Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Valley Fork, WV
Considering a move to Valley Fork, WV? With a small-town population of around 410 and affordable housing—median home prices at $126,000 and average rents at $725—Valley Fork offers a quiet, rural lifestyle. Residents enjoy low cost of living, modest commute times (about 29 minutes), and a close-knit community, though incomes and educational attainment are below national averages. The area boasts scenic weather with 56% sunny days and access to nearby healthcare and schools, making it a peaceful option for those seeking affordability and small-town charm.
Demographics - Valley Fork, WV
Demographics - Valley Fork, WV
Valley Fork is a close-knit rural community of about 410 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 45.2 years. The gender balance is nearly even, and most people speak English at home, reflecting the area's traditional small-town character.
Population:
410
Density:
30 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Valley Fork, WV?
Valley Fork offers a very affordable cost of living, with median home values around $126,000 and average monthly rent at $725. Utility, grocery, and transportation costs are lower than national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals or families.
Median House Value:
$126,000
Gross Rent:
$725
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.4
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
53.2
Utilities:
90.3
Transportation:
82.5
Health Care:
83.9
Miscellaneous:
78.6
Crime
Is Valley Fork, WV a safe place to live?
The town experiences low violent crime rates, with only 220 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 455 chance of being affected by violent crime. Property crime is more common but still moderate, contributing to a generally safe environment for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,570
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Valley Fork, WV year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild summers averaging up to 83°F and winters dipping to about 22°F. Valley Fork sees approximately 46 inches of annual rainfall and gets sunshine 56% of the year, supporting outdoor activities and scenic beauty.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Households in Valley Fork have a median income of $35,700, and about 87% of adults hold at least a high school diploma. While the poverty rate is higher than average at 18.7%, the area maintains a friendly, community-focused atmosphere with modest commute times and minimal public transport usage.
Median Income:
$28,400
Household Income:
$35,700
Family Income:
$44,500
Per Capita Income:
$21,200
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
18.7%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$725
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
28.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.2%
Bachelors or More:
11.2%
Education
How are the schools in Valley Fork, WV?
Valley Fork is served by Clay County public schools, offering small class sizes and a supportive learning environment. Nearby colleges, such as Glenville State University and West Virginia State University, are within driving distance for higher education opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Clay County High School
Street:
1 Panther Dr
Phone:
304-587-4226
Students:
415
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Name:
Clay Elementary School
Street:
220 Church St
Phone:
304-587-4276
Students:
326
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Colleges
Name:
Glenville State University
City:
Glenville
State:
WV
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
1,400
Name:
West Virginia State University
City:
Institute
State:
WV
Distance:
46 miles
Students:
3,514
Healthcare
Valley Fork residents have access to nearby hospitals such as Braxton County Memorial Hospital and CAMC General Hospital, with 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage reaches nearly 89%, offering reasonable healthcare access for this small community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Braxton County Memorial Hospital
Address:
100 Hoylman Dr, Gassaway, WV 26624
Phone:
(304) 364-5156
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
CAMC General Hospital
Address:
501 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone:
(304) 388-5432
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.5%
Health Care Index:
66.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Valley Fork, WV?
The local housing market is stable and affordable, with median home prices at $126,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate above 80%. Home appreciation has seen modest growth, and rental vacancies are low, making it a favorable market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$126,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$725
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Valley Fork residents are served by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, located in Charleston. The DMV offers standard vehicle and license services and provides helpful information through its website and customer service line.
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.