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Is Fairmont a Good Place to Live? Fairmont, West Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fairmont ranks #1080 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #191 of 234 towns and #7 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (97%, #7 of 153) and affordable homes ($163,800, #35 of 231), and trails on high violent crime (395 per 100,000, #117 of 146) and high poverty (17.4%, #183 of 234).
Fairmont by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fairmont'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 Fairmont?
Fairmont'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 $916/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $194,875, 9% above the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
| Measure | Fairmont | 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 | $194,875#105 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 | $1,206/mo#103 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $163,800#114 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $916/mo#109 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.6x#65 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 17.4%#191 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.
Fairmont 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. Fairmont is in the Fairmont, WV metro.
West Virginia housing market →Is Fairmont safe?
Fairmont recorded 395 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 20% above the US rate of 328 and 63% above West Virginia's 242. That ranks #709 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #117 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fairmont Police Department. Property crime runs 1,196 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fairmont | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 395#709 of 1,085 | 242 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,196#306 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 Fairmont?
The median household in Fairmont earns $63,032, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above West Virginia ($60,798). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fairmont | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $63,032#974 of 1,312 | $60,798 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 17.4%#1006 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 Fairmont?
The median resident of Fairmont is 34.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 32.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #690 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fairmont | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 34.9 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 32.9%#690 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 63.1% | 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 Fairmont's schools and health?
Fairmont's 6 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $14,106 spent per pupil. 42.8% of adults are obese and 14.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Fairmont | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 97%#17 of 1,063 | 91.2% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.8#428 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $14,106#688 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 42.8%#1238 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 14.6%#1136 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 22.7%#1297 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.3%#414 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. 3,123 students are enrolled in Fairmont's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fairmont?
The average commute in Fairmont is 22.8 minutes (West Virginia 26.5); 1.3% of workers take transit and 12.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fairmont scores 9.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.1°F and winters 34.1°F, with 47.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fairmont | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 22.8 min#572 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.7%#328 of 1,312 | 9.8% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 70.9% | 77.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.3% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 4.5% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.8% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 12.2% | 8.8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.6#729 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 | 39.6 | 24 | 3.8 |
| Feb | 43 | 25.5 | 3.2 |
| Mar | 52.4 | 32.6 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 65.4 | 42.4 | 3.9 |
| May | 73.4 | 51.6 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 80.2 | 59.8 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 83.6 | 63.7 | 4.9 |
| Aug | 82.6 | 62.5 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 77.1 | 55.8 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 65.3 | 44.5 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 53.8 | 35.5 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 43.6 | 28.7 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fairmont.
| Measure | Fairmont | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 53.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 72.1°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 | 47.8 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 Fairmont.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fairmont?
Marion County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 74% 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 Marion County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hail, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | Fairmont | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 37#190 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% | 0.23%#1010 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 Marion County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Marion County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.19% | 96% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0036% | 62% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0013% | 53% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.002% | 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 Fairmont compare with similar-size cities?
Fairmont is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #191 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 18,221.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairmont, WVPop. 18,221 | #1080 | 48.4 | $63,032 | $916/mo | 395 | 22.8 min |
| Sheridan, WYPop. 19,285 | #679 | 55.5 | $62,867 | $936/mo | 110 | 12.8 min |
| Ammon, IDPop. 19,064 | #868 | 52.2 | $86,121 | $1,372/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| Badger, AKPop. 18,677 | #886 | 52.0 | $97,183 | $1,629/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
| Westerly, RIPop. 18,411 | #55 | 70.6 | $95,207 | $1,260/mo | 26 | 22.9 min |
| Chaparral, NMPop. 18,186 | #1302 | 36.3 | $46,017 | $853/mo | no data | 29.9 min |
| Wahiawa, HIPop. 17,996 | #905 | 51.7 | $87,143 | $1,546/mo | no data | 31.7 min |
| Spanish Springs, NVPop. 17,980 | #438 | 59.3 | $127,658 | $1,963/mo | no data | 33 min |
| Brunswick, MEPop. 17,652 | #88 | 68.8 | $70,722 | $1,465/mo | 48 | 22.8 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 Fairmont compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Fairmont ranks #7 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 48.4 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 4% above the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 63% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above 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 Fairmont's score calculated?
Fairmont scores 48.4 out of 100, #1080 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 Fairmont. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
24.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fairmont's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
73.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fairmont. Similar-size median 56.5.
25.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fairmont's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
69.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fairmont'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 Fairmont. Similar-size median 50.8.
35.5 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fairmont. 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 Fairmont. Similar-size median 48.3.
53.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fairmont's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
45.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
43.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fairmont'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 Fairmont 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 Fairmont
Is Fairmont, WV a good place to live?
Fairmont ranks #1080 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #191 of 234 towns and #7 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (97%, #7 of 153) and affordable homes ($163,800, #35 of 231), and trails on high violent crime (395 per 100,000, #117 of 146) and high poverty (17.4%, #183 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Fairmont?
Fairmont'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 $916/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $194,875, 9% above the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
What is the crime rate in Fairmont?
Fairmont recorded 395 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 20% above the US rate of 328 and 63% above West Virginia's 242. That ranks #709 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #117 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fairmont Police Department. Property crime runs 1,196 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fairmont?
The median household in Fairmont earns $63,032, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above West Virginia ($60,798). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fairmont?
Median rent in Fairmont is $916/mo (Census), #109 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,206/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fairmont?
The typical home value in Fairmont is $194,875, up 3.3% in a year, against $179,496 for West Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $163,800.
How are the public schools in Fairmont?
Fairmont's 6 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $14,106 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fairmont?
The average commute is 22.8 minutes, #572 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across West Virginia. 3.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fairmont?
Fairmont averages 53.6°F over the year, 72.1°F in summer and 34.1°F in winter, with 47.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fairmont walkable?
Fairmont scores 9.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #729 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 Fairmont at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Marion County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hail, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 80% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fairmont?
Marion County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Fairmont?
Fairmont has 18,221 residents. The median resident of Fairmont is 34.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 32.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #690 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fairmont compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Fairmont ranks #7 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 48.4 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 4% above the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 63% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above the typical West Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Fairmont?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fairmont's population of 18,221 are Sheridan, WY (#679 overall), Ammon, ID (#868 overall), Badger, AK (#886 overall), Westerly, RI (#55 overall), and Chaparral, NM (#1302 overall). Fairmont is #1080.