Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forrester Center, WV
Considering a move to Forrester Center, WV? This close-knit town of about 2,350 residents features affordable living, with median home prices around $125,000 and average rents at just $740. Commute times are short, averaging 23 minutes, and the area enjoys 58% sunny days each year. While crime rates are higher than the national average, the town offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere, local schools, and convenient access to regional healthcare and colleges. Explore more below to see if Forrester Center fits your lifestyle and budget.
Demographics - Forrester Center, WV
Demographics - Forrester Center, WV
Forrester Center is a small, close-knit community of about 2,350 residents, with a median age of 41.8 and a population density that supports a suburban feel. The town is predominantly White, with 93% of residents identifying as such, and there is a nearly even gender balance. A low percentage of non-English speakers and a modest diversity make it a welcoming but traditional West Virginia locale.
Population:
2,350
Density:
400 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.8
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.2%
Black:
3.0%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forrester Center, WV?
Living in Forrester Center is highly affordable, with a median home value of $125,000 and average rents around $740 per month. The cost of living index is 80.4, well below the national average, making everyday expenses manageable for most families. Utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced, and state income taxes range from 3% to 6.5%.
Median House Value:
$125,000
Gross Rent:
$740
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,160
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.4
Grocery:
92.7
Housing:
54.2
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
93.6
Miscellaneous:
85.2
Crime
Is Forrester Center, WV a safe place to live?
Forrester Center experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a 1 in 364 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 61 chance of property crime. While these figures are above national benchmarks, the town maintains a small-town atmosphere where residents often look out for one another. It's advisable for newcomers to take standard safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
275
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,650
Crime Index:
1,925
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 364
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 61
Weather
What is the weather like in Forrester Center, WV year-round?
Residents of Forrester Center enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild summers averaging 83°F and crisp winters dropping to lows around 22°F. The area receives about 43.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny skies 58% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities and scenic seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
The local community has a median household income of $48,200 and a family income of $59,800, with about 17.8% of residents living below the poverty line. Most residents are educated, with over 88% holding at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is a convenient 23 minutes. Public transportation usage is minimal, reflecting the town's rural and car-friendly nature.
Median Income:
$31,500
Household Income:
$48,200
Family Income:
$59,800
Per Capita Income:
$24,200
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,500
Poverty Rate:
17.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$740
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
23.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.1%
Bachelors or More:
16.5%
Education
How are the schools in Forrester Center, WV?
Forrester Center families have access to quality educational options, including local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, such as Forrester Center Elementary and Middle School. Private education is also available through St. Agnes Catholic School, and higher education is within reach at Glenville State University, just 36 miles away. The community places a strong emphasis on educational attainment and lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Forrester Center Elementary School
Street:
101 Main St
Phone:
304-555-1200
Students:
310
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Forrester Center Middle School
Street:
205 Center Ave
Phone:
304-555-1300
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Agnes Catholic School
Street:
401 Church St
Phone:
304-555-1400
Students:
95
Colleges
Name:
Glenville State University
City:
Glenville
State:
WV
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
1,600
Healthcare
Healthcare in Forrester Center is anchored by the Summersville Regional Medical Center, offering general and emergency services nearby. The area supports about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and enjoys a high rate of health insurance coverage at 92.4%. Quality healthcare is accessible within a short drive for most residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Summersville Regional Medical Center
Address:
400 Fairview Heights Rd, Summersville, WV 26651
Phone:
(304) 872-2891
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
67.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forrester Center, WV?
The housing market in Forrester Center is accessible, with median home prices at $125,000 and owner occupancy around 73%. Rental options are available, reflected by an 8.9% vacancy rate and average rents at $740 for a two-bedroom. Home values have appreciated by 6.2% over the past year, signaling a stable yet affordable market.
Median Home Price:
$125,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$740
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents of Forrester Center are served by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Charleston. All essential registration and licensing services are available through the state DMV, which can be reached by phone or online. This ensures straightforward access to vehicle and driver support for locals.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1800 Kanawha Blvd E, 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.