West VirginiaPop. 18,647Towns
Is Weirton a Good Place to Live? Weirton, West Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Weirton ranks #982 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #175 of 234 towns and #5 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($746/mo, #7 of 231) and affordable homes ($133,500, #16 of 231), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.9%, #134 of 151).
Weirton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Weirton'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 Weirton?
Weirton's cost of living index is 89, 11% below the US level of 100 and #166 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $746/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $149,807, 17% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
| Measure | Weirton | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 89#166 of 1,308 | 89.5 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $149,807#42 of 1,187 | $179,496 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $831/mo#5 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $133,500#57 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $746/mo#8 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.2x#12 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 15%#64 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.
Weirton 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. Weirton is in the Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH metro.
West Virginia housing market →Is Weirton safe?
Weirton recorded 83 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 75% below the US rate of 328 and 66% below West Virginia's 242. That ranks #94 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #20 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Weirton Police Department. Property crime runs 331 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Weirton | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 83#94 of 1,085 | 242 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 331#3 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 Weirton?
The median household in Weirton earns $59,575, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below West Virginia ($60,798). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Weirton | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $59,575#1055 of 1,312 | $60,798 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 12.6%#700 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.9%#1074 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 Weirton?
The median resident of Weirton is 47.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Weirton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 47.4 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 24.2%#1009 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 69.3% | 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 Weirton's schools and health?
Weirton's 3 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $14,820 spent per pupil. 43.6% of adults are obese and 16.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Weirton | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 91.2% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 12.5#127 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $14,820#608 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 43.6%#1259 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 16.3%#1239 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 20.3%#1200 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 7.6%#326 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. 1,881 students are enrolled in Weirton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Weirton?
The average commute in Weirton is 22.5 minutes (West Virginia 26.5); 0.6% of workers take transit and 11.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Weirton scores 6.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1257 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.9°F and winters 30.4°F, with 43.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Weirton | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 22.5 min#544 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 5.3%#614 of 1,312 | 9.8% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 78.2% | 77.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.7% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 11.1% | 8.8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.8#1257 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 | 36.5 | 19.2 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 40 | 20.6 | 2.5 |
| Mar | 48.9 | 27.1 | 3.2 |
| Apr | 62.2 | 37.8 | 3.7 |
| May | 71.7 | 48.9 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 79.4 | 57.9 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 82.9 | 62.5 | 4 |
| Aug | 81.9 | 60.8 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 75.5 | 54.1 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 63.5 | 42 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 51 | 31.9 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 41 | 25 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Steubenville.
| Measure | Weirton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 50.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 70.9°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 30.4°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 43.2 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 Steubenville.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Weirton?
Hancock County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hancock County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hail, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
| Measure | Weirton | 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 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.18%#840 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 Hancock County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hancock County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.15% | 90% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0036% | 62% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.001% | 50% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0031% | 29% 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 Weirton compare with similar-size cities?
Weirton is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #175 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 18,647.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weirton, WVPop. 18,647 | #982 | 50.4 | $59,575 | $746/mo | 83 | 22.5 min |
| Sheridan, WYPop. 19,285 | #679 | 55.5 | $62,867 | $936/mo | 110 | 12.8 min |
| Augusta, MEPop. 19,077 | #721 | 54.7 | $47,979 | $919/mo | 218 | 18.7 min |
| Ammon, IDPop. 19,064 | #868 | 52.2 | $86,121 | $1,372/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| Badger, AKPop. 18,677 | #886 | 52.0 | $97,183 | $1,629/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
| Los Lunas, NMPop. 18,618 | #1041 | 49.2 | $62,330 | $1,110/mo | 491 | 25.8 min |
| Westerly, RIPop. 18,411 | #55 | 70.6 | $95,207 | $1,260/mo | 26 | 22.9 min |
| Wahiawa, HIPop. 17,996 | #905 | 51.7 | $87,143 | $1,546/mo | no data | 31.7 min |
| Spanish Springs, NVPop. 17,980 | #438 | 59.3 | $127,658 | $1,963/mo | no data | 33 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 Weirton compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Weirton ranks #5 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 50.4 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 2% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 66% below the statewide rate. Homes are 17% 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 Weirton's score calculated?
Weirton scores 50.4 out of 100, #982 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Weirton. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
21.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Weirton's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
97.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Weirton. Similar-size median 56.5.
25.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Weirton's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
72.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Weirton'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 Weirton. Similar-size median 50.8.
42.9 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Weirton. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
15.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Weirton. Similar-size median 48.3.
45.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Weirton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
30.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
45.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Weirton'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 Weirton 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 Weirton
Is Weirton, WV a good place to live?
Weirton ranks #982 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #175 of 234 towns and #5 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($746/mo, #7 of 231) and affordable homes ($133,500, #16 of 231), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.9%, #134 of 151).
What is the cost of living in Weirton?
Weirton's cost of living index is 89, 11% below the US level of 100 and #166 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $746/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $149,807, 17% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
What is the crime rate in Weirton?
Weirton recorded 83 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 75% below the US rate of 328 and 66% below West Virginia's 242. That ranks #94 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #20 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Weirton Police Department. Property crime runs 331 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Weirton?
The median household in Weirton earns $59,575, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below West Virginia ($60,798). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Weirton?
Median rent in Weirton is $746/mo (Census), #8 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $831/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Weirton?
The typical home value in Weirton is $149,807, up 6.6% in a year, against $179,496 for West Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $133,500.
How are the public schools in Weirton?
Weirton's 3 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $14,820 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Weirton?
The average commute is 22.5 minutes, #544 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across West Virginia. 5.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Weirton?
Weirton averages 50.9°F over the year, 70.9°F in summer and 30.4°F in winter, with 43.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Weirton walkable?
Weirton scores 6.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1257 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 Weirton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hancock County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hail, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Weirton?
Hancock County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Weirton?
Weirton has 18,647 residents. The median resident of Weirton is 47.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Weirton compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Weirton ranks #5 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 50.4 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 2% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 66% below the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical West Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Weirton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Weirton's population of 18,647 are Sheridan, WY (#679 overall), Augusta, ME (#721 overall), Ammon, ID (#868 overall), Badger, AK (#886 overall), and Los Lunas, NM (#1041 overall). Weirton is #982.