Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Coalwood, WV
Considering a move to Coalwood, WV? This small community of about 180 residents offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home prices around $55,000 and average rents just $550. Commute times are short at under 27 minutes, and the area enjoys 57% sunny days each year. While educational attainment and incomes are lower than the national average, Coalwood features a close-knit atmosphere and access to local schools and nearby healthcare. It's ideal for those seeking a quiet lifestyle and affordable living in southern West Virginia.
Demographics - Coalwood, WV
Demographics - Coalwood, WV
Coalwood is a small, close-knit town with a population of about 180 and a median age of 46, reflecting a mature community. The area is predominantly White, with minimal ethnic diversity and a nearly even gender balance. Most residents are English speakers, creating a familiar and welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
180
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
1.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
6.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Coalwood, WV?
Coalwood boasts a low cost of living, with median home values around $55,000 and average rents at $550, making homeownership and renting very affordable. Utility and grocery costs are below national averages, and state taxes range from 3% to 6.5%. The overall cost of living index is 74, offering significant savings compared to many U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$55,000
Gross Rent:
$550
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$790
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$305
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
74.0
Grocery:
90.2
Housing:
38.5
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
84.3
Health Care:
91.1
Miscellaneous:
81.0
Crime
Is Coalwood, WV a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Coalwood are moderate for the region, with a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 66 chance of property crime. While generally safe, new residents should remain mindful of local property crime trends. The town's overall crime index reflects a small community where neighbors look out for one another.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,520
Crime Index:
1,730
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 66
Weather
What is the weather like in Coalwood, WV year-round?
Coalwood experiences four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching highs of 84°F and winters dipping to 23°F. Annual rainfall averages about 41.5 inches, and the area enjoys sunshine 57% of the year. This climate supports outdoor activities and offers scenic Appalachian weather year-round.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Residents of Coalwood enjoy a strong sense of community, though median household incomes are modest at $31,800 and the poverty rate is above average at 27.5%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and commutes are manageable, averaging about 27 minutes. The area is quiet, with low public transportation use and affordable rent.
Median Income:
$18,700
Household Income:
$31,800
Family Income:
$37,500
Per Capita Income:
$15,800
Income Male:
$22,000
Income Female:
$16,500
Poverty Rate:
27.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$550
Unemployment Rate:
7.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
26.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
78.5%
Bachelors or More:
10.2%
Education
How are the schools in Coalwood, WV?
Coalwood offers access to local public schools such as Mount View High School and Welch Elementary, both known for small class sizes and supportive staff. There are no private schools in town, but Bluefield State University, located 33 miles away, provides higher education opportunities. The area's educational attainment is mostly at the high school level, with around 10% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
Mount View High School
Street:
3071 Mount View Rd
Phone:
304-436-4657
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2
Name:
Welch Elementary School
Street:
1015 Riverside Dr
Phone:
304-436-4643
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Colleges
Name:
Bluefield State University
City:
Bluefield
State:
WV
Distance:
33 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Coalwood residents benefit from access to Welch Community Hospital, a general and surgical facility with emergency services located nearby. Healthcare coverage is high, with nearly 90% of residents insured, and there are 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people. The healthcare index reflects adequate local services for everyday needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Welch Community Hospital
Address:
454 McDowell St, Welch, WV 24801
Phone:
(304) 436-8461
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Coalwood, WV?
The Coalwood housing market is highly affordable, with median home prices at $55,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 74%. Rental vacancies are moderate, and the area has seen a modest 3.2% home appreciation rate over the past year. New construction is limited, maintaining the town's small-community feel.
Median Home Price:
$55,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$550
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Coalwood residents are served by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Charleston. Services such as vehicle registration and licensing are accessible both in-person and online. For assistance, residents can call 1-800-642-9066 or visit the DMV website.
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.