What to know when moving to Huntington, WV
Huntington at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 43.4% of residents rent and 37.8% hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $51,671, providing a solid financial foundation.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 24.0% suggests some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 1% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $869 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Huntington features a population of about 21,860, with a notable renter percentage of 43.4%. The education level is relatively high, with 37.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. However, the area faces challenges, highlighted by a poverty rate of 24.0% and a low public transit usage rate of just 1%. The climate brings about 129 rainy days a year, so prepare for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if: high housing costs and a significant poverty rate are deal-breakers for you.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $869, while the median owner-occupied home value is $153,700.
- Education level stands at 37.8% for those with a bachelor's degree or higher, with a poverty rate of 24.0%.
- Only 1% of residents commute via public transit, indicating a strong dependence on cars.
- The community is split with 43.4% of residents renting their homes.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for West Virginia indicates some trends worth noting. The state has seen a decrease in violent crime and property crime rates over the past few years.
- Violent crime: 257.9 per 100k vs. 325.3 national average, down 13.3% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1084.4 per 100k vs. 1546.9 national average, down 18.8% since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 26.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for West Virginia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Huntington has access to several educational institutions, with a total of 8 nearby schools offering various programs.
- Marshall University
- Huntington Junior College
- Cabell County Career Technology Center
- Mountwest Community and Technical College
- Huntington School of Beauty Culture
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES.
Weather & Getting Outside
Cabell County experiences about 47.4 inches of precipitation annually, spread over 129 rainy days. The area also sees approximately 2 inches of snowfall across 16 days each year.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Ritter Park (4.7 stars, 2046 reviews)
- Barboursville Park (4.7 stars, 1446 reviews)
- Beech Fork State Park (4.6 stars, 930 reviews)
- Huntington Museum of Art (4.8 stars, 146 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
