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Is Bluefield a Good Place to Live? Bluefield, West Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bluefield ranks #1208 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #213 of 234 towns and #16 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($105,400, #2 of 231) and low rents ($804/mo, #20 of 231), and trails on low household income ($49,375, #217 of 234) and high poverty (18.5%, #195 of 234).
Bluefield by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bluefield'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 Bluefield?
Bluefield's cost of living index is 87, 13% below the US level of 100 and #101 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $804/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $119,264, 34% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
| Measure | Bluefield | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 87#101 of 1,308 | 89.5 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $119,264#12 of 1,187 | $179,496 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $105,400#14 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $804/mo#26 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.1x#8 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 19.5%#391 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.
Bluefield 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. Bluefield is in the Bluefield, WV-VA metro.
West Virginia housing market →Is Bluefield safe?
Bluefield recorded 365 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% above the US rate of 328 and 51% above West Virginia's 242. That ranks #669 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #112 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bluefield Police Department. Property crime runs 763 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bluefield | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 365#669 of 1,085 | 242 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 763#119 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 Bluefield?
The median household in Bluefield earns $49,375, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below West Virginia ($60,798). 18.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bluefield | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $49,375#1238 of 1,312 | $60,798 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 18.5%#1061 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 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 Bluefield?
The median resident of Bluefield is 45 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 30.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #761 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bluefield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 45 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 30.8%#761 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 65.1% | 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 Bluefield's schools and health?
Bluefield's 4 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $13,583 spent per pupil. 43% of adults are obese and 18.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Bluefield | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 91.2% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 15.3#514 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $13,583#756 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 43%#1246 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 18.9%#1293 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 21.5%#1271 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9%#519 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. 1,725 students are enrolled in Bluefield's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bluefield?
The average commute in Bluefield is 23.7 minutes (West Virginia 26.5); 1% of workers take transit and 10.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bluefield scores 8.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #895 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.9°F and winters 34.1°F, with 41.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bluefield | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 23.7 min#652 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 10.8%#1099 of 1,312 | 9.8% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 74.7% | 77.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.1% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 10.5% | 8.8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.7#895 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 | 39.9 | 23.8 | 3 |
| Feb | 43.4 | 26.5 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 51.4 | 33 | 3.8 |
| Apr | 62.7 | 42.6 | 3.6 |
| May | 69.7 | 50.9 | 4.6 |
| Jun | 76 | 58.3 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 78.9 | 61.8 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 77.9 | 60.7 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 72.5 | 54.5 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 62.8 | 44.6 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 52.2 | 34.7 | 2.6 |
| Dec | 43.2 | 27.9 | 3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bluefield Mercer Co Airport.
| Measure | Bluefield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 52.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 68.9°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 34.1°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 41.2 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 Bluefield Mercer Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bluefield?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Bluefield's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Mercer County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 58% of US counties.
| Measure | Bluefield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#577 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 Mercer County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Mercer County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 79% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0044% | 62% 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 Bluefield compare with similar-size cities?
Bluefield is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #213 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 9,387.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluefield, WVPop. 9,387 | #1208 | 44.7 | $49,375 | $804/mo | 365 | 23.7 min |
| Tanaina, AKPop. 9,646 | #923 | 51.4 | $105,536 | $1,398/mo | no data | 37.9 min |
| Berlin, NHPop. 9,383 | #804 | 53.3 | $45,180 | $815/mo | 337 | 18.7 min |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale, RIPop. 9,302 | #282 | 62.5 | $106,551 | $1,258/mo | no data | 24 min |
| Havre, MTPop. 9,258 | #1228 | 43.8 | $50,329 | $844/mo | 763 | 10.5 min |
| Bennington, VTPop. 9,245 | #603 | 56.7 | $54,257 | $1,115/mo | county/metro | 17.2 min |
| Old Orchard Beach, MEPop. 9,244 | #295 | 62.2 | $60,050 | $1,246/mo | 157 | 22 min |
| Gretna, NEPop. 9,193 | #173 | 65.3 | $123,992 | $1,540/mo | no data | 21.1 min |
| Claymont, DEPop. 8,786 | #805 | 53.3 | $74,712 | $1,306/mo | no data | 26.2 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 Bluefield compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Bluefield ranks #16 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 44.7 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 19% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 51% above the statewide rate. Homes are 34% 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 Bluefield's score calculated?
Bluefield scores 44.7 out of 100, #1208 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Bluefield. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
12.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bluefield's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
78.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bluefield. Similar-size median 56.5.
18.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bluefield's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
62.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bluefield's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
91.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bluefield. Similar-size median 50.8.
27.5 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bluefield. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
22.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bluefield. Similar-size median 48.3.
42.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bluefield's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
40.5 - 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.
57.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bluefield'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 Bluefield 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 Bluefield
Is Bluefield, WV a good place to live?
Bluefield ranks #1208 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #213 of 234 towns and #16 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($105,400, #2 of 231) and low rents ($804/mo, #20 of 231), and trails on low household income ($49,375, #217 of 234) and high poverty (18.5%, #195 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Bluefield?
Bluefield's cost of living index is 87, 13% below the US level of 100 and #101 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $804/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $119,264, 34% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
What is the crime rate in Bluefield?
Bluefield recorded 365 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% above the US rate of 328 and 51% above West Virginia's 242. That ranks #669 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #112 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bluefield Police Department. Property crime runs 763 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bluefield?
The median household in Bluefield earns $49,375, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below West Virginia ($60,798). 18.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bluefield?
Median rent in Bluefield is $804/mo (Census), #26 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 19.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bluefield?
The typical home value in Bluefield is $119,264, down 2.9% in a year, against $179,496 for West Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $105,400.
How are the public schools in Bluefield?
Bluefield's 4 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $13,583 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bluefield?
The average commute is 23.7 minutes, #652 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across West Virginia. 10.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bluefield?
Bluefield averages 52.1°F over the year, 68.9°F in summer and 34.1°F in winter, with 41.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bluefield walkable?
Bluefield scores 8.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #895 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 Bluefield at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Mercer County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 58% of US counties.
Who lives in Bluefield?
Bluefield has 9,387 residents. The median resident of Bluefield is 45 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 30.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #761 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bluefield compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Bluefield ranks #16 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 44.7 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 19% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 51% above the statewide rate. Homes are 34% below the typical West Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Bluefield?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bluefield's population of 9,387 are Tanaina, AK (#923 overall), Berlin, NH (#804 overall), Wakefield-Peace Dale, RI (#282 overall), Havre, MT (#1228 overall), and Bennington, VT (#603 overall). Bluefield is #1208.