Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Morgantown, WV
Thinking of relocating to Morgantown, WV? Home to around 30,220 residents and West Virginia University, Morgantown boasts a youthful energy, affordable living costs, and rents averaging $975. With a median home price of $240,000, a quick average commute of just 17 minutes, and access to top healthcare, the city offers a lively college-town vibe, good public schools, and four-season weather. Enjoy a strong educational presence and vibrant community life while benefiting from a lower-than-average cost of living.
Demographics - Morgantown, WV
Demographics - Morgantown, WV
Morgantown is home to about 30,220 residents, with a youthful median age of 24.5 thanks in part to its university presence. The city features a diverse population, with over 9% speaking a language other than English at home, and a moderate population density that offers a lively yet comfortable environment.
Population:
30,220
Density:
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.5
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.2%
Black:
4.1%
Asian:
5.0%
Others:
5.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Morgantown, WV?
Morgantown offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $240,000 and average rent around $975 per month. The cost of living index sits below the national average, making daily expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation manageable for most residents.
Median House Value:
$240,000
Gross Rent:
$975
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,375
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.1
Grocery:
97.5
Housing:
77.8
Utilities:
94.3
Transportation:
91.2
Health Care:
99.4
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Morgantown, WV a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Morgantown are moderate, with a chance of violent crime at 1 in 427 and property crime at 1 in 51. While the city is generally safe, it's advisable to stay aware in busier college areas and take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
234
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,960
Crime Index:
2,194
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 427
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Morgantown, WV year-round?
Morgantown experiences all four seasons, with mild summers averaging highs in the low 80s and winters dipping into the 20s. The city receives about 41.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 53% of the year, making for a diverse climate with plenty of outdoor opportunities.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Residents of Morgantown enjoy a median household income of $46,900, but the area faces a higher-than-average poverty rate at 31.6%. The community is well-educated, with over 93% holding a high school diploma and nearly half earning a bachelor's degree or higher, and commutes are typically short at just under 17 minutes.
Median Income:
$32,400
Household Income:
$46,900
Family Income:
$68,400
Per Capita Income:
$24,800
Income Male:
$37,100
Income Female:
$29,800
Poverty Rate:
31.6%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$975
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
16.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.1%
Bachelors or More:
46.9%
Education
How are the schools in Morgantown, WV?
Education is a strong point in Morgantown, home to highly rated public schools like Suncrest Middle and Morgantown High, as well as private options and the prominent West Virginia University with 25,000 students. The city’s educational environment supports both families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Suncrest Middle School
Street:
360 Baldwin St
Phone:
304-291-9335
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Morgantown High School
Street:
109 Wilson Ave
Phone:
304-291-9260
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Trinity Christian School
Street:
200 Trinity Way
Phone:
304-291-4659
Students:
370
Colleges
Name:
West Virginia University
City:
Morgantown
State:
WV
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
25,000
Healthcare
Morgantown provides quality healthcare access, featuring major hospitals like J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital and Mon Health Medical Center. With 3.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% of the population covered by health insurance, medical services are both comprehensive and accessible.
Major Hospitals
Name:
J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital
Address:
1 Medical Center Dr, Morgantown, WV 26506
Phone:
(304) 598-4000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mon Health Medical Center
Address:
1200 J D Anderson Dr, Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone:
(304) 598-1200
Type:
General
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Morgantown, WV?
The local housing market in Morgantown is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $240,000 and average two-bedroom rent of $975. Homeownership rates are lower due to the student population, but vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, making it attractive for both renters and buyers.
Median Home Price:
$240,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$975
Owner Occupied Rate:
38.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle services through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, which offers a range of licensing and registration services both online and at locations statewide, including in nearby Charleston.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4510 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.