Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mc Dowell, WV
Considering a move to Mc Dowell, WV? This small community of about 13,000 offers an affordable lifestyle with a median home price of just $41,000 and average rents around $510. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, peaceful rural surroundings, and a slower pace. While crime rates are moderate and incomes are below national averages, commutes are short (25 minutes), and the area features a friendly, close-knit atmosphere. If you're looking for budget-friendly living, scenic Appalachian landscapes, and a quiet lifestyle, Mc Dowell is worth a closer look.
Demographics - Mc Dowell, WV
Demographics - Mc Dowell, WV
Mc Dowell, WV is a small community of 13,000 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 46. The area has a slightly higher number of males than females and a low percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting its tight-knit, established character. Its low population density of 35 people per square mile offers a peaceful, rural environment.
Population:
13,000
Density:
35 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.3
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
1.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
88.2%
Black:
9.7%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mc Dowell, WV?
Mc Dowell is known for its highly affordable cost of living, with median home values at just $41,000 and average rents around $510. Residents benefit from lower housing, utility, and transportation costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals. State income taxes range from 3% to 6.5%, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average.
Median House Value:
$41,000
Gross Rent:
$510
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$640
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$270
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
74.8
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
33.7
Utilities:
90.8
Transportation:
82.1
Health Care:
89.5
Miscellaneous:
87.2
Crime
Is Mc Dowell, WV a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Mc Dowell are moderate for a rural area, with about 350 violent crimes and 1,560 property crimes per 100,000 people. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 285, which means residents generally enjoy a reasonable sense of safety. Property crime is more common, but the area remains quieter than many urban centers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,560
Crime Index:
1,910
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 285
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 64
Weather
What is the weather like in Mc Dowell, WV year-round?
Mc Dowell experiences all four seasons, with cold winters (lows averaging 20°F), mild summers (highs around 82°F), and about 44 inches of annual rainfall. Roughly 60% of days are sunny, allowing for plenty of outdoor activities. The region's climate is typical of the Appalachian Mountains, offering crisp autumns and pleasant springs.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Residents in Mc Dowell have a median household income of just under $28,000, with a notable poverty rate of 32.5%. Most adults have completed high school, though only a small percentage hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and the community is made up of hardworking, friendly neighbors sharing a small-town lifestyle.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$27,900
Family Income:
$34,600
Per Capita Income:
$17,100
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
32.5%
Non English Speakers:
1.5%
Rent:
$510
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
25.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
74.8%
Bachelors or More:
7.2%
Education
How are the schools in Mc Dowell, WV?
Mc Dowell offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Mount View High and Welch Elementary with favorable student-teacher ratios. A private school and access to Bluefield State University, located about 34 miles away, provide additional choices for families and students. Education levels are improving but remain below national averages, reflecting the area's rural character.
Public Schools
Name:
Mount View High School
Street:
307 Warrior Way
Phone:
304-436-4657
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Welch Elementary School
Street:
301 Church St
Phone:
304-436-4647
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
First Baptist Christian Academy
Street:
202 Elkhorn St
Phone:
304-436-6150
Students:
60
Colleges
Name:
Bluefield State University
City:
Bluefield
State:
WV
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Mc Dowell is anchored by Welch Community Hospital, which provides general and emergency services to the area. There are about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 90% of the population has health insurance coverage. While healthcare resources are more limited than in larger cities, essential services are accessible locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Welch Community Hospital
Address:
454 McDowell St, Welch, WV 24801
Phone:
(304) 436-8461
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mc Dowell, WV?
The housing market in Mc Dowell is extremely affordable, with a median home price of $41,000 and rents for a two-bedroom averaging $510. Most residents own their homes, and the area sees a modest home appreciation rate of 3.2% annually. Rental vacancies are higher than average, offering flexibility for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$41,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$510
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Mc Dowell residents are served by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Charleston. The DMV provides all standard licensing, registration, and vehicle services, and information is easily accessible through their official website or toll-free phone line. This ensures smooth handling of transportation and licensing needs for local 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.