West VirginiaPop. 16,818Towns
Is Beckley a Good Place to Live? Beckley, West Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Beckley ranks #1308 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #234 of 234 towns and #20 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($158,000, #30 of 231) and low rents ($869/mo, #43 of 231), and trails on high poverty (28.9%, #230 of 234) and low household income ($45,826, #226 of 234).
Beckley by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Beckley's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Beckley?
Beckley's cost of living index is 88.4, 12% below the US level of 100 and #145 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $869/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $151,973, 15% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
| Measure | Beckley | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 88.4#145 of 1,308 | 89.5 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $151,973#46 of 1,187 | $179,496 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,129/mo#68 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $158,000#99 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $869/mo#63 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 22.8%#756 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). West Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Beckley housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Beckley is in the Beckley, WV metro.
West Virginia housing market →Is Beckley safe?
Beckley recorded 716 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 3 times West Virginia's 242. That ranks #975 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #136 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Beckley Police Department. Property crime runs 7,097 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Beckley | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 716#975 of 1,085 | 242 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 7,097#1085 of 1,085 | 1,053 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). West Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Beckley?
The median household in Beckley earns $45,826, 45% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below West Virginia ($60,798). 28.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Beckley | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $45,826#1278 of 1,312 | $60,798 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 28.9%#1286 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.8%#1052 of 1,132 | -0.1% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). West Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Beckley?
The median resident of Beckley is 42.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 29.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #824 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Beckley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 42.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 29.2%#824 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 55.4% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Beckley's schools and health?
Beckley's 8 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $13,305 spent per pupil. 44.9% of adults are obese and 19.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Beckley | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 91.2% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 13.8#261 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $13,305#794 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 44.9%#1283 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 19.2%#1298 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 22.8%#1298 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9.3%#557 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). West Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,668 students are enrolled in Beckley's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Beckley?
The average commute in Beckley is 16.5 minutes (West Virginia 26.5); 0.3% of workers take transit and 7.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Beckley scores 9.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #777 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.1°F and winters 34.5°F, with 43.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Beckley | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 16.5 min#113 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 5.1%#587 of 1,312 | 9.8% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 79.7% | 77.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2.7% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 7.3% | 8.8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.3#777 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). West Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 40.5 | 24 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 44.2 | 26.6 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 52.5 | 33.1 | 4 |
| Apr | 64.4 | 42.6 | 3.6 |
| May | 71.5 | 51.1 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 77.8 | 58.7 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 80.7 | 62.4 | 5 |
| Aug | 79.9 | 61.1 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 74.4 | 55 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 64.3 | 44.2 | 2.7 |
| Nov | 53.2 | 34.7 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 43.9 | 28 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Beckley Raleigh Co Airport.
| Measure | Beckley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 52.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 70.1°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 34.5°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 43.5 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Beckley Raleigh Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Beckley?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Beckley's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Raleigh County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
| Measure | Beckley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#424 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Raleigh County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Raleigh County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.098% | 68% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0024% | 56% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0034% | 55% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Beckley compare with similar-size cities?
Beckley is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #234 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 16,818.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley, WVPop. 16,818 | #1308 | 34.1 | $45,826 | $869/mo | 716 | 16.5 min |
| Sunland Park, NMPop. 17,463 | #1058 | 48.8 | $62,814 | $920/mo | 280 | 31.9 min |
| Laconia, NHPop. 17,085 | #404 | 60.0 | $73,218 | $1,224/mo | 184 | 17 min |
| Waterville, MEPop. 17,077 | #522 | 57.8 | $53,580 | $978/mo | 91 | 18 min |
| Wailuku, HIPop. 16,926 | #578 | 57.0 | $102,942 | $1,762/mo | no data | 19.1 min |
| La Vista, NEPop. 16,563 | #382 | 60.4 | $81,961 | $1,317/mo | 67 | 20.2 min |
| Mountain Home, IDPop. 16,493 | #1093 | 48.0 | $63,125 | $1,155/mo | 193 | 23 min |
| Jamestown, NDPop. 15,787 | #813 | 53.2 | $56,554 | $773/mo | 133 | 10.9 min |
| Dayton, NVPop. 15,781 | #887 | 52.0 | $102,819 | $1,521/mo | no data | 30.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Beckley compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Beckley ranks #20 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 34.1 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 25% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical West Virginia home.
