West VirginiaPop. 15,549Towns
Is Clarksburg a Good Place to Live? Clarksburg, West Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Clarksburg ranks #1170 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #207 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (98%, #1 of 153) and affordable homes ($129,900, #11 of 231), and trails on low household income ($47,386, #223 of 234) and high poverty (23.5%, #217 of 234).
Clarksburg by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Clarksburg'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 Clarksburg?
Clarksburg'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 $790/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $112,463, 37% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
| Measure | Clarksburg | 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 | $112,463#9 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 | $1,038/mo#35 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $129,900#52 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $790/mo#21 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 20%#447 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.
Clarksburg 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. Clarksburg is in the Clarksburg, WV metro.
West Virginia housing market →Is Clarksburg safe?
Clarksburg recorded 278 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% below the US rate of 328 and 15% above West Virginia's 242. That ranks #520 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #90 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Clarksburg Police Department. Property crime runs 2,205 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Clarksburg | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 278#520 of 1,085 | 242 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 2,205#764 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 Clarksburg?
The median household in Clarksburg earns $47,386, 43% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below West Virginia ($60,798). 23.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Clarksburg | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $47,386#1259 of 1,312 | $60,798 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 23.5%#1207 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 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 Clarksburg?
The median resident of Clarksburg is 40.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 25.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #949 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Clarksburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 40.4 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 25.7%#949 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 61% | 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 Clarksburg's schools and health?
Clarksburg's 6 public schools graduate 98% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 11.8 students per teacher and $14,396 spent per pupil. 42.9% of adults are obese and 17.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Clarksburg | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 98%#2 of 1,063 | 91.2% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 11.8#68 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $14,396#658 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 42.9%#1242 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 17.1%#1266 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 22.2%#1290 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9.8%#637 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. 2,659 students are enrolled in Clarksburg's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Clarksburg?
The average commute in Clarksburg is 20.9 minutes (West Virginia 26.5); 0.3% of workers take transit and 8.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Clarksburg scores 10.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #684 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.2°F and winters 35.8°F, with 44.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Clarksburg | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 20.9 min#415 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 5.6%#667 of 1,312 | 9.8% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 67.7% | 77.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 11.2% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 8.2% | 8.8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 10.1#684 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 | 42.6 | 24.6 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 45.6 | 26.6 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 54.7 | 33.4 | 3.6 |
| Apr | 67.6 | 43.1 | 3.9 |
| May | 75.7 | 52 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 82.5 | 60.2 | 4.5 |
| Jul | 85.5 | 64.2 | 5.4 |
| Aug | 84.6 | 62.7 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 78.9 | 55.4 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 67.6 | 44.1 | 3 |
| Nov | 56 | 35.5 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 46.6 | 29 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Clarksburg Benedum Airport.
| Measure | Clarksburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 54.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 73.2°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 35.8°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 44.8 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 Clarksburg Benedum Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Clarksburg?
Harrison County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Harrison County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hail, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 67% of US counties.
| Measure | Clarksburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 33#100 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.18%#861 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 Harrison County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Harrison County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.15% | 91% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0033% | 60% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0011% | 51% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0012% | 34% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0012% | 32% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0019% | 22% 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 Clarksburg compare with similar-size cities?
Clarksburg is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #207 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 15,549.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksburg, WVPop. 15,549 | #1170 | 46.1 | $47,386 | $790/mo | 278 | 20.9 min |
| Chubbuck, IDPop. 16,126 | #628 | 56.3 | $82,977 | $1,048/mo | 280 | 17.1 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 |
| Rutland, VTPop. 15,712 | #514 | 57.9 | $57,675 | $995/mo | 464 | 16 min |
| Glasgow, DEPop. 15,546 | #476 | 58.5 | $113,982 | $2,039/mo | no data | 29.1 min |
| Yankton, SDPop. 15,540 | #765 | 53.9 | $67,804 | $790/mo | 191 | 13.3 min |
| Deming, NMPop. 15,221 | #1299 | 36.7 | $34,165 | $586/mo | part year | 17.4 min |
| Lebanon, NHPop. 14,999 | #27 | 72.2 | $98,147 | $1,744/mo | 134 | 14 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 Clarksburg compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Clarksburg ranks #14 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 46.1 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 22% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 37% 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 Clarksburg's score calculated?
Clarksburg scores 46.1 out of 100, #1170 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 Clarksburg. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
10.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Clarksburg's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
73.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Clarksburg. Similar-size median 56.5.
20.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Clarksburg's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
76.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Clarksburg's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
90.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Clarksburg. Similar-size median 50.8.
17.4 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Clarksburg. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
20.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Clarksburg. Similar-size median 48.3.
55.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Clarksburg's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
47.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
53.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Clarksburg'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 Clarksburg 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 Clarksburg
Is Clarksburg, WV a good place to live?
Clarksburg ranks #1170 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #207 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (98%, #1 of 153) and affordable homes ($129,900, #11 of 231), and trails on low household income ($47,386, #223 of 234) and high poverty (23.5%, #217 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Clarksburg?
Clarksburg'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 $790/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $112,463, 37% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
What is the crime rate in Clarksburg?
Clarksburg recorded 278 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% below the US rate of 328 and 15% above West Virginia's 242. That ranks #520 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #90 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Clarksburg Police Department. Property crime runs 2,205 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Clarksburg?
The median household in Clarksburg earns $47,386, 43% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below West Virginia ($60,798). 23.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Clarksburg?
Median rent in Clarksburg is $790/mo (Census), #21 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,038/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Clarksburg?
The typical home value in Clarksburg is $112,463, down 1.1% in a year, against $179,496 for West Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $129,900.
How are the public schools in Clarksburg?
Clarksburg's 6 public schools graduate 98% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 11.8 students per teacher and $14,396 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Clarksburg?
The average commute is 20.9 minutes, #415 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across West Virginia. 5.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Clarksburg?
Clarksburg averages 54.9°F over the year, 73.2°F in summer and 35.8°F in winter, with 44.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Clarksburg walkable?
Clarksburg scores 10.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #684 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 Clarksburg at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Harrison County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hail, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 67% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Clarksburg?
Harrison County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Clarksburg?
Clarksburg has 15,549 residents. The median resident of Clarksburg is 40.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 25.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #949 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Clarksburg compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Clarksburg ranks #14 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 46.1 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 22% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 37% below the typical West Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Clarksburg?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Clarksburg's population of 15,549 are Chubbuck, ID (#628 overall), Jamestown, ND (#813 overall), Dayton, NV (#887 overall), Rutland, VT (#514 overall), and Glasgow, DE (#476 overall). Clarksburg is #1170.