Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Schools
The lower than average schools score may be influenced by below-average education levels, subpar reading and math scores and the lack of access to local elementary and high schools.
Dunbar, West Virginia is a small-sized city with a population of 7,317 people. At 73%, the majority of the Dunbar population is White; this is followed by 15% Black and 3% Native Hawaiian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Dunbar will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Dunbar, 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. Finding the best places to live in Dunbar and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, employment and other important metrics.
Dunbar, WV receives 70 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #55 in West Virginia and #6,798 in the USA. If we take a closer look at each of the categories on their own, we see that Dunbar ranks well for crime (B+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Dunbar does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F) and education (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Dunbar, the unemployment rate stands at 2.2%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Dunbar has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Dunbar is real estate affordability. The median home price for Dunbar homes is $174,501, which is 9.2% lower than the West Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Dunbar, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 3.2% 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 | Dunbar | West Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 86.2% | 82.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.1% | 9.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.4% | 0.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.4% | 2.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.0% | 3.1% | 4.6% |
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