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 11,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $140,000 and average rents near $870. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% 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 11,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 44 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 89% White, 7% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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?

The cost of living in Kanawha City is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.0. Median home values are around $140,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $870. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 415 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 32. 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
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?

Kanawha City experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 26°F. The area receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
26°F
Max
44°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
70°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
42.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $57,400 and a low poverty rate of 15.5%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 24% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like Kanawha City Elementary School and Horace Mann 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
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

Kanawha City residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like CAMC Memorial Hospital and Charleston Surgical Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.9 per 1,000 people and 92.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $140,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 63%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Kanawha City offers a mix of stability and opportunity 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

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 11,000, median home value $140,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $870, commute time 18.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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