Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shepherdstown, WV
Considering a move to Shepherdstown, WV? This historic college town of about 1,850 residents boasts affordable living, with median home prices around $326,000 and rents near $1,250. The area offers a low violent crime rate, an easy 23-minute average commute, and a vibrant atmosphere thanks to Shepherd University. Enjoy a mild climate with 56% sunny days and strong educational opportunities in a walkable, welcoming community.
Demographics - Shepherdstown, WV
Demographics - Shepherdstown, WV
Shepherdstown is a small, vibrant community of about 1,850 people, with a youthful median age of 21.8, largely influenced by its college-town atmosphere. The population is predominantly White, though there is some ethnic diversity, and roughly 6.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. High population density and a slight female majority contribute to its lively and inclusive local environment.
Population:
1,850
Density:
2,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
21.8
Gender Ratio:
82 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.1%
Black:
7.0%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
6.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shepherdstown, WV?
Shepherdstown offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $326,000 and average monthly rent around $1,250. The cost of living index stands at 90.2, making it lower than the national average, especially in housing and groceries. Residents benefit from moderate utility costs and state income taxes ranging from 3.0% to 6.5%.
Median House Value:
$326,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,500
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$495
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.2
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
82.5
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
91.0
Health Care:
95.5
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Shepherdstown, WV a safe place to live?
The city has a low violent crime rate, with only about 110 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a relatively safe place to live. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 83 chance, but overall, Shepherdstown maintains a crime index that suggests peace of mind for families and individuals. Community policing and a small-town feel help contribute to this sense of safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,210
Crime Index:
1,320
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Shepherdstown, WV year-round?
Shepherdstown enjoys a mild climate with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cool winters with temperatures dipping to around 23°F. The area receives about 39.5 inches of rain annually and boasts 56% sunny days, allowing residents to experience all four seasons comfortably. The pleasant weather is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and the region’s scenic beauty.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Residents of Shepherdstown experience a close-knit community with a median household income of $46,400 and a family income of $68,500. The area has a poverty rate of 18.5%, but high educational attainment—over 94% of adults have a high school diploma and nearly half hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times are manageable at an average of 23 minutes, and most residents travel by car.
Median Income:
$24,000
Household Income:
$46,400
Family Income:
$68,500
Per Capita Income:
$17,800
Income Male:
$40,500
Income Female:
$30,200
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
5.0%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
23.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
46.8%
Education
How are the schools in Shepherdstown, WV?
Shepherdstown boasts strong educational options, including public elementary and middle schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and the reputable Shepherd University, enrolling over 3,100 students. Families also have access to local private schooling at Morgan Academy. The presence of a major university enriches the community’s educational and cultural life.

Public Schools
Name:
Shepherdstown Elementary School
Street:
662 S. Church St
Phone:
304-876-6270
Students:
280
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Shepherdstown Middle School
Street:
54 Minden Ave
Phone:
304-876-6211
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8

Private Schools
Name:
Morgan Academy
Street:
8505 Shepherdstown Pike
Phone:
304-876-9218
Students:
75

Colleges
Name:
Shepherd University
City:
Shepherdstown
State:
WV
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Shepherdstown residents have access to quality healthcare through the WV University Medicine Jefferson Medical Center, a nearby full-service hospital with emergency care. The community maintains a high health insurance coverage rate of 92.5% and a physician availability of 1.7 per 1,000 residents. Overall, the local healthcare system provides reliable services for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
WV University Medicine Jefferson Medical Center
Address:
300 South Preston Street, Ranson, WV 25438
Phone:
(304) 728-1600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shepherdstown, WV?
The housing market in Shepherdstown is balanced, with a median home price of $326,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,250. Just over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the vacancy rate is moderate at 7.1%. Home values have appreciated by 5.2% over the past year, reflecting a steady and healthy market.
Median Home Price:
$326,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle and driver services for Shepherdstown residents are provided by the West Virginia DMV located in nearby Kearneysville. The office offers convenient access for registrations, licensing, and other motor vehicle needs, with additional information available on their official website. Residents benefit from the close proximity and helpful customer service.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia DMV
Address:
57 Midland Blvd, Kearneysville, WV 25430
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.