Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Welch, WV
Considering a move to Welch, WV? With a small-town population of about 1,790 and a median home price of just $56,000, Welch is an affordable community with low housing costs and average rents around $610. Residents enjoy short commute times (22 minutes on average), plentiful sunny days (58% per year), and a close-knit atmosphere. While the city has higher-than-average poverty and crime rates, it also features accessible healthcare, local schools, and the scenic beauty of the Appalachian region. Welch offers a budget-friendly lifestyle for those seeking a quieter pace and affordable living.
Demographics - Welch, WV
Welch, WV is a small town of around 1,790 people, with a median age of 45.7 and a population density of 1,110 per square mile. The community is predominantly White (76.5%) with a significant Black population (20.2%), and a balanced gender ratio. A low percentage of non-English speakers (2.5%) makes the area primarily English-speaking.
Population:
1,790
Density:
1,110 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.7
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
76.5%
Black:
20.2%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Welch, WV?
Welch offers a very affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $56,000 and average rent at $610 monthly. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average at 73.5, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious residents. Utilities and everyday expenses are also notably lower than in many other U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$56,000
Gross Rent:
$610
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,030
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$760
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
73.5
Grocery:
89.0
Housing:
33.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
83.0
Miscellaneous:
78.0
Crime
Is Welch, WV a safe place to live?
The city experiences a moderate crime rate, with about 320 violent crimes and 2,050 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents have a 1 in 313 chance of being affected by violent crime and a 1 in 49 chance for property crime, indicating the need for awareness but not unusual for a small town. Community involvement and local law enforcement contribute to public safety efforts.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,370
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Welch, WV year-round?
Welch enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild summers averaging highs of 83°F and cool winters with lows around 23°F. The town receives about 41.5 inches of rain annually and experiences 58% sunny days, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes bring colorful autumns and comfortable springs.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Welch residents have a median household income of $28,100 and a per capita income of $15,800, with about 31% living below the poverty line. Most adults (77.8%) have at least a high school education, but only 9.8% have a bachelor's degree or higher. The town has a low unemployment rate of 7.8% and an average commute of just over 22 minutes.
Median Income:
$24,300
Household Income:
$28,100
Family Income:
$36,900
Per Capita Income:
$15,800
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
31.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$610
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
77.8%
Bachelors or More:
9.8%
Education
How are the schools in Welch, WV?
Education in Welch is provided by local public schools like Welch Elementary and Mount View High School, both offering small class sizes for personalized learning. There are no private schools, but higher education is accessible at Bluefield State University, about 37 miles away. The area focuses on foundational education within a close-knit school community.
Public Schools
Name:
Welch Elementary School
Street:
201 Maple Ave
Phone:
304-436-4647
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Mount View High School
Street:
950 Mount View Road
Phone:
304-436-4657
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Colleges
Name:
Bluefield State University
City:
Bluefield
State:
WV
Distance:
37 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Healthcare in Welch is anchored by the Welch Community Hospital, which offers general and emergency services. There are about 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, and health insurance coverage is high at 90.1%. Residents benefit from accessible medical care within the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Welch Community Hospital
Address:
454 McDowell St, Welch, WV 24801
Phone:
(304) 436-8461
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.1%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Welch, WV?
The housing market in Welch is highly affordable, with a median home price of $56,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $610. Most residents own their homes (64.2%), and the area sees a steady but modest home appreciation rate of 3.6% annually. Rental vacancies are relatively high at 10.1%, giving newcomers options.
Median Home Price:
$56,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$610
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.0%
DMV Information
Welch residents are served by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Charleston. The DMV provides standard licensing and registration services, and information is accessible online or by phone. The central location ensures support for all vehicle-related needs.
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.