West Virginia / County

Moving to Kanawha City, WV

Thinking of making a move to Kanawha City, WV? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kanawha City, WV

Considering a move to Kanawha City, WV? This welcoming community of 6,800 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $145,000 and average rents near $860. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (51% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Kanawha City's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Kanawha City, WV

Kanawha City has a population of 6,800 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 92% White, 5% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 2% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
6,800
Density
3,200 per sq mi
Median Age
42.1
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
1.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
92.0%
Black
4.8%
Asian
0.9%
Others
2.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Kanawha City, WV?

The cost of living in Kanawha City is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.7. Median home values are around $145,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $860. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$145,000
Gross Rent
$860
Monthly Electricity Charges
$132
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$410
State Taxes
Low: 2.2%| High: 6.5%
Cost Of Living Index
84.7
Grocery
93.5
Housing
71.2
Utilities
96.8
Transportation
89.1
Health Care
99.2
Miscellaneous
91.0

Crime

Is Kanawha City, WV a safe place to live?

Kanawha City is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 310 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 47. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in West Virginia.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
310
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,150
Crime Index
2,460
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 323
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 47

Weather

What is the weather like in Kanawha City, WV year-round?

Kanawha City experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and cold winters dipping to 26°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 51% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
26°F
Max
43°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
87°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
69°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
43.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
51%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $61,800 and a low poverty rate of 15.8%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 20% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$44,500
Household Income
$61,800
Family Income
$76,200
Per Capita Income
$29,700
Income Male
$47,600
Income Female
$36,800
Poverty Rate
15.8%
Non English Speakers
4.2%
Rent
$860
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
Public Transport Usage
2.8%
Commute Time
23.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.5%
Bachelors or More
19.8%

Education

How are the schools in Kanawha City, WV?

Kanawha City offers quality education options, with public schools like Kanawha City Elementary School and John Adams Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Charleston and West Virginia State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Kanawha City Elementary School
Street
3601 Venable Ave SE
Phone
304-348-1983
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
14.6
Name
John Adams Middle School
Street
808 Highland Rd
Phone
304-348-1952
Students
640
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1

Private Schools

Name
Charleston Catholic High School
Street
1033 Virginia St E
Phone
304-342-8411
Students
245

Colleges

Name
University of Charleston
City
Charleston
State
WV
Distance
5 miles
Students
2,100
Name
West Virginia State University
City
Institute
State
WV
Distance
14 miles
Students
3,500

Healthcare

Kanawha City residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like CAMC General Hospital and Thomas Memorial Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.0 per 1,000 people and 92.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
CAMC General Hospital
Address
501 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301
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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage
92.1%
Health Care Index
67.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Kanawha City, WV?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $145,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 67%. The market has seen a 3.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Kanawha City offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$860
Owner Occupied Rate
67.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.4%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Kanawha City handle vehicle services through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Charleston. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
West Virginia
Department
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
5707 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone
1-800-642-9066

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.

FAQs About Moving to Kanawha City, WV

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Kanawha City, review the core fields on this page: population 6,800, median home value $145,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $860, commute time 23.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 51%.

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