Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Health & Safety
Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.
Schools
Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.
Beckley is a moderately-sized city located in the state of West Virginia. The city has a population of 16,865 residents. The majority of Beckley residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Beckley is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Beckley, West Virginia. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Beckley and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the West Virginia and national averages.
Beckley has a livability score of 56/100 and is ranked #254 in West Virginia and #21,916 in the USA. This is a lower than the United States average livability score as Beckley does not rank well for most categories. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Beckley ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (B+) Regrettably for Beckley, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F), crime (F), education (D-) and employment (D).
The Beckley unemployment rate of 2.7% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Beckley market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Beckley meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Beckley. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Beckley are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Beckley come in at $201,383, which is 4.8% higher than the West Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Beckley, the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 0% lower than the West Virginia average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Beckley | West Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.3% | 82.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.1% | 9.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 0.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.5% | 2.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.4% | 3.1% | 4.6% |
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