West VirginiaPop. 7,937Towns
Is Oak Hill a Good Place to Live? Oak Hill, West Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Oak Hill ranks #1209 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #213 of 234 towns and #17 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($118,700, #5 of 231) and low violent crime (92 per 100,000, #23 of 146), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.2%, #144 of 151) and low household income ($52,466, #209 of 234).
Oak Hill by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Oak Hill'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 Oak Hill?
Oak Hill'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 $847/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $157,519, 12% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
| Measure | Oak Hill | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 88.4#145 of 1,308 | 89.5 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $157,519#55 of 1,187 | $179,496 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $118,700#29 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $847/mo#49 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.3x#17 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 19.4%#378 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.
Oak Hill 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. Oak Hill is in the Beckley, WV metro.
West Virginia housing market →Is Oak Hill safe?
Oak Hill recorded 92 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 72% below the US rate of 328 and 62% below West Virginia's 242. That ranks #109 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #23 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oak Hill Police Department. Property crime runs 590 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Oak Hill | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 92#109 of 1,085 | 242 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 590#45 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 Oak Hill?
The median household in Oak Hill earns $52,466, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below West Virginia ($60,798). 21.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Oak Hill | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $52,466#1196 of 1,312 | $60,798 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 21.7%#1169 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -1.2%#1103 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 Oak Hill?
The median resident of Oak Hill is 41.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 15.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1256 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Oak Hill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 41.4 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 15.6%#1256 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 73.7% | 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 Oak Hill's schools and health?
Oak Hill's 4 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $14,235 spent per pupil. 40.6% of adults are obese and 17.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Oak Hill | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 91.2% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.9#445 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $14,235#670 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 40.6%#1148 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 17.6%#1276 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 22.5%#1294 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9.1%#536 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. 2,912 students are enrolled in Oak Hill's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Oak Hill?
The average commute in Oak Hill is 29 minutes (West Virginia 26.5); 0% of workers take transit and 4.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Oak Hill scores 9.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #812 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.9°F and winters 34°F, with 47.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Oak Hill | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 29 min#1054 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 11.1%#1115 of 1,312 | 9.8% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 75% | 77.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 4.1% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 4.5% | 8.8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.1#812 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 | 40.7 | 22.8 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 44.2 | 24.6 | 3.3 |
| Mar | 52.3 | 31.2 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 64.3 | 41 | 4.2 |
| May | 71.5 | 49.7 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 78.5 | 57.6 | 5.6 |
| Jul | 81.3 | 61.3 | 4.6 |
| Aug | 80.6 | 60.3 | 4.1 |
| Sep | 75.4 | 54.2 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 65.2 | 42.4 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 54.2 | 33.4 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 44.6 | 27 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oak Hill.
| Measure | Oak Hill | 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 | 69.9°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 34°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 47.9 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 Oak Hill.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Oak Hill?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Oak Hill's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fayette County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 74% of US counties.
| Measure | Oak Hill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.21%#953 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 Fayette County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Fayette County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.18% | 94% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0028% | 49% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0019% | 49% of counties |
| Hail | 0.001% | 36% 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 Oak Hill compare with similar-size cities?
Oak Hill is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #213 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 7,937.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Hill, WVPop. 7,937 | #1209 | 44.7 | $52,466 | $847/mo | 92 | 29 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 Oak Hill compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Oak Hill ranks #17 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 44.7 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 14% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 62% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% 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 Oak Hill's score calculated?
Oak Hill scores 44.7 out of 100, #1209 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 Oak Hill. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
15.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Oak Hill's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
96.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Oak Hill. Similar-size median 56.5.
22.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Oak Hill's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
62.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Oak Hill's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
89.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Oak Hill. Similar-size median 50.8.
23.0 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Oak Hill. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
11.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Oak Hill. Similar-size median 48.3.
35.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Oak Hill's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.6 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
25.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Oak Hill'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 Oak Hill 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 Oak Hill
Is Oak Hill, WV a good place to live?
Oak Hill ranks #1209 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #213 of 234 towns and #17 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($118,700, #5 of 231) and low violent crime (92 per 100,000, #23 of 146), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.2%, #144 of 151) and low household income ($52,466, #209 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Oak Hill?
Oak Hill'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 $847/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $157,519, 12% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
What is the crime rate in Oak Hill?
Oak Hill recorded 92 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 72% below the US rate of 328 and 62% below West Virginia's 242. That ranks #109 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #23 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oak Hill Police Department. Property crime runs 590 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Oak Hill?
The median household in Oak Hill earns $52,466, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below West Virginia ($60,798). 21.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Oak Hill?
Median rent in Oak Hill is $847/mo (Census), #49 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 19.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Oak Hill?
The typical home value in Oak Hill is $157,519, up 0.7% in a year, against $179,496 for West Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $118,700.
How are the public schools in Oak Hill?
Oak Hill's 4 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $14,235 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Oak Hill?
The average commute is 29 minutes, #1054 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across West Virginia. 11.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Oak Hill?
Oak Hill averages 52.4°F over the year, 69.9°F in summer and 34°F in winter, with 47.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Oak Hill walkable?
Oak Hill scores 9.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #812 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 Oak Hill at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fayette County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 74% of US counties.
Who lives in Oak Hill?
Oak Hill has 7,937 residents. The median resident of Oak Hill is 41.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 15.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1256 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Oak Hill compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Oak Hill ranks #17 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 44.7 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 14% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 62% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical West Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Oak Hill?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Oak Hill's population of 7,937 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). Oak Hill is #1209.