Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Gay, WV
Considering a move to Fort Gay, WV? This small community of 635 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of $85,000 and average rents around $650. Commute times are short at about 22 minutes, and crime rates are low for the region. While educational attainment is modest and incomes are below national averages, Fort Gay boasts a friendly, close-knit vibe, mild climate, and access to local schools and healthcare. Explore the cost of living, housing, and more below to see if Fort Gay is right for your next move.
Demographics - Fort Gay, WV
Demographics - Fort Gay, WV
Fort Gay is a small, close-knit town with a population of around 635, featuring a median age of 41.7 and a predominantly White community. The gender ratio is balanced, and the area sees limited linguistic diversity, making it a traditional rural West Virginia locale. Residents enjoy a quieter pace of life with moderate population density and a strong sense of community.
Population:
635
Density:
300 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
1.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
98.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
1.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Gay, WV?
The cost of living in Fort Gay is highly affordable, with a median home value of $85,000 and average rents near $650 per month. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it a budget-friendly choice for families and retirees. State taxes are moderate, keeping expenses manageable for most residents.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$315
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.0
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
35.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
93.0
Miscellaneous:
78.0
Crime
Is Fort Gay, WV a safe place to live?
Fort Gay experiences lower-than-average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 195 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,100 per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 512, offering peace of mind for those seeking a safe, small-town environment. This makes Fort Gay appealing for families and individuals prioritizing safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
195
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Crime Index:
1,295
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 512
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 91
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Gay, WV year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 25°F and warm summers peaking around 87°F. The area receives about 43.5 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine on 56% of days, providing a comfortable, varied climate year-round. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant, making outdoor activities accessible most of the year.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Households in Fort Gay typically have modest incomes, with a median household income of $29,500 and a relatively high poverty rate at 31.5%. Most residents drive to work, facing an average commute of just over 22 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal. Education levels are moderate, with nearly 75% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$25,600
Household Income:
$29,500
Family Income:
$37,000
Per Capita Income:
$15,800
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$21,000
Poverty Rate:
31.5%
Non English Speakers:
1.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
74.8%
Bachelors or More:
9.2%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Gay, WV?
Educational opportunities in Fort Gay are anchored by the Fort Gay PreK-8 School, which has a student-teacher ratio of 16.2 and serves the majority of local families. While there are no private schools in town, nearby colleges such as Big Sandy Community and Technical College and Marshall University are accessible within a 40-mile drive. This provides residents with local options for K-12 education and reasonable access to higher learning institutions.
Public Schools
Name:
Fort Gay PreK-8 School
Street:
100 Panther Drive
Phone:
304-648-5522
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Colleges
Name:
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
City:
Prestonsburg
State:
KY
Distance:
33 miles
Students:
2,200
Name:
Marshall University
City:
Huntington
State:
WV
Distance:
39 miles
Students:
11,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Fort Gay includes proximity to Three Rivers Medical Center, offering general and emergency services. The area has about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and a strong health insurance coverage rate of 88.2%, ensuring most locals can receive needed care. Overall healthcare quality is solid for a small town, supporting residents’ well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Three Rivers Medical Center
Address:
2485 Highway 644, Louisa, KY 41230
Phone:
(606) 638-9451
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.2%
Health Care Index:
66.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Gay, WV?
The housing market in Fort Gay is highly accessible, with a median home price of $85,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $650. Owner-occupancy is strong at over 70%, and the area has seen a modest home appreciation rate of 4.7% in the past year. Rental vacancies are low, reflecting a stable and affordable market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents of Fort Gay are served by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Charleston with resources available online and by phone. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers for local drivers. Access to statewide DMV support ensures residents can easily manage their transportation needs.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5707 MacCorkle Avenue 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.