Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Handley, WV
Considering a move to Handley, WV? This small town of 322 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $61,000 and average rents near $650. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 24 minutes, easy access to Charleston’s hospitals, and a close-knit community feel. While crime rates are moderate and education attainment is lower than the national average, Handley’s low cost of living and quiet Appalachian setting make it a unique option for those seeking simplicity and affordability.
Demographics - Handley, WV
Demographics - Handley, WV
Handley, WV is a small town of just 322 residents, featuring a predominantly White population and a median age of 46, indicative of a mature community. The area has a high population density for its size and a nearly balanced gender ratio, while a very small portion of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
322
Density:
1,070 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
5.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Handley, WV?
Handley offers a highly affordable cost of living, with median home values around $61,000 and average monthly rents at $650. Essential expenses like utilities and groceries remain below national averages, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$61,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.0
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
45.0
Utilities:
106.2
Transportation:
88.1
Health Care:
85.4
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Handley, WV a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Handley are moderate, with residents facing a 1 in 377 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 70 chance of property crime. The overall crime index suggests a need for some caution but is generally in line with small-town environments.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
265
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,430
Crime Index:
1,695
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 377
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Handley, WV year-round?
Handley experiences four distinct seasons, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows dipping to 23°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 54% of the year, providing a balanced climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Residents of Handley typically have a median household income of $36,500, with a poverty rate of 23.5%. Most adults have completed high school, and the average commute is about 24 minutes, reflecting a working-class, close-knit community.
Median Income:
$29,800
Household Income:
$36,500
Family Income:
$42,100
Per Capita Income:
$19,800
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
23.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
24.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.1%
Bachelors or More:
10.2%
Education
How are the schools in Handley, WV?
Local students attend small public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, and higher education options are available within a 20–25 mile drive, including BridgeValley Community & Technical College and West Virginia State University. While there are no private schools in the immediate area, public education supports the community’s needs.

Public Schools
Name:
Pratt Elementary School
Street:
315 Charles St
Phone:
304-442-5657
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Name:
East Bank Middle School
Street:
1 Bulldog Dr
Phone:
304-595-2081
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Colleges
Name:
BridgeValley Community & Technical College
City:
South Charleston
State:
WV
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
West Virginia State University
City:
Institute
State:
WV
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Handley residents benefit from proximity to major hospitals in Charleston, such as CAMC Memorial and Thomas Memorial, both offering emergency services. With nearly 90% health insurance coverage and 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, access to healthcare is reliable for a town of its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
CAMC Memorial Hospital
Address:
3200 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone:
(304) 388-5432
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Thomas Memorial Hospital
Address:
4605 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone:
(304) 766-3600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
72.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Handley, WV?
The housing market in Handley is notably affordable, with median home prices at $61,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 73%. Rental options are also accessible, and the market remains stable with modest appreciation and low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$61,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Handley is served by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Charleston. Residents can access DMV services both in person and online for all standard vehicle and licensing needs.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5707 MacCorkle Ave SE, 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.