West VirginiaPop. 29,240Small cities
Is Parkersburg a Good Place to Live? Parkersburg, West Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Parkersburg ranks #1107 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #176 of 208 small cities and #8 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($785/mo, #3 of 208) and affordable homes ($121,600, #11 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.7%, #171 of 182) and low household income ($49,025, #184 of 208).
Parkersburg by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Parkersburg'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 Parkersburg?
Parkersburg's cost of living index is 87.1, 13% below the US level of 100 and #108 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $785/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $151,152, 16% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
| Measure | Parkersburg | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 87.1#108 of 1,308 | 89.5 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $151,152#43 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 | $1,015/mo#26 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $121,600#35 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $785/mo#19 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 19.2%#352 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.
Parkersburg 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. Parkersburg is in the Parkersburg-Vienna, WV metro.
West Virginia housing market →Is Parkersburg safe?
Parkersburg recorded 269 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% below the US rate of 328 and 11% above West Virginia's 242. That ranks #504 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #92 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Parkersburg Police Department. Property crime runs 2,386 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Parkersburg | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 269#504 of 1,085 | 242 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,386#832 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 Parkersburg?
The median household in Parkersburg earns $49,025, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below West Virginia ($60,798). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 22.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Parkersburg | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $49,025#1244 of 1,312 | $60,798 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.7%#760 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 22.5%#1178 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.7%#1029 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 Parkersburg?
The median resident of Parkersburg is 42.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 21% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1140 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Parkersburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 42.2 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 21%#1140 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 65% | 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 Parkersburg's schools and health?
Parkersburg's 13 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 12.8 students per teacher and $13,900 spent per pupil. 46.6% of adults are obese and 18.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Parkersburg | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 91.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12.8#154 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,900#719 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 46.6%#1301 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 18.6%#1289 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 23.4%#1301 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.1%#669 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. 6,550 students are enrolled in Parkersburg's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Parkersburg?
The average commute in Parkersburg is 19.2 minutes (West Virginia 26.5); 2% of workers take transit and 9.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Parkersburg scores 9.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #704 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.1°F and winters 34.4°F, with 42.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Parkersburg | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.2 min#280 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.5%#652 of 1,312 | 9.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 72.1% | 77.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 2% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.8% | 2.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 9.9% | 8.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.9#704 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 | 40.2 | 23.7 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 44.4 | 25.7 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 54.2 | 32.9 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 66.9 | 42.4 | 3.6 |
| May | 74.9 | 51.6 | 4.2 |
| Jun | 82.1 | 59.9 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 85.3 | 64.1 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 84.7 | 62.4 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 78.5 | 55.2 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 66.8 | 43.9 | 3 |
| Nov | 54.8 | 34.6 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 44.4 | 28.3 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Parkersburg Airport.
| Measure | Parkersburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 54.3°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 73.1°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 34.4°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 42.5 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 Parkersburg Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Parkersburg?
Wood County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Wood County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 75% of US counties.
| Measure | Parkersburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 39#281 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%#957 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 Wood County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Wood County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.18% | 94% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0012% | 64% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0017% | 45% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0016% | 43% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0012% | 32% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0011% | 17% 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 Parkersburg compare with similar-size cities?
Parkersburg is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #176 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 29,240.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parkersburg, WVPop. 29,240 | #1107 | 47.8 | $49,025 | $785/mo | 269 | 19.2 min |
| Anderson, SCPop. 30,051 | #1148 | 46.7 | $46,933 | $975/mo | 581 | 22 min |
| Central, LAPop. 29,783 | #710 | 54.8 | $89,554 | $1,309/mo | part year | 29 min |
| Easton, PAPop. 29,739 | #317 | 61.8 | $69,348 | $1,325/mo | 167 | 27.8 min |
| Daphne, ALPop. 29,453 | #273 | 62.7 | $87,250 | $1,388/mo | 57 | 25.2 min |
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #48 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 | 19.8 min |
| Jacksonville, ARPop. 29,221 | #1258 | 41.9 | $49,666 | $930/mo | 971 | 20.3 min |
| Jeffersontown, KYPop. 29,199 | #342 | 61.1 | $81,506 | $1,320/mo | 65 | 21.5 min |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #608 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 | 14.9 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 Parkersburg compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Parkersburg ranks #8 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 47.8 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 19% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 11% above the statewide rate. Homes are 16% 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 Parkersburg's score calculated?
Parkersburg scores 47.8 out of 100, #1107 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 Parkersburg. Similar-size median 52.9.
37.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Parkersburg's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
72.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Parkersburg. Similar-size median 52.2.
10.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Parkersburg's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
64.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Parkersburg's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
90.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Parkersburg. Similar-size median 46.7.
20.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Parkersburg. Similar-size median 44.2.
31.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Parkersburg. Similar-size median 47.3.
52.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Parkersburg's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
46.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
43.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Parkersburg'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 Parkersburg 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 Parkersburg
Is Parkersburg, WV a good place to live?
Parkersburg ranks #1107 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #176 of 208 small cities and #8 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($785/mo, #3 of 208) and affordable homes ($121,600, #11 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.7%, #171 of 182) and low household income ($49,025, #184 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Parkersburg?
Parkersburg's cost of living index is 87.1, 13% below the US level of 100 and #108 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $785/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $151,152, 16% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
What is the crime rate in Parkersburg?
Parkersburg recorded 269 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% below the US rate of 328 and 11% above West Virginia's 242. That ranks #504 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #92 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Parkersburg Police Department. Property crime runs 2,386 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Parkersburg?
The median household in Parkersburg earns $49,025, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below West Virginia ($60,798). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 22.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Parkersburg?
Median rent in Parkersburg is $785/mo (Census), #19 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,015/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Parkersburg?
The typical home value in Parkersburg is $151,152, down 0.2% in a year, against $179,496 for West Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $121,600.
How are the public schools in Parkersburg?
Parkersburg's 13 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 12.8 students per teacher and $13,900 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Parkersburg?
The average commute is 19.2 minutes, #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across West Virginia. 5.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Parkersburg?
Parkersburg averages 54.3°F over the year, 73.1°F in summer and 34.4°F in winter, with 42.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Parkersburg walkable?
Parkersburg scores 9.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #704 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 Parkersburg at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Wood County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 75% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Parkersburg?
Wood County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Parkersburg?
Parkersburg has 29,240 residents. The median resident of Parkersburg is 42.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 21% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1140 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Parkersburg compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Parkersburg ranks #8 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 47.8 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 19% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 11% above the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical West Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Parkersburg?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Parkersburg's population of 29,240 are Anderson, SC (#1148 overall), Central, LA (#710 overall), Easton, PA (#317 overall), Daphne, AL (#273 overall), and Waukee, IA (#48 overall). Parkersburg is #1107.