West VirginiaPop. 45,787Small cities
Is Huntington a Good Place to Live? Huntington, West Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Huntington ranks #1221 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #191 of 208 small cities and #18 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($127,200, #15 of 208) and low rents ($912/mo, #33 of 208), and trails on low household income ($45,100, #198 of 208) and high poverty (25.7%, #191 of 208).
Huntington by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Huntington'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 Huntington?
Huntington'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 $912/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $144,450, 20% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
| Measure | Huntington | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 88.4#145 of 1,308 | 89.5 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $144,450#34 of 1,187 | $179,496 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,036/mo#34 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $127,200#47 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $912/mo#103 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.8x#109 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 24.3%#924 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Huntington 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. Huntington is in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH metro.
West Virginia housing market →Is Huntington safe?
Huntington recorded 670 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 2.8 times West Virginia's 242. That ranks #950 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #157 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Huntington Police Department. Property crime runs 3,366 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Huntington | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 670#950 of 1,085 | 242 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 3,366#995 of 1,085 | 1,053 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Huntington?
The median household in Huntington earns $45,100, 46% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below West Virginia ($60,798). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 25.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Huntington | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $45,100#1285 of 1,312 | $60,798 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 25.7%#1250 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | -0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). West Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Huntington?
The median resident of Huntington is 34.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 35.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #600 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Huntington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 34.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 35.3%#600 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 53.3% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Huntington's schools and health?
Huntington's 13 public schools graduate 88.1% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 12.3 students per teacher and $15,386 spent per pupil. 46.4% of adults are obese and 15.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Huntington | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88.1%#515 of 1,063 | 91.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12.3#112 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $15,386#530 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 46.4%#1299 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 15.7%#1201 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 24%#1305 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 9.7%#622 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). West Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,970 students are enrolled in Huntington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Huntington?
The average commute in Huntington is 19 minutes (West Virginia 26.5); 1.5% of workers take transit and 9.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Huntington scores 9.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #713 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.8°F and winters 37.2°F, with 45.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Huntington | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19 min#261 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.6%#506 of 1,312 | 9.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 69.6% | 77.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.5% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.9% | 2.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.4% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 9.4% | 8.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.8#713 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 43.2 | 26.4 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 47.3 | 29.1 | 3.4 |
| Mar | 56.8 | 36.1 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 68.8 | 45.5 | 3.9 |
| May | 76.2 | 54.2 | 4.5 |
| Jun | 83.3 | 62.4 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 86.4 | 66.4 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 85.5 | 64.8 | 4 |
| Sep | 79.6 | 57.7 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 68.6 | 46.1 | 3 |
| Nov | 56.6 | 36.6 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 46.7 | 30.4 | 3.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Huntington Tri-State Airport.
| Measure | Huntington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 56.5°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 74.8°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 37.2°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 45.1 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Huntington Tri-State Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Huntington?
Cabell County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 70% 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 Cabell County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 75% of US counties.
| Measure | Huntington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| 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% | 0.21%#960 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Cabell County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Cabell County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.18% | 94% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0011% | 61% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0026% | 48% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0013% | 38% of counties |
| Hail | 0.001% | 36% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0022% | 23% 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 Huntington compare with similar-size cities?
Huntington is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 45,787.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington, WVPop. 45,787 | #1221 | 44.2 | $45,100 | $912/mo | 670 | 19 min |
| Farmington, NMPop. 46,314 | #1101 | 47.9 | $68,784 | $1,037/mo | 1,045 | 19.5 min |
| Salina, KSPop. 46,307 | #493 | 58.2 | $61,783 | $959/mo | 449 | 14.8 min |
| Hackensack, NJPop. 46,057 | #293 | 62.2 | $84,277 | $1,911/mo | 235 | 28.9 min |
| Potomac, MDPop. 45,902 | #19 | 72.9 | $236,675 | $2,887/mo | no data | 29.7 min |
| Brentwood, TNPop. 45,556 | #114 | 68.0 | $182,088 | $2,825/mo | 62 | 25.7 min |
| Riverton, UTPop. 45,457 | #148 | 66.3 | $126,910 | $2,137/mo | 62 | 24.8 min |
| Charlottesville, VAPop. 45,437 | #247 | 63.3 | $74,824 | $1,540/mo | 277 | 17 min |
| West Seneca, NYPop. 45,303 | #230 | 63.7 | $79,709 | $1,106/mo | no data | 23 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 Huntington compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Huntington ranks #18 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 44.2 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 26% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 2.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 20% 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 Huntington's score calculated?
Huntington scores 44.2 out of 100, #1221 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Huntington. Similar-size median 52.9.
39.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Huntington's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
40.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Huntington. Similar-size median 52.2.
15.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Huntington's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
67.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Huntington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
88.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Huntington. Similar-size median 46.7.
12.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Huntington. Similar-size median 44.2.
34.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Huntington. Similar-size median 47.3.
55.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Huntington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
46.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
40.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Huntington's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Huntington 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 Huntington
Is Huntington, WV a good place to live?
Huntington ranks #1221 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #191 of 208 small cities and #18 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($127,200, #15 of 208) and low rents ($912/mo, #33 of 208), and trails on low household income ($45,100, #198 of 208) and high poverty (25.7%, #191 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Huntington?
Huntington'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 $912/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $144,450, 20% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
What is the crime rate in Huntington?
Huntington recorded 670 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 2.8 times West Virginia's 242. That ranks #950 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #157 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Huntington Police Department. Property crime runs 3,366 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Huntington?
The median household in Huntington earns $45,100, 46% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below West Virginia ($60,798). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 25.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Huntington?
Median rent in Huntington is $912/mo (Census), #103 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,036/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Huntington?
The typical home value in Huntington is $144,450, up 3.6% in a year, against $179,496 for West Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $127,200.
How are the public schools in Huntington?
Huntington's 13 public schools graduate 88.1% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 12.3 students per teacher and $15,386 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Huntington?
The average commute is 19 minutes, #261 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across West Virginia. 4.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Huntington?
Huntington averages 56.5°F over the year, 74.8°F in summer and 37.2°F in winter, with 45.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Huntington walkable?
Huntington scores 9.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #713 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 Huntington at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cabell County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 75% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Huntington?
Cabell County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Huntington?
Huntington has 45,787 residents. The median resident of Huntington is 34.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 35.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #600 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Huntington compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Huntington ranks #18 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 44.2 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 26% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 2.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 20% below the typical West Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Huntington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Huntington's population of 45,787 are Farmington, NM (#1101 overall), Salina, KS (#493 overall), Hackensack, NJ (#293 overall), Potomac, MD (#19 overall), and Brentwood, TN (#114 overall). Huntington is #1221.