Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wendel, WV
Thinking of moving to Wendel, WV? This small, close-knit community of about 400 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $112,000 and average rents at $720. Enjoy a quiet lifestyle with low violent crime rates (152 per 100k), a typical commute of about 28 minutes, and access to quality public schools like South Harrison High. Wendel features mild seasons, a low cost of living index, and the charm of rural West Virginia living—perfect for those seeking affordability and a slower pace.
Demographics - Wendel, WV
Demographics - Wendel, WV
Wendel is a small, predominantly White community of about 400 residents, with a median age of 43.2 and a nearly balanced gender ratio. The population density is low at 50 people per square mile, and non-English speakers make up just over 2% of the population, reflecting a close-knit and homogenous rural environment.
Population:
400
Density:
50 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.7%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wendel, WV?
Wendel offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $112,000 and average rents around $720 per month. The cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$112,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,130
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
88.5
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
94.0
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
87.0
Crime
Is Wendel, WV a safe place to live?
Residents of Wendel benefit from relatively low violent crime rates, with only 152 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 658 chance of being a victim. Property crime occurs more frequently, but overall, the community is considered safe compared to larger urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
152
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,572
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 658
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Wendel, WV year-round?
Wendel experiences four distinct seasons with mild summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The area enjoys about 56% sunny days and receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually, offering a classic Appalachian climate.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Households in Wendel typically earn a median income of $44,600, with a poverty rate of 16.5% and an unemployment rate of 5.8%. Most residents commute around 28 minutes to work, and the community values education, with over 86% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$37,000
Household Income:
$44,600
Family Income:
$56,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,100
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
16.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
27.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.4%
Bachelors or More:
16.9%
Education
How are the schools in Wendel, WV?
Wendel offers access to quality public schools such as South Harrison High and Lost Creek Elementary, both featuring favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are available nearby at Fairmont State University, located just 29 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
South Harrison High School
Street:
3073 Hawk Hwy
Phone:
304-326-7440
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Name:
Lost Creek Elementary School
Street:
288 Gilmer St
Phone:
304-326-7446
Students:
290
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5

Colleges
Name:
Fairmont State University
City:
Fairmont
State:
WV
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Wendel residents have access to major medical facilities like United Hospital Center in nearby Bridgeport, and about 90% of the population has health insurance coverage. The area features a moderate healthcare index and a physician availability of 1.5 per 1,000 people.

Major Hospitals
Name:
United Hospital Center
Address:
327 Medical Park Dr, Bridgeport, WV 26330
Phone:
(681) 342-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.4%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wendel, WV?
The local housing market is dominated by homeowners, with nearly 79% of properties owner-occupied and a median home price of $112,000. Rental options are available at an average of $720 for a two-bedroom, while foreclosure and vacancy rates remain low, indicating a stable market.
Median Home Price:
$112,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Wendel is served by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Charleston and accessible resources online and by phone. Residents can find comprehensive DMV services for licensing, registration, and more through the state’s official channels.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1800 Kanawha Blvd E, 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.