Beckley

Beckley, West Virginia Overview

Beckley faces challenges across several categories, earning a F grade (34.6/100) and ranking #20 of 20 cities in West Virginia. Even so, the city scores 85/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Fiscal Health score of 8/100.

Income & Employment in Beckley

The median household income in Beckley is $39,939, 27% below the statewide median of $54,515. The local unemployment rate of 5% is higher than the state’s 4.7%. Population declined 0.6%.

Safety in Beckley

With a violent crime rate of 617.4 per 100,000, Beckley exceeds the West Virginia average of 285. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 7052.1 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Beckley

With a cost of living index of 89.6, Beckley is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $148,800. Median monthly rent is $867.

Health & Wellness in Beckley

The adult obesity rate in Beckley is 44.9%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 19.2%. Residents report an average of 22.8 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. West Virginia ranks #48 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Beckley

Beckley has a high school graduation rate of 88%. The student-teacher ratio of 13.5:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Per-pupil spending is $13,305. The city has 10 public schools serving 4,138 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Beckley

The annual average temperature in Beckley is 49.6°F. Summers average 74.2°F. Winters average 30.1°F. Annual precipitation is 41.4 inches. The mean commute time is 19.1 minutes, compared to 24.5 for West Virginia overall.

Frequently Asked Questions