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.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
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 moderately-sized city with a population of 29,732 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Parkersburg is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Parkersburg offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Parkersburg is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in West Virginia, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Parkersburg and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Parkersburg to West Virginia and the national average.
Using data and statistics Parkersburg has received a livability score of 70/100. This score is ranked in the 77th percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Parkersburg ranks well for amenities (B-) and housing (B) There are some categories that Parkersburg does not rank well for, including: crime (F), education (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Parkersburg. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Parkersburg are affordable. The median home price for Parkersburg homes is $89,800, which is 16.4% lower than the West Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Parkersburg, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 4% 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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