Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Petroleum, WV
Considering a move to Petroleum, WV? With a friendly population of around 350 and affordable median home values near $98,000, Petroleum offers rural tranquility and a low cost of living. Residents enjoy moderate crime rates, short average commutes of 29 minutes, and access to good local schools and healthcare in nearby towns. If you’re looking for scenic country living with low housing costs and four distinct seasons, Petroleum could be a great fit.
Demographics - Petroleum, WV
Demographics - Petroleum, WV
Petroleum, WV is a small rural community of about 350 residents, with a median age of 44.2 years and a predominantly White population. The area features a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, creating a close-knit and familiar environment.
Population:
350
Density:
30 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Petroleum, WV?
Living in Petroleum is very affordable, with a median home value of $98,000 and average rent around $720 per month. The overall cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families or retirees.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$830
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.5
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
55.6
Utilities:
89.0
Transportation:
83.0
Health Care:
87.5
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Petroleum, WV a safe place to live?
Petroleum experiences relatively low crime for its size, with a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 people and property crime being the more common concern. Residents enjoy a sense of safety typical of small, rural towns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,700
Crime Index:
1,820
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 830
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Petroleum, WV year-round?
The area enjoys all four seasons, with warm summers reaching 85°F, crisp winters dipping to 22°F, and about 43.5 inches of rainfall annually. Over half the days are sunny, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in Petroleum typically earn a median income of $52,500, with a poverty rate of 15.4%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma and commute just under 29 minutes to work, reflecting a modest and hard-working community.
Median Income:
$33,400
Household Income:
$52,500
Family Income:
$61,000
Per Capita Income:
$26,800
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
15.4%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
28.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.5%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in Petroleum, WV?
Education in Petroleum is supported by local schools like Ritchie County Middle/High School, which features a favorable student-teacher ratio, and higher education options such as West Virginia University at Parkersburg less than 30 miles away. This provides families with quality educational opportunities from kindergarten through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Ritchie County Middle/High School
Street:
201 Ritchie County School Rd
Phone:
304-869-3512
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7

Colleges
Name:
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
City:
Parkersburg
State:
WV
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
2,900
Healthcare
Nearby hospitals such as Camden Clark Medical Center and Sistersville General Hospital provide essential medical care, with 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of locals having health insurance coverage. This ensures access to both routine and emergency healthcare services within a reasonable distance.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Camden Clark Medical Center
Address:
800 Garfield Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone:
(304) 424-2111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sistersville General Hospital
Address:
314 S Wells St, Sistersville, WV 26175
Phone:
(304) 652-2611
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.1%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Petroleum, WV?
Petroleum's housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $98,000 and owner-occupancy at nearly 79%. Home values have appreciated modestly, and most residents benefit from low rental vacancy and foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Petroleum residents are served by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Charleston. Services such as licensing, registration, and driver information are available online and by phone for added convenience.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5707 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25317
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.