What to know when moving to Poca, WV
Poca at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 18.7% of residents are renters and the median household income is $56,366.
- The Major Draw:
- Affordable living with a median gross rent of $643.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 13.3%, some residents face economic challenges.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 144 rainy days a year, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Poca is a small community with a population of 4,207, where the majority of residents own their homes. Only 15% hold a bachelor's degree, indicating a modest educational landscape. The area sees a low renter percentage, which reflects a stable housing market but also a higher ownership rate. The climate includes a significant amount of rainfall, contributing to the lush surroundings, and the lack of public transit use suggests that owning a vehicle is essential for getting around.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high concentration of renters or extensive public transportation options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $643, making housing relatively affordable.
- Median home values sit at $155,400, indicating a stable real estate market.
- Approximately 18.7% of the population are renters, suggesting a strong homeownership culture.
- The community has a poverty rate of 13.3%, which could affect overall economic conditions.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime statistics for West Virginia show that property crime rates are lower than the national average, indicating a relatively safe environment.
- Violent crime rate is 257.9 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 325.3, reflecting a positive trend with a decrease of 13.3% since 2022.
- Property crime rate is 1084.4 per 100,000, which is 29.9% lower than the national average of 1546.9, and has decreased by 18.8% since 2022.
- Burglary rates have also decreased significantly, showing a 28.7% drop since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for West Virginia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Poca offers access to several educational institutions in the surrounding areas, providing opportunities for residents seeking higher education.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 7
- Nearby options include: Putnam Career and Technical Center and Strayer University-West Virginia.
- Other institutions in the region include the University of Charleston and West Virginia State University.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Poca experiences approximately 49.2 inches of precipitation annually, spread over 144 rainy days, which contributes to its green landscape. Snowfall averages around 3.4 inches per year, with about 29 snow days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Coonskin Park (4.5 stars, 1426 reviews)
- Shawnee Regional Park (4.5 stars, 732 reviews)
- Hurricane City Park (4.6 stars, 665 reviews)
- GoMart Ballpark (4.5 stars, 951 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.