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Is Moundsville a Good Place to Live? Moundsville, West Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Moundsville ranks #1165 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #205 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($118,600, #4 of 231) and high graduation rates (97%, #7 of 153), and trails on low household income ($49,048, #219 of 234) and high poverty (22.5%, #213 of 234).
Moundsville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Moundsville'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 Moundsville?
Moundsville's cost of living index is 88.3, 12% below the US level of 100 and #142 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $834/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $128,275, 29% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
| Measure | Moundsville | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 88.3#142 of 1,308 | 89.5 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $128,275#16 of 1,187 | $179,496 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $118,600#28 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $834/mo#41 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.4x#27 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 20.4%#500 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.
Moundsville 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. Moundsville is in the Wheeling, WV-OH metro.
West Virginia housing market →Is Moundsville safe?
Moundsville recorded 263 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 20% below the US rate of 328 and 9% above West Virginia's 242. That ranks #484 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #84 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Moundsville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,456 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Moundsville | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 263#484 of 1,085 | 242 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 2,456#851 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 Moundsville?
The median household in Moundsville earns $49,048, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below West Virginia ($60,798). 22.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Moundsville | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $49,048#1243 of 1,312 | $60,798 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 22.5%#1178 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.5%#952 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 Moundsville?
The median resident of Moundsville is 44.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 17.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1222 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Moundsville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 44.1 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 17.3%#1222 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 71.1% | 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 Moundsville's schools and health?
Moundsville's 3 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 10.9 students per teacher and $18,263 spent per pupil. 37.9% of adults are obese and 17.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Moundsville | 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 | 10.9#27 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $18,263#324 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 37.9%#1002 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 17.3%#1270 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 20.9%#1246 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. 1,026 students are enrolled in Moundsville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Moundsville?
The average commute in Moundsville is 20.8 minutes (West Virginia 26.5); 0% of workers take transit and 2.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Moundsville scores 9.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #763 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.1°F and winters 31.9°F, with 46.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Moundsville | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 20.8 min#406 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2.8%#149 of 1,312 | 9.8% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 88.2% | 77.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 3.9% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 2.4% | 8.8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.4#763 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 | 39.3 | 19.7 | 3.8 |
| Feb | 42.7 | 21.4 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 52.1 | 28.6 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 65.1 | 38 | 3.7 |
| May | 74.5 | 48.9 | 4.5 |
| Jun | 82.2 | 57.5 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 85.8 | 61.9 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 84.6 | 60.5 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 78.5 | 53.3 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 66.7 | 41.6 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 54.2 | 31.4 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 43.6 | 25 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Moundsville.
| Measure | Moundsville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 52.4°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 | 31.9°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 46.1 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 Moundsville.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Moundsville?
Marshall County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 64% 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 Marshall County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 81% of US counties.
| Measure | Moundsville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 42#457 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% | 0.24%#1023 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 Marshall County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Marshall County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.2% | 96% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0013% | 66% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0028% | 57% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 34% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0034% | 30% 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 Moundsville compare with similar-size cities?
Moundsville is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #205 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 7,869.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moundsville, WVPop. 7,869 | #1165 | 46.3 | $49,048 | $834/mo | 263 | 20.8 min |
| York, NEPop. 8,141 | #817 | 53.1 | $63,265 | $862/mo | 183 | 9.7 min |
| Rawlins, WYPop. 8,129 | #766 | 53.9 | $64,773 | $741/mo | 114 | 13.3 min |
| Tiverton, RIPop. 8,091 | #220 | 64.0 | $99,158 | $1,342/mo | county/metro | 26.2 min |
| Ketchikan, AKPop. 8,078 | #506 | 58.0 | $85,275 | $1,417/mo | 350 | 10.6 min |
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #714 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data | 19.6 min |
| Montpelier, VTPop. 8,014 | #62 | 69.9 | $81,030 | $1,302/mo | 343 | 18.1 min |
| Wahpeton, NDPop. 8,010 | #735 | 54.4 | $62,750 | $751/mo | 135 | 17.6 min |
| North Star, DEPop. 7,834 | #25 | 72.3 | $150,733 | — | no data | 24.1 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 Moundsville compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Moundsville ranks #13 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 46.3 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 19% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 9% above the statewide rate. Homes are 29% 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 Moundsville's score calculated?
Moundsville scores 46.3 out of 100, #1165 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 Moundsville. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
12.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Moundsville's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
72.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Moundsville. Similar-size median 56.5.
29.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Moundsville's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
84.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Moundsville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
89.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Moundsville. Similar-size median 50.8.
20.0 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Moundsville. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
21.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Moundsville. Similar-size median 48.3.
38.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Moundsville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
44.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
37.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Moundsville'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 Moundsville 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 Moundsville
Is Moundsville, WV a good place to live?
Moundsville ranks #1165 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #205 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($118,600, #4 of 231) and high graduation rates (97%, #7 of 153), and trails on low household income ($49,048, #219 of 234) and high poverty (22.5%, #213 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Moundsville?
Moundsville's cost of living index is 88.3, 12% below the US level of 100 and #142 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $834/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $128,275, 29% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
What is the crime rate in Moundsville?
Moundsville recorded 263 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 20% below the US rate of 328 and 9% above West Virginia's 242. That ranks #484 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #84 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Moundsville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,456 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Moundsville?
The median household in Moundsville earns $49,048, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below West Virginia ($60,798). 22.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Moundsville?
Median rent in Moundsville is $834/mo (Census), #41 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 20.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Moundsville?
The typical home value in Moundsville is $128,275, up 1.4% in a year, against $179,496 for West Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $118,600.
How are the public schools in Moundsville?
Moundsville's 3 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 10.9 students per teacher and $18,263 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Moundsville?
The average commute is 20.8 minutes, #406 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across West Virginia. 2.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Moundsville?
Moundsville averages 52.4°F over the year, 72.1°F in summer and 31.9°F in winter, with 46.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Moundsville walkable?
Moundsville scores 9.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #763 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 Moundsville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Marshall County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 81% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Moundsville?
Marshall County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Moundsville?
Moundsville has 7,869 residents. The median resident of Moundsville is 44.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 17.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1222 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Moundsville compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Moundsville ranks #13 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 46.3 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 19% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 9% above the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical West Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Moundsville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Moundsville's population of 7,869 are York, NE (#817 overall), Rawlins, WY (#766 overall), Tiverton, RI (#220 overall), Ketchikan, AK (#506 overall), and Helena Valley West Central, MT (#714 overall). Moundsville is #1165.