Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dunbar, WV
Thinking of moving to Dunbar, WV? With a population of 7,200, Dunbar offers affordable living, with median home prices around $110,000 and average rents near $790. Residents benefit from short 19-minute commutes, moderate crime rates, and a friendly, close-knit community. The city enjoys a comfortable four-season climate, nearby healthcare, and convenient access to higher education at West Virginia State University just a few miles away. Explore all Dunbar has to offer for a relaxed, budget-friendly lifestyle.
Demographics - Dunbar, WV
Demographics - Dunbar, WV
Dunbar is a small city of 7,200 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 43.5, making it a community with a mature demographic mix. The city has a moderate population density and a nearly balanced gender ratio, with a small percentage of non-English speakers contributing to its local diversity.
Population:
7,200
Density:
2,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.5
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
83.5%
Black:
10.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dunbar, WV?
Dunbar offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $110,000 and average rents around $790, making it attractive for budget-conscious families and retirees. Utilities and transportation costs remain below the national average, and state income taxes range from 3% to 6.5%.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
3%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.6
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
45.7
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
82.4
Health Care:
87.3
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Dunbar, WV a safe place to live?
Dunbar experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 295 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,100 per 100,000. Most residents find the city to be reasonably safe, with the odds of being a victim of violent crime at roughly 1 in 339.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
295
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,395
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 339
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Dunbar, WV year-round?
Residents enjoy all four seasons in Dunbar, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and chilly winters dropping to 25°F. The city receives about 41.5 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 57% of the year, making for a balanced climate.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Dunbar's households typically earn a median income of $41,800, and the community is marked by a high school graduation rate of nearly 87%. Commute times average just under 20 minutes, and while the poverty rate is higher than average at 18.5%, residents benefit from a strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$26,500
Household Income:
$41,800
Family Income:
$55,200
Per Capita Income:
$24,100
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.7%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
5.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.9%
Bachelors or More:
17.3%
Education
How are the schools in Dunbar, WV?
Dunbar offers public and private school options, including Dunbar Intermediate and Middle Schools, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is easily accessible, with West Virginia State University just three miles away and the University of Charleston within a short drive, supporting lifelong learning for residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Dunbar Intermediate School
Street:
325 27th St, Dunbar, WV 25064
Phone:
304-766-0377
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Dunbar Middle School
Street:
325 27th St, Dunbar, WV 25064
Phone:
304-766-0367
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
Dunbar United Methodist Preschool
Street:
1401 Myers Ave
Phone:
304-768-4872
Students:
60

Colleges
Name:
West Virginia State University
City:
Institute
State:
WV
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
3,500
Name:
University of Charleston
City:
Charleston
State:
WV
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Dunbar is served by major hospitals like Thomas Memorial and CAMC Memorial, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical care within a short drive. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of people covered by health insurance, healthcare access is reliable and convenient.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Thomas Memorial Hospital
Address:
4605 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone:
(304) 766-3600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
CAMC Memorial Hospital
Address:
3200 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone:
(304) 388-5432
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
68.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dunbar, WV?
The local housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $110,000 and typical two-bedroom rents at $790. Around 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees steady but modest home appreciation, making Dunbar a practical choice for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$790
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Dunbar residents are managed by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on MacCorkle Ave SE in nearby Charleston. The DMV provides a full range of licensing and registration services, with information available online for easy access.
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.