Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fairmont, WV
Thinking about moving to Fairmont, WV? Home to around 18,400 residents, Fairmont offers affordable living with a median home price of $136,800 and average rents near $765. You'll enjoy a reasonable cost of living, short 22-minute commutes, and a close-knit community. While crime rates are slightly above national averages, the city boasts quality healthcare, local schools, and easy access to higher education at Fairmont State University. With four distinct seasons and nearly 60% sunny days, Fairmont is a friendly place to call home.
Demographics - Fairmont, WV
Demographics - Fairmont, WV
Fairmont, West Virginia is home to about 18,435 residents, with a population density of 2,130 per square mile and a median age of 38.2 years. The community is predominantly White, with a small percentage of non-English speakers, creating a welcoming, small-city atmosphere.
Population:
18,435
Density:
2,130 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.1%
Black:
6.3%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
3.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fairmont, WV?
Fairmont features an affordable cost of living, with a median house value of $136,800 and average monthly rent around $765. Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are below national averages, making the city budget-friendly for individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$136,800
Gross Rent:
$765
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,130
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.0
Grocery:
95.3
Housing:
54.2
Utilities:
94.8
Transportation:
81.5
Health Care:
98.2
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Fairmont, WV a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Fairmont are slightly higher than the U.S. average, with property crime being more common than violent crime. Residents face a 1 in 47 chance of property crime, but many find that the city’s community feel and local policing contribute to an overall sense of safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
273
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,423
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 366
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Fairmont, WV year-round?
Fairmont experiences all four seasons, featuring mild summers with highs around 84°F and cold winters averaging 22°F at night. The city receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly 60% of the year.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Fairmont’s neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $46,350 and a strong educational foundation, with over 91% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. Commutes average just under 22 minutes, and the city maintains a friendly, close-knit community vibe.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$46,350
Family Income:
$62,250
Per Capita Income:
$25,400
Income Male:
$42,700
Income Female:
$33,300
Poverty Rate:
18.8%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$765
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.7%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Fairmont, WV?
Fairmont offers a variety of educational opportunities, including quality public schools with low student-teacher ratios and access to private schooling options. Higher education is readily available at Fairmont State University, while West Virginia University is just a short drive away.

Public Schools
Name:
Fairmont Senior High School
Street:
1 Loop Park Dr
Phone:
304-367-2150
Students:
880
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
East Fairmont Middle School
Street:
925 Warrior Way
Phone:
304-367-2140
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0

Private Schools
Name:
Fairmont Catholic Grade School
Street:
407 Jackson St
Phone:
304-363-5313
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Fairmont State University
City:
Fairmont
State:
WV
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,700
Name:
West Virginia University
City:
Morgantown
State:
WV
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
25,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from two major hospitals offering emergency services and general care, and the city has approximately two physicians per 1,000 people. With over 91% of the population covered by health insurance, healthcare access in Fairmont is reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
WVU Medicine Fairmont Medical Center
Address:
1325 Locust Ave, Fairmont, WV 26554
Phone:
(304) 367-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mon Health Marion Neighborhood Hospital
Address:
1941 Mary Lou Retton Dr, Fairmont, WV 26554
Phone:
(304) 333-1150
Type:
Acute Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fairmont, WV?
Fairmont’s housing market is both accessible and stable, with a median home price of $136,800 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $765. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and recent appreciation rates indicate steady growth in property values.
Median Home Price:
$136,800
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$765
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Fairmont residents are managed by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, with convenient online resources and a central office located in Charleston. The DMV provides a full range of licensing, registration, and title services for the area.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4510 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.