What to know when moving to Parkersburg, WV
Parkersburg at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 33.6% of residents are renters and the median household income is $45,556.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $759, making it more affordable than many nearby areas.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 23.1%, financial challenges are a reality for many residents.
- Commute:
- Only 1.1% use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for around $759/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Parkersburg presents a mixed community profile, with 16.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and a significant portion of the population living at or near the poverty line. That said, it's more affordable for renters, with median gross rent at $759. The small percentage of residents using public transit suggests a car-dependent lifestyle, making it vital for newcomers to plan accordingly.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a highly educated population or robust public transit options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median household income is $45,556, which may reflect the affordability of the area.
- Median gross rent is $759, making it accessible for many renters.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $107,300, indicating a relatively low entry point for homebuyers.
- Poverty rate stands at 23.1%, highlighting economic challenges.
- Only 1.1% of residents commute via public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for West Virginia shows a downward trend in both violent and property crimes, indicating some improvements in safety over recent years.
- Violent crime: 257.9 per 100k, which is 20.7% lower than the national rate of 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime: 1,084.4 per 100k, which is 29.9% lower than the national rate of 1,546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: The violent crime rate has decreased by 13.3% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for West Virginia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education in the area includes a few notable institutions, mostly within Wood County and nearby regions.
- Postsecondary institutions: 3 total, including 2 in Wood County.
- West Virginia University at Parkersburg and Wood County Technical Center are located in Parkersburg.
- Marietta College is a regional option, situated in nearby Marietta, Ohio.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Parkersburg experiences warm summers with an annual average high of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 53 degrees. The area receives about 37.5 inches of precipitation each year, with 96 rainy days.
- Parkersburg City Park: 4.4 stars (1,449 reviews)
- Fort Boreman Park: 4.7 stars (790 reviews)
- Civitan Park: 4.6 stars (705 reviews)
- Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park: 4.7 stars (579 reviews)
- Ohio Riverfront Park Gazebo: 4.8 stars (146 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.