West VirginiaPop. 26,350Small cities
Is Wheeling a Good Place to Live? Wheeling, West Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Wheeling ranks #1139 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #179 of 208 small cities and #11 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (98%, #2 of 191) and low rents ($794/mo, #4 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.2%, #176 of 182) and high violent crime (816 per 100,000, #162 of 174).
Wheeling by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Wheeling'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 Wheeling?
Wheeling'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 $794/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $153,248, 15% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
| Measure | Wheeling | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 88.3#142 of 1,308 | 89.5 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $153,248#49 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 | $829/mo#4 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $146,500#78 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $794/mo#24 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 19.6%#407 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.
Wheeling 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. Wheeling is in the Wheeling, WV-OH metro.
West Virginia housing market →Is Wheeling safe?
Wheeling recorded 816 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.5 times the US rate of 328 and 3.4 times West Virginia's 242. That ranks #1011 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #162 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wheeling Police Department. Property crime runs 1,629 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Wheeling | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 816#1011 of 1,085 | 242 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,629#537 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 Wheeling?
The median household in Wheeling earns $48,590, 42% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below West Virginia ($60,798). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Wheeling | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $48,590#1249 of 1,312 | $60,798 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 20.5%#1127 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -1.2%#1103 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 Wheeling?
The median resident of Wheeling is 45.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 34.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #642 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Wheeling | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 45.4 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 34.1%#642 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 59.8% | 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 Wheeling's schools and health?
Wheeling's 10 public schools graduate 98% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $16,079 spent per pupil. 41% of adults are obese and 16.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Wheeling | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 98%#2 of 1,063 | 91.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12.6#135 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $16,079#473 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 41%#1164 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.6%#1251 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 20.7%#1228 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 8.3%#414 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. 4,372 students are enrolled in Wheeling's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Wheeling?
The average commute in Wheeling is 19.8 minutes (West Virginia 26.5); 2.2% of workers take transit and 6.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Wheeling scores 9.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #763 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.2°F and winters 32.1°F, with 37.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Wheeling | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.8 min#327 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6.3%#750 of 1,312 | 9.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 78.3% | 77.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 2.2% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4% | 2.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 6.9% | 8.8% | 10% | — |
| 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 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 | 37 | 22.3 | 2.8 |
| Feb | 40.1 | 24.4 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 49.7 | 31.3 | 3 |
| Apr | 62.5 | 41.6 | 3.1 |
| May | 71.5 | 51 | 4 |
| Jun | 78.6 | 59.2 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 82.9 | 63.3 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 81.8 | 61.6 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 75 | 55.1 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 63.6 | 44.9 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 51.2 | 35.2 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 41.1 | 27.6 | 2.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Wheeling Ohio Co Airport.
| Measure | Wheeling | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 52.2°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 71.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 32.1°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 37.6 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 Wheeling Ohio Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Wheeling?
Ohio County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 81% 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 Ohio County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.34% of building value, higher than 91% of US counties.
| Measure | Wheeling | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 40#354 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% | 0.34%#1145 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 Ohio County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Ohio County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.3% | 99% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0028% | 56% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0035% | 31% 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 Wheeling compare with similar-size cities?
Wheeling is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #179 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 26,350.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeling, WVPop. 26,350 | #1139 | 47.0 | $48,590 | $794/mo | 816 | 19.8 min |
| South Portland, MEPop. 26,930 | #80 | 69.1 | $86,838 | $1,812/mo | 55 | 17.1 min |
| Paducah, KYPop. 26,845 | #1018 | 49.8 | $49,915 | $834/mo | 274 | 15.7 min |
| Ewa Gentry, HIPop. 26,563 | #205 | 64.4 | $135,684 | $2,580/mo | no data | 35.5 min |
| Oxford, MSPop. 26,411 | #554 | 57.3 | $64,451 | $1,071/mo | 140 | 23.5 min |
| Moscow, IDPop. 26,286 | #388 | 60.3 | $57,022 | $927/mo | 37 | 14.3 min |
| Carolina Forest, SCPop. 26,263 | #1149 | 46.7 | $74,436 | $1,668/mo | no data | 22 min |
| Derby, KSPop. 26,062 | #655 | 55.8 | $84,112 | $1,136/mo | part year | 23 min |
| Norfolk, NEPop. 26,054 | #479 | 58.4 | $58,884 | $875/mo | 221 | 13 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 Wheeling compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Wheeling ranks #11 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 47 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 20% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 3.4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% 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 Wheeling's score calculated?
Wheeling scores 47 out of 100, #1139 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 Wheeling. Similar-size median 52.9.
38.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Wheeling's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
43.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Wheeling. Similar-size median 52.2.
27.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Wheeling's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
78.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Wheeling's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
88.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Wheeling. Similar-size median 46.7.
23.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Wheeling. Similar-size median 44.2.
27.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Wheeling. Similar-size median 47.3.
47.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Wheeling'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 54.8.
34.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Wheeling'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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling
Is Wheeling, WV a good place to live?
Wheeling ranks #1139 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #179 of 208 small cities and #11 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (98%, #2 of 191) and low rents ($794/mo, #4 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.2%, #176 of 182) and high violent crime (816 per 100,000, #162 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Wheeling?
Wheeling'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 $794/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $153,248, 15% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
What is the crime rate in Wheeling?
Wheeling recorded 816 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.5 times the US rate of 328 and 3.4 times West Virginia's 242. That ranks #1011 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #162 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wheeling Police Department. Property crime runs 1,629 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Wheeling?
The median household in Wheeling earns $48,590, 42% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below West Virginia ($60,798). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Wheeling?
Median rent in Wheeling is $794/mo (Census), #24 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $829/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Wheeling?
The typical home value in Wheeling is $153,248, up 4.7% in a year, against $179,496 for West Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $146,500.
How are the public schools in Wheeling?
Wheeling's 10 public schools graduate 98% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $16,079 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Wheeling?
The average commute is 19.8 minutes, #327 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across West Virginia. 6.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Wheeling?
Wheeling averages 52.2°F over the year, 71.2°F in summer and 32.1°F in winter, with 37.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Wheeling walkable?
Wheeling 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 Wheeling at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ohio County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.34% of building value, higher than 91% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Wheeling?
Ohio County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Wheeling?
Wheeling has 26,350 residents. The median resident of Wheeling is 45.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 34.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #642 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Wheeling compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Wheeling ranks #11 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 47 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 20% below the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 3.4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical West Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Wheeling?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Wheeling's population of 26,350 are South Portland, ME (#80 overall), Paducah, KY (#1018 overall), Ewa Gentry, HI (#205 overall), Oxford, MS (#554 overall), and Moscow, ID (#388 overall). Wheeling is #1139.