Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Employment
In the employment category, a low score could be attributed to low income levels and high unemployment in the area, suggesting potential difficulties in finding lucrative employment.
Schools
The low schools score could result from issues like below-average graduation rates, inadequate reading and math scores, and the unavailability of local elementary and high schools.
Ratings
AreaVibes collected feedback from local residents in the area through surveys and polls, and the results did not show a favorable view of things like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Parkersburg, West Virginia is a mid-sized city with a population of 30,536 inhabitants. At 95%, the majority of the Parkersburg population is White; this is followed by 3% Black and 0% Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Parkersburg will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 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 great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Parkersburg, 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Parkersburg, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, education, employment, housing and more.
The livability score in Parkersburg is 71 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 77th percentile of all cities across America. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Parkersburg has received high marks for amenities (B-), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Parkersburg. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: crime (F), education (F) and employment (F).
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Parkersburg apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
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 Parkersburg is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Parkersburg come in at $158,607, which is 17.5% lower than the West Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Parkersburg, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 9.7% lower than the West Virginia average.
| Statistic | Parkersburg | West Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.0% | 82.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.7% | 9.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.5% | 0.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.5% | 2.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.2% | 3.1% | 4.6% |
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