| City | Rank in WV | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport, WVPop. 9,252 | #1 | 62.8 | $100,022 | $1,105/mo | 74 |
| Cheat Lake, WVPop. 10,902 | #2 | 62.2 | $117,014 | $1,124/mo | no data |
| Teays Valley, WVPop. 14,151 | #3 | 57.8 | $108,741 | $1,102/mo | no data |
| Morgantown, WVPop. 30,236 | #4 | 52.8 | $44,727 | $937/mo | 239 |
| Weirton, WVPop. 18,647 | #5 | 50.4 | $59,575 | $746/mo | 83 |
| Charleston, WVPop. 47,421 | #6 | 48.6 | $65,812 | $908/mo | 596 |
| Fairmont, WVPop. 18,221 | #7 | 48.4 | $63,032 | $916/mo | 395 |
| Parkersburg, WVPop. 29,240 | #8 | 47.8 | $49,025 | $785/mo | 269 |
| Vienna, WVPop. 10,518 | #9 | 47.8 | $60,388 | $809/mo | 174 |
| Martinsburg, WVPop. 18,904 | #10 | 47.6 | $59,555 | $1,150/mo | 221 |
| Wheeling, WVPop. 26,350 | #11 | 47.0 | $48,590 | $794/mo | 816 |
| St. Albans, WVPop. 10,522 | #12 | 47.0 | $53,972 | $931/mo | 118 |
| Moundsville, WVPop. 7,869 | #13 | 46.3 | $49,048 | $834/mo | 263 |
| Clarksburg, WVPop. 15,549 | #14 | 46.1 | $47,386 | $790/mo | 278 |
| Cross Lanes, WVPop. 9,671 | #15 | 45.1 | $63,537 | $949/mo | no data |
| Bluefield, WVPop. 9,387 | #16 | 44.7 | $49,375 | $804/mo | 365 |
| Oak Hill, WVPop. 7,937 | #17 | 44.7 | $52,466 | $847/mo | 92 |
| Huntington, WVPop. 45,787 | #18 | 44.2 | $45,100 | $912/mo | 670 |
| South Charleston, WVPop. 13,457 | #19 | 42.1 | $63,884 | $844/mo | 446 |
| Beckley, WVPop. 16,818 | #20 | 34.1 | $45,826 | $869/mo | 716 |
All 20 West Virginia cities we track, by overall score. West Virginia statewide: median income $60,798, violent crime 241.7 per 100,000.
How is Beckley's score calculated?
Beckley scores 34.1 out of 100, #1308 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with West Virginia's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Beckley. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
9.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Beckley's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
17.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Beckley. Similar-size median 56.5.
12.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Beckley's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
60.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Beckley's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
87.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Beckley. Similar-size median 50.8.
6.7 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Beckley. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
17.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Beckley. Similar-size median 48.3.
47.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Beckley's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
43.7 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
70.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Beckley's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Beckley has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Beckley
Is Beckley, WV a good place to live?
Beckley ranks #1308 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #234 of 234 towns and #20 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($158,000, #30 of 231) and low rents ($869/mo, #43 of 231), and trails on high poverty (28.9%, #230 of 234) and low household income ($45,826, #226 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Beckley?
Beckley's cost of living index is 88.4, 12% below the US level of 100 and #145 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $869/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $151,973, 15% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
What is the crime rate in Beckley?
Beckley recorded 716 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 3 times West Virginia's 242. That ranks #975 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #136 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Beckley Police Department. Property crime runs 7,097 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Beckley?
The median household in Beckley earns $45,826, 45% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below West Virginia ($60,798). 28.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Beckley?
Median rent in Beckley is $869/mo (Census), #63 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,129/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Beckley?
The typical home value in Beckley is $151,973, up 2.4% in a year, against $179,496 for West Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $158,000.
How are the public schools in Beckley?
Beckley's 8 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $13,305 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Beckley?
The average commute is 16.5 minutes, #113 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across West Virginia. 5.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Beckley?
Beckley averages 52.9°F over the year, 70.1°F in summer and 34.5°F in winter, with 43.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Beckley walkable?
Beckley scores 9.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #777 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Beckley at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Raleigh County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
Who lives in Beckley?
Beckley has 16,818 residents. The median resident of Beckley is 42.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 29.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #824 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Beckley compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Beckley ranks #20 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 34.1 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 25% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical West Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Beckley?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Beckley's population of 16,818 are Sunland Park, NM (#1058 overall), Laconia, NH (#404 overall), Waterville, ME (#522 overall), Wailuku, HI (#578 overall), and La Vista, NE (#382 overall). Beckley is #1308.