
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
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.
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.
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.
Fairmont, West Virginia is a mid-sized city with a population of 19,106 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Fairmont is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Fairmont, only 45% of the population is married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Fairmont. With an average one way commute time of only 21 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Fairmont, 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, commute, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Fairmont and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Fairmont to West Virginia and the national average.
Fairmont has a livability score of 72/100 and is ranked #45 in West Virginia and #5,809 in the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Fairmont has received high marks for cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Fairmont. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F) and employment (D-).
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 Fairmont 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.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Fairmont is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Fairmont come in at $209,879, which is 9.2% higher than the West Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Fairmont, 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 | Fairmont | West Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.4% | 82.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.1% | 9.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.5% | 0.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 5.9% | 2.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.8% | 3.1% | 4.6% |