Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kanawha City, WV
Thinking of moving to Kanawha City, WV? With a population around 11,000, this friendly neighborhood offers affordable living with median home prices near $140,000 and average rents at $870. Commutes are short at just 18 minutes, and you’ll enjoy four distinct seasons with 58% sunny days. While property crime rates are higher than average, Kanawha City offers solid healthcare access, education options, and a relaxed pace—making it a practical choice for families and professionals looking for value and convenience in the Charleston metro area.
Demographics - Kanawha City, WV
Demographics - Kanawha City, WV
Kanawha City is home to about 11,000 residents, with a median age of 44 and a population density of 2,000 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, and the area has a slightly higher number of females compared to males. A small portion of residents speak languages other than English, creating a generally close-knit and familiar atmosphere.
Population:
11,000
Density:
2,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.0%
Black:
6.5%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kanawha City, WV?
Living in Kanawha City is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index of 82, well below the national average. Median home values are around $140,000 and average rents are $870, making it an attractive option for both homeowners and renters. Daily expenses such as utilities and groceries remain affordable, contributing to the area’s overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$140,000
Gross Rent:
$870
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,170
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
60.8
Utilities:
97.3
Transportation:
82.1
Health Care:
87.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Kanawha City, WV a safe place to live?
Kanawha City experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a rate of about 3,150 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 32 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less common, with a 1 in 241 chance. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, especially regarding property safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
415
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,150
Crime Index:
3,565
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 241
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Kanawha City, WV year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, including warm summers with highs near 86°F and mild winters averaging 26–44°F. The city receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 58% sunny days, making it pleasant for year-round outdoor activities. Spring and fall are especially comfortable, offering moderate temperatures and scenic beauty.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Kanawha City’s households have a median income of $57,400, and 89.6% of adults hold at least a high school diploma. Commute times are short at around 18 minutes, and the area has a poverty rate of 15.5%. The neighborhood is mainly residential, with a modest unemployment rate and limited public transportation use.
Median Income:
$36,900
Household Income:
$57,400
Family Income:
$69,600
Per Capita Income:
$32,000
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$33,000
Poverty Rate:
15.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.0%
Rent:
$870
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.8%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.6%
Bachelors or More:
23.7%
Education
How are the schools in Kanawha City, WV?
Kanawha City offers a range of educational options, including public and private schools with manageable class sizes and strong community involvement. The area is also close to higher education institutions like the University of Charleston, just a mile away. This makes it a practical choice for families and students seeking quality education in a supportive environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Kanawha City Elementary School
Street:
30 Blackwell Dr
Phone:
304-348-6091
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Name:
Horace Mann Middle School
Street:
4300 MacCorkle Ave SE
Phone:
304-348-6133
Students:
610
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Charleston Catholic High School
Street:
1033 Virginia St E
Phone:
304-342-8415
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
University of Charleston
City:
Charleston
State:
WV
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
2,800
Name:
West Virginia State University
City:
Institute
State:
WV
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
3,300
Healthcare
Healthcare is readily accessible, with major facilities like CAMC Memorial Hospital offering general and emergency services. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio and over 92% of residents have health insurance. Kanawha City’s healthcare index reflects reliable care for most medical needs.
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:
Charleston Surgical Hospital
Address:
1306 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone:
(304) 343-4325
Type:
Surgical Specialty
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kanawha City, WV?
The housing market in Kanawha City features a median home price of $140,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 63%. The average rent for a two-bedroom is $870, and the area has a stable market with low foreclosure and moderate appreciation rates. Rental vacancies are slightly above average, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$140,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$870
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Local residents can access DMV services at the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles located on MacCorkle Ave SE in Charleston. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing and vehicle registration, with helpful resources available online and by phone. Its convenient location supports the needs of Kanawha City drivers.
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.