West VirginiaPop. 10,522Towns
Is St. Albans a Good Place to Live? St. Albans, West Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
St. Albans ranks #1140 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #201 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($140,800, #20 of 231) and low living costs (88.7, #54 of 230), and trails on low household income ($53,972, #199 of 234) and a shrinking population (-0.8%, #127 of 151).
St. Albans by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with St. Albans'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 St. Albans?
St. Albans's cost of living index is 88.7, 11% below the US level of 100 and #155 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $931/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $140,800.
| Measure | St. Albans | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 88.7#155 of 1,308 | 89.5 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $140,800#69 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $931/mo#133 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% | 20.7%#534 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.
Is St. Albans safe?
St. Albans recorded 118 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 64% below the US rate of 328 and 51% below West Virginia's 242. That ranks #172 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #36 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by St. Albans Police Department. Property crime runs 2,339 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | St. Albans | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 118#172 of 1,085 | 242 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 2,339#808 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 St. Albans?
The median household in St. Albans earns $53,972, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below West Virginia ($60,798). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | St. Albans | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $53,972#1170 of 1,312 | $60,798 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 14.1%#804 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.8%#1052 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 St. Albans?
The median resident of St. Albans is 45.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1003 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | St. Albans | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 45.2 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 24.3%#1003 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 71.8% | 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 St. Albans's schools and health?
St. Albans's 7 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 15.4 students per teacher and $14,242 spent per pupil. 40.1% of adults are obese and 15.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | St. Albans | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 91.2% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 15.4#529 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $14,242#666 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 40.1%#1125 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 15.9%#1211 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% | 7.7%#334 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. 2,656 students are enrolled in St. Albans's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in St. Albans?
The average commute in St. Albans is 20.8 minutes (West Virginia 26.5); 1.3% of workers take transit and 13.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index St. Albans scores 9.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #777 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.1°F and winters 35.1°F, with 48.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | St. Albans | 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% | 1.6%#28 of 1,312 | 9.8% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 74.9% | 77.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.3% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 5.1% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.9% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 13.1% | 8.8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.3#777 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 | 42.5 | 22.9 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 46.3 | 25.1 | 3.3 |
| Mar | 55.6 | 30.9 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 68.1 | 41 | 4.1 |
| May | 75.8 | 51.1 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 82.7 | 59.8 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 85.8 | 63.7 | 5.8 |
| Aug | 85 | 61.9 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 79.6 | 54.6 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 68.4 | 42.3 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 56.7 | 32.3 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 46.6 | 27.2 | 4.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Charleston Wfo.
| Measure | St. Albans | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 54.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 73.1°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 35.1°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 48.2 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 Charleston Wfo.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in St. Albans?
Kanawha County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 77% 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 Kanawha County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, strong wind, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.34% of building value, higher than 91% of US counties.
| Measure | St. Albans | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 39#281 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% | 0.34%#1138 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 Kanawha County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kanawha County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.29% | 99% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0017% | 46% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0017% | 45% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0019% | 40% 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 St. Albans compare with similar-size cities?
St. Albans is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #201 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 10,522.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Albans, WVPop. 10,522 | #1140 | 47.0 | $53,972 | $931/mo | 118 | 20.8 min |
| Orono, MEPop. 11,151 | #526 | 57.7 | $59,784 | $1,280/mo | part year | 15.2 min |
| Newport East, RIPop. 11,069 | #465 | 58.7 | $89,028 | $1,876/mo | no data | 20.5 min |
| Brandon, SDPop. 10,996 | #60 | 70.0 | $110,806 | $976/mo | 46 | 18.4 min |
| Essex Junction, VTPop. 10,803 | #49 | 70.9 | $89,257 | $1,544/mo | no data | 19.2 min |
| Jackson, WYPop. 10,756 | #50 | 70.9 | $118,991 | $2,100/mo | 178 | 12.4 min |
| Durham, NHPop. 10,681 | #42 | 71.2 | $112,070 | $1,302/mo | 92 | 17.2 min |
| Chalco, NEPop. 10,595 | #622 | 56.4 | $85,672 | $1,195/mo | no data | 20.1 min |
| North Lakes, AKPop. 10,223 | #734 | 54.4 | $101,679 | $1,441/mo | no data | 30.3 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 St. Albans compare with the rest of West Virginia?
St. Albans ranks #12 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 47 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 11% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 51% below the statewide rate.
| 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 St. Albans's score calculated?
St. Albans scores 47 out of 100, #1140 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 St. Albans. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
16.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by St. Albans's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
82.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in St. Albans. Similar-size median 56.5.
29.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in St. Albans's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
58.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
St. Albans's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
87.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in St. Albans. Similar-size median 50.8.
37.7 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in St. Albans. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
17.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in St. Albans. Similar-size median 48.3.
54.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across St. Albans's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
43.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
35.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
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Bar: St. Albans'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 St. Albans 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 St. Albans
Is St. Albans, WV a good place to live?
St. Albans ranks #1140 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #201 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($140,800, #20 of 231) and low living costs (88.7, #54 of 230), and trails on low household income ($53,972, #199 of 234) and a shrinking population (-0.8%, #127 of 151).
What is the cost of living in St. Albans?
St. Albans's cost of living index is 88.7, 11% below the US level of 100 and #155 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $931/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $140,800.
What is the crime rate in St. Albans?
St. Albans recorded 118 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 64% below the US rate of 328 and 51% below West Virginia's 242. That ranks #172 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #36 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by St. Albans Police Department. Property crime runs 2,339 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in St. Albans?
The median household in St. Albans earns $53,972, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below West Virginia ($60,798). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in St. Albans?
Median rent in St. Albans is $931/mo (Census), #133 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 20.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in St. Albans?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in St. Albans is $140,800, #69 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in St. Albans?
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How long is the commute in St. Albans?
The average commute is 20.8 minutes, #406 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across West Virginia. 1.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in St. Albans?
St. Albans averages 54.4°F over the year, 73.1°F in summer and 35.1°F in winter, with 48.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is St. Albans walkable?
St. Albans scores 9.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #777 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 St. Albans at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kanawha County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, strong wind, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.34% of building value, higher than 91% of US counties.
How is the air quality in St. Albans?
Kanawha County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in St. Albans?
St. Albans has 10,522 residents. The median resident of St. Albans is 45.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1003 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does St. Albans compare with the rest of West Virginia?
St. Albans ranks #12 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 47 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 11% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 51% below the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to St. Albans?
The tracked cities in other states closest to St. Albans's population of 10,522 are Orono, ME (#526 overall), Newport East, RI (#465 overall), Brandon, SD (#60 overall), Essex Junction, VT (#49 overall), and Jackson, WY (#50 overall). St. Albans is #1140.