakers, reflecting a mostly homogenous but welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
5,310
Density:
1,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.9
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.3%
Black:
1.6%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
2.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Buckhannon, WV?
Buckhannon offers affordable living, with a median home value of $144,000 and average rent around $740 per month. The cost of living index is notably low at 79.4, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$144,000
Gross Rent:
$740
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,030
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.4
Grocery:
90.1
Housing:
56.0
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
77.2
Health Care:
88.5
Miscellaneous:
80.0
Crime
Is Buckhannon, WV a safe place to live?
The city experiences low rates of violent crime, with a 1 in 555 chance, though property crime is somewhat higher at 1 in 45. Overall, Buckhannon is considered safe for families, with a crime index lower than many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,220
Crime Index:
2,400
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Buckhannon, WV year-round?
Buckhannon enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers averaging highs of 83°F and cool winters dipping to 23°F. Residents benefit from 52% sunny days and about 45 inches of annual rainfall, creating a balanced climate suitable for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of $42,700, and the area maintains a friendly, small-town vibe with a poverty rate of 22.8%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a quick 15 minutes, supporting a relaxed pace of life.
Median Income:
$27,400
Household Income:
$42,700
Family Income:
$54,100
Per Capita Income:
$21,900
Income Male:
$36,200
Income Female:
$28,700
Poverty Rate:
22.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.4%
Rent:
$740
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
15.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.4%
Bachelors or More:
21.2%
Education
How are the schools in Buckhannon, WV?
Education in Buckhannon is anchored by Buckhannon-Upshur High and Middle Schools, both offering manageable class sizes, and the city is home to West Virginia Wesleyan College. Local private and public schools provide a range of K–12 options, supporting a strong community focus on learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Buckhannon-Upshur High School
Street:
270 BU Drive
Phone:
304-472-3720
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Name:
Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School
Street:
28 BU Drive
Phone:
304-472-1520
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph's Grade School
Street:
110 E. Lincoln St
Phone:
304-472-2682
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
West Virginia Wesleyan College
City:
Buckhannon
State:
WV
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to local medical care through St. Joseph's Hospital, a general and surgical facility providing emergency services. Healthcare coverage is strong, with 92.3% insured, and there are 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring accessible regional healthcare.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Joseph's Hospital
Address:
1 Amalia Drive, Buckhannon, WV 26201
Phone:
(304) 473-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.3%
Health Care Index:
63.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Buckhannon, WV?
Buckhannon's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $144,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 62.9%. The market is stable, featuring a 3.2% annual appreciation rate and a healthy rental vacancy rate of 8.2%.
Median Home Price:
$144,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$740
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Buckhannon residents can access driver's services at the local West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles on Commerce Blvd. The DMV offers standard licensing, registration, and information both in-person and online for convenience.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
14 Commerce Blvd, Buckhannon, WV 26201
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.