What to know when moving to Charles Town, WV
TL;DR: Charles Town at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 36.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 23.5% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $101,020, providing a solid financial base.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.3% of the population commutes via public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,036/mo rent, which is manageable compared to nearby regions.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Charles Town has a population of 20,273, with a median household income of $101,020, which suggests a stable economic environment. The community is primarily homeowners, with 76.5% owning their homes. Educationally, 36.6% of residents have at least a bachelor's degree, contributing to a knowledgeable populace.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transport, as only 0.3% of residents use it to commute.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,036, while the median home value stands at $365,500, making homeownership a significant investment.
- The poverty rate is 6.8%, reflecting a relatively affluent community.
- Only 0.3% of residents use public transit for commuting, indicating that most residents rely on cars.
- With a renter percentage of 23.5%, the area skews heavily towards homeownership.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In West Virginia, property crime stands at an annual rate of 1,084.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 29.9% lower than the national average. Violent crime is also below the national average at 257.9 per 100,000, with a significant downward trend of 13.3% from 2022.
- Violent crime: 257.9 per 100k vs. national 325.3, with a 13.3% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,084.4 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 18.8% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicides have dropped 26.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for West Virginia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Charles Town has access to several educational institutions, with a total of 5 nearby schools offering postsecondary education options.
- American Public University System
- Catholic International University
- Shepherd University (located in Shepherdstown, WV)
- Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (in Martinsburg, WV)
- Patrick Henry College (in Purcellville, VA)
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Jefferson County receives an annual precipitation of approximately 41.4 inches, with about 109 rainy days each year. The area experiences minimal snowfall, averaging only 1.3 inches annually over about 9 snow days.
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (Rating: 4.8, 12,450 reviews)
- Sam Michael's Park (Rating: 4.7, 404 reviews)
- Jefferson County Memorial Park (Rating: 4.5, 365 reviews)
- Cool Spring Preserve (Rating: 4.8, 220 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.