Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Van Lear, KY
Considering a move to West Van Lear, KY? This small community of about 650 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $98,000 and average rent at just $675. Enjoy a peaceful, rural lifestyle, low violent crime rates (110 per 100K), and short commutes averaging 22.5 minutes. While the area features a strong sense of community and scenic Appalachian surroundings, take note of modest incomes and limited higher education options. With mild weather and a lower cost of living, West Van Lear is ideal for those seeking tranquility and value.
Demographics - West Van Lear, KY
Demographics - West Van Lear, KY
West Van Lear is a small, close-knit community of about 650 residents, with a median age of 43.2 and a population density of 350 people per square mile. The area is predominantly White (96.5%), and most residents are English speakers, making for a homogenous and welcoming environment.
Population:
650
Density:
350 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Van Lear, KY?
The cost of living in West Van Lear is notably affordable, with a median home value of $98,000 and average rent around $675 per month. Everyday expenses, including utilities and groceries, are well below the national average, making this town attractive for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$675
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.3
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
55.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
81.0
Health Care:
90.0
Miscellaneous:
88.5
Crime
Is West Van Lear, KY a safe place to live?
West Van Lear experiences a low violent crime rate of 110 per 100,000 residents, offering peace of mind to residents. Property crime is somewhat higher but still manageable, with a 1 in 88 chance, contributing to a generally safe environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,140
Crime Index:
1,250
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 88
Weather
What is the weather like in West Van Lear, KY year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 26°F and warm summers peaking at 86°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 57% of the year, making outdoor activities pleasant for much of the year.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
44°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in West Van Lear feature modest median household incomes of $38,600 and a poverty rate of 23.4%. Most residents commute about 22.5 minutes to work and the community is largely car-dependent, with minimal use of public transportation.
Median Income:
$24,500
Household Income:
$38,600
Family Income:
$43,800
Per Capita Income:
$19,400
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
23.4%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$675
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
75.2%
Bachelors or More:
10.3%
Education
How are the schools in West Van Lear, KY?
Local education is anchored by W.R. Castle Elementary School, serving the area with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. For higher education, residents have access to Big Sandy Community and Technical College located 18 miles away in Prestonsburg.

Public Schools
Name:
W.R. Castle Elementary School
Street:
325 KY-581, Wittensville, KY 41274
Phone:
606-789-3661
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1

Colleges
Name:
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
City:
Prestonsburg
State:
KY
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
4,300
Healthcare
Healthcare access is reliable, with the nearby Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center providing general and emergency services. The community benefits from a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.4% and a physician availability of 1.6 per 1,000 residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center
Address:
625 James S Trimble Blvd, Paintsville, KY 41240
Phone:
(606) 789-3511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Van Lear, KY?
West Van Lear's housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $98,000 and a high homeownership rate of 77%. The area sees slow but steady growth in home values and offers plenty of rental options with a vacancy rate of 9.2%.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$675
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver services for West Van Lear residents are managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in Frankfort, providing licensing and vehicle registration both in person and online for convenience.
State:
Kentucky
Department:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - Division of Driver Licensing
Address:
200 Mero St, Frankfort, KY 40622
Phone:
502-564-1257
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.