Bluefield

Bluefield, West Virginia Overview

Bluefield faces challenges across several categories, earning a F grade (37.1/100) and ranking #19 of 20 cities in West Virginia. Even so, the city scores 79/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 17/100.

Income & Employment in Bluefield

With a median household income of $43,826 (20% below the West Virginia median) and a population decline of 1.1%, Bluefield faces compounding economic headwinds.

Safety in Bluefield

With a violent crime rate of 1267.5 per 100,000, Bluefield exceeds the West Virginia average of 285. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 354.5 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Bluefield

The median home value is $101,000. Median monthly rent is $790. Renters spend 21.6% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Bluefield

The adult obesity rate in Bluefield is 43%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 18.9%. Residents report an average of 21.5 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. West Virginia ranks #48 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Bluefield

Bluefield’s high school graduation rate of 92% is well above average, reflecting strong local school performance. The student-teacher ratio is 14.3:1. Per-pupil spending is $13,583. The city has 7 public schools serving 2,353 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Bluefield

The annual average temperature in Bluefield is 50.8°F. Summers average 74.8°F. Winters average 31.8°F. Annual precipitation is 43.6 inches. The mean commute time is 19 minutes, compared to 24.5 for West Virginia overall.

Frequently Asked Questions