Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shanks, WV
Thinking of moving to Shanks, WV? With a small-town population of about 850, Shanks offers affordable living, with median home prices at $132,000 and average rents around $700. The area boasts a low crime rate, peaceful rural surroundings, and a typical commute of 31 minutes. Residents benefit from nearby schools and healthcare in Romney, plus plenty of sunny days to enjoy the scenic West Virginia outdoors. Explore housing, cost of living, and local amenities below to see if Shanks is right for you!
Demographics - Shanks, WV
Demographics - Shanks, WV
Shanks is a close-knit rural community with a population of around 850, a median age of 46, and a predominantly White demographic. The area maintains a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, offering a tranquil lifestyle for those seeking a quiet, neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
850
Density:
65 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
2.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shanks, WV?
Living in Shanks is highly affordable, with median home values at $132,000 and average rents near $700, well below national averages. Residents benefit from a low overall cost of living index of 81, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$132,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.0
Grocery:
95.7
Housing:
65.5
Utilities:
87.4
Transportation:
89.2
Health Care:
87.9
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Shanks, WV a safe place to live?
Shanks experiences very low crime, with violent crime rates at just 78 per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 1,282 chance of being a victim. This makes the area notably safe compared to larger cities, contributing to its peaceful, rural appeal.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
78
Property Crimes Per 100k:
580
Crime Index:
658
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,282
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 172
Weather
What is the weather like in Shanks, WV year-round?
Shanks enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 83°F and cold winters dipping to 23°F. The community sees about 37.5 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine roughly 58% of the year, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Local households in Shanks typically earn a median income of $44,800, with a poverty rate of 14.2% and just 5.8% unemployment. Most residents commute about 31 minutes to work, and over 83% have completed high school or higher, reflecting a stable and community-oriented population.
Median Income:
$29,300
Household Income:
$44,800
Family Income:
$54,500
Per Capita Income:
$22,100
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.9%
Bachelors or More:
14.8%
Education
How are the schools in Shanks, WV?
Local students attend public schools in nearby Romney, including Romney Elementary and Hampshire High, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Potomac State College of WVU is located just 18 miles away, providing accessible college opportunities for residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Romney Elementary School
Street:
45 School Street, Romney, WV 26757
Phone:
304-822-3021
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Hampshire High School
Street:
1 Trojan Way, Romney, WV 26757
Phone:
304-822-5016
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Colleges
Name:
Potomac State College of WVU
City:
Keyser
State:
WV
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
Residents have access to nearby healthcare at Hampshire Memorial Hospital in Romney, with 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage. The area's healthcare services offer general and emergency care, ensuring essential medical support is close at hand.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hampshire Memorial Hospital
Address:
363 Sunrise Blvd, Romney, WV 26757
Phone:
(304) 822-4561
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shanks, WV?
Shanks features a stable housing market highlighted by a median home price of $132,000 and an owner-occupancy rate nearing 79%. Rental vacancy rates are moderate, and the area sees modest home appreciation, making it ideal for both buyers and renters seeking affordability.
Median Home Price:
$132,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Shanks residents are served by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, with a main office in Charleston and accessible online services. The DMV provides standard vehicle and licensing needs for the community.
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.