Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cool Ridge, WV
Considering a move to Cool Ridge, WV? This small community of about 1,200 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $132,000 and rents averaging $690. Enjoy a relaxed pace, low crime rates, and scenic Appalachian surroundings. Commute times are reasonable at 27 minutes, and families benefit from local schools, nearby healthcare facilities, and a mild climate with 62% sunny days each year. Explore Cool Ridge for a peaceful lifestyle and great value in southern West Virginia.
Demographics - Cool Ridge, WV
Demographics - Cool Ridge, WV
Cool Ridge is a small, close-knit community of around 1,200 residents, with a median age of 44.1 years and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, with limited diversity, and most residents speak English at home. Its low population density offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle ideal for those seeking a quieter environment.
Population:
1,200
Density:
96 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.2%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cool Ridge, WV?
With a median home value of $132,000 and average rent at just $690, Cool Ridge provides affordable housing options well below the national average. The overall cost of living index is 82.0, making daily expenses such as groceries and transportation budget-friendly. Utility costs are slightly higher, but overall, the area is an attractive choice for cost-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$132,000
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$118
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$345
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
61.5
Utilities:
111.0
Transportation:
81.0
Health Care:
89.0
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Cool Ridge, WV a safe place to live?
Cool Ridge experiences relatively low crime, with a violent crime rate of 205 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,420 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a safe, small-town atmosphere, with a 1 in 488 chance of being affected by violent crime. This makes it a reassuring option for families and retirees looking for peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
205
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,625
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 488
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Cool Ridge, WV year-round?
Residents of Cool Ridge enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild summers averaging highs of 82°F and winters that rarely dip below 25°F. The area receives about 43.5 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from 62% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The temperate climate adds to the appeal of this Appalachian community.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Cool Ridge typically have a median income of $48,700, with a poverty rate of 15.8%. Most residents commute around 27 minutes to work, while public transportation use is very low. The community is characterized by a strong high school graduation rate and a friendly, small-town spirit.
Median Income:
$32,400
Household Income:
$48,700
Family Income:
$55,100
Per Capita Income:
$22,800
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
15.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
27.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
16.5%
Education
How are the schools in Cool Ridge, WV?
Cool Ridge families benefit from reputable public schools like Shady Spring High and Middle Schools, offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Private education options and proximity to higher learning at Concord University and WVU Tech provide diverse opportunities. The educational environment supports students from elementary through college preparation.
Public Schools
Name:
Shady Spring High School
Street:
300 Hinton Rd
Phone:
304-256-4646
Students:
720
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Shady Spring Middle School
Street:
500 Flat Top Rd
Phone:
304-256-4642
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Francis de Sales School
Street:
622 S Oakwood Ave, Beckley, WV
Phone:
304-252-4087
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Concord University
City:
Athens
State:
WV
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
City:
Beckley
State:
WV
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Cool Ridge residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Raleigh General Hospital and Beckley VA Medical Center nearby offering emergency services. The area boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of nearly 92% and 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people. Healthcare is accessible and comprehensive for families and individuals alike.
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:
Veteran & General Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cool Ridge, WV?
The housing market in Cool Ridge is favorable for both buyers and renters, with a median home price of $132,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $690. Homeownership is high at over 76%, reflecting community stability, while rental vacancies remain moderate. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates indicate a steady, reliable market.
Median Home Price:
$132,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$690
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Cool Ridge can access vehicle and licensing services through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles. The main office is located in Charleston, with information available online and by phone. Services are efficiently organized for both new arrivals and long-term residents.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5707 MacCorkle Ave SE, 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.