Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Elkins, WV
Thinking of making Elkins, WV your new home? This welcoming city of 6,900 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $142,000 and average rents at $760. Residents enjoy a low average commute of 16 minutes, a small-town atmosphere, and access to Davis Medical Center. With a crime rate below national averages, scenic mountain surroundings, and Davis & Elkins College nearby, Elkins is a great choice for those seeking a peaceful, budget-friendly community with good schools and four distinct seasons.
Demographics - Elkins, WV
Demographics - Elkins, WV
Elkins is a close-knit city of 6,908 residents, featuring a median age of 41.7 and a population density of 1,230 per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with a small but present mix of other ethnicities, and nearly 4% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and mature population contribute to a friendly, neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
6,908
Density:
1,230 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.7
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.5%
Black:
2.3%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
3.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Elkins, WV?
Living in Elkins is highly affordable, with a median home value of $142,000 and average rent around $760 per month. The cost of living index is well below the national average at 80.2, making daily expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation easier on your budget. State taxes range from 3.0% to 6.5%, supporting a comfortable, cost-effective lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$142,000
Gross Rent:
$760
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.2
Grocery:
92.5
Housing:
56.7
Utilities:
94.1
Transportation:
79.0
Health Care:
88.0
Miscellaneous:
84.5
Crime
Is Elkins, WV a safe place to live?
Elkins enjoys a generally safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 245 incidents per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,850 per 100,000 residents. Your chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 408, notably lower than many urban areas. This contributes to the city’s reputation as a secure place for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
245
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,850
Crime Index:
2,095
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 408
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 54
Weather
What is the weather like in Elkins, WV year-round?
Elkins offers four distinct seasons, with winters dipping to the low 20s and summers reaching the low 80s. The city receives about 46.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 53% of the year, making it attractive for those who appreciate varied weather and outdoor recreation. The climate supports beautiful fall foliage and comfortable spring and autumn transitions.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Residents of Elkins typically earn a median household income of $41,500, with a poverty rate of 22.4%. Most adults have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a quick 16 minutes. The community is characterized by a low unemployment rate and a tight-knit, locally engaged population.
Median Income:
$32,700
Household Income:
$41,500
Family Income:
$53,200
Per Capita Income:
$25,300
Income Male:
$39,300
Income Female:
$31,600
Poverty Rate:
22.4%
Non English Speakers:
3.9%
Rent:
$760
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
15.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.7%
Bachelors or More:
20.8%
Education
How are the schools in Elkins, WV?
Elkins provides a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Elkins High and Midland Elementary, both known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Private options such as Elkins Christian Academy and higher education at Davis & Elkins College are available within the city. The community values education and offers supportive resources for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Elkins High School
Street:
100 Kennedy Drive
Phone:
304-636-9170
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Midland Elementary School
Street:
150 Kennedy Drive
Phone:
304-636-9167
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Private Schools
Name:
Elkins Christian Academy
Street:
222 Cassity Lane
Phone:
304-636-8363
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Davis & Elkins College
City:
Elkins
State:
WV
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
750
Name:
Alderson Broaddus University
City:
Philippi
State:
WV
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
750
Healthcare
Elkins is served by Davis Medical Center, a full-service hospital offering general, surgical, and emergency care. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, locals have reliable access to healthcare. The city’s healthcare index of 69.8 reflects accessibility and quality care for its population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Davis Medical Center
Address:
812 Gorman Ave, Elkins, WV 26241
Phone:
(304) 636-3300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Elkins, WV?
The housing market in Elkins is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $142,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $760. Nearly 69% of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters. Modest appreciation rates and low foreclosure rates make it a steady market for settling down.
Median Home Price:
$142,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$760
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Elkins residents handle vehicle and licensing needs at the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles located on N. Randolph Ave. Friendly staff and accessible services make taking care of DMV requirements straightforward. For more information, residents can visit the state DMV website or call the local office.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1027 N. Randolph Ave, Elkins, WV 26241
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.