Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gauley Bridge, WV
Considering a move to Gauley Bridge, WV? This small riverside town of about 545 residents offers a low cost of living, with median home prices near $67,000 and average rents around $600. Commute times average 28 minutes, and the area experiences mild seasons with 56% sunny days each year. While incomes are modest and educational attainment is below the national average, the community provides access to local healthcare and a peaceful, scenic lifestyle nestled in West Virginia’s mountains.
Demographics - Gauley Bridge, WV
Demographics - Gauley Bridge, WV
Gauley Bridge is a close-knit town with a population of around 545 and a median age of 48, reflecting a mature community. The area is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and very few non-English speakers. Residents enjoy a relatively high population density for a small town, fostering a strong sense of local community.
Population:
545
Density:
730 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
1.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gauley Bridge, WV?
Living in Gauley Bridge is highly affordable, with median home values at $67,000 and average rent at $600, making homeownership accessible. The cost of living index is significantly below the U.S. average, although utilities can be higher than average. State income tax rates range from 3.0% to 6.5%, contributing to the low overall expenses.
Median House Value:
$67,000
Gross Rent:
$600
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$790
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.5
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
38.5
Utilities:
107.2
Transportation:
82.0
Health Care:
90.6
Miscellaneous:
94.7
Crime
Is Gauley Bridge, WV a safe place to live?
Gauley Bridge experiences lower violent crime rates compared to many urban areas, with about 215 incidents per 100,000 residents. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 69 chance, but the small-town environment generally feels safe and secure. Residents can expect a peaceful lifestyle with minimal crime concerns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
215
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,450
Crime Index:
1,665
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 465
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Gauley Bridge, WV year-round?
The town enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 26°F and warm summers reaching highs of 84°F. Gauley Bridge sees about 44.6 inches of rain annually and benefits from 56% sunny days, making it ideal for those who appreciate a variety of weather. Overall, the climate supports outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Residents of Gauley Bridge have a median household income of $32,500, and about 27.5% live below the poverty line. Educational attainment is modest, with over 83% holding a high school diploma, and the average commute is just over 28 minutes. The community is predominantly English-speaking, with a low unemployment rate and a quiet, rural atmosphere.
Median Income:
$24,800
Household Income:
$32,500
Family Income:
$38,400
Per Capita Income:
$18,200
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
27.5%
Non English Speakers:
1.2%
Rent:
$600
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
28.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.6%
Bachelors or More:
10.2%
Education
How are the schools in Gauley Bridge, WV?
Education in Gauley Bridge is anchored by a local elementary school with a low student-teacher ratio, fostering personalized attention. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible through nearby colleges, including BridgeValley Community & Technical College just 7 miles away. This setup offers families and students solid educational opportunities close to home.

Public Schools
Name:
Gauley Bridge Elementary School
Street:
511 Church St
Phone:
304-632-2509
Students:
145
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5

Colleges
Name:
BridgeValley Community & Technical College
City:
Montgomery
State:
WV
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
City:
Beckley
State:
WV
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is convenient, with two major hospitals nearby and 92.4% of residents having health insurance coverage. The area has 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, providing basic medical services locally. Emergency care is available, ensuring peace of mind for families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Montgomery General Hospital
Address:
401 6th Ave, Montgomery, WV 25136
Phone:
(304) 442-5151
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Plateau Medical Center
Address:
430 Main St, Oak Hill, WV 25901
Phone:
(304) 469-8600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
62.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gauley Bridge, WV?
Gauley Bridge's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $67,000 and a 62.5% owner-occupancy rate. Rental options are available, with two-bedroom apartments averaging $600 per month, and the market is stable with low foreclosure and vacancy rates. Modest home appreciation indicates steady, long-term value.
Median Home Price:
$67,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$600
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles serves Gauley Bridge residents, with the nearest office in Charleston offering comprehensive vehicle and licensing services. Information and resources are easily accessible online or by phone. The DMV provides convenient support for all driver and vehicle needs.
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.