Cost of Living in Buckhannon, WV

Population 5,144 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023

54
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Buckhannon a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $152,000. Around 25% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Geographically, Buckhannon lies roughly 100 miles south of the nearest major metro, Pittsburgh. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 50
Rent 61

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Buckhannon

The median home value in Buckhannon is $152,000 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $800/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,720/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. West Virginia's top state income tax rate is 6.5% and the combined sales tax is 6.4%. The climate averages highs of 65.7°F and lows of 44.2°F. Overall, Buckhannon has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$152,000
50% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$150,796
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$800/mo
39% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$658
1 BR
$729
2 BR
$883
3 BR
$1,182
4 BR
$1,304
Owner-occupied 62.4%
Renter-occupied 37.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$800
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,414/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
20.4 min
24% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
61.9%
Carpooled
4.4%
Walked
13.4%
Bicycle
1.9%
Work from home
15.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 6.5%
Total Sales Tax 6.4%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.4%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$48,720
35% below avg
Per Capita Income
$25,259
Unemployment Rate
6.2%
30% above avg
Poverty Rate
24.6%
Labor Force Participation
46.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.8%
Graduate degree 8.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 32.6
Male median age 31.3
Female median age 33.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
65.7°F
Avg Low
44.2°F
Annual Precip
44.8"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 434655687683868579685647
Low °F 252733435260646355443629
Precip" 3.303.143.623.894.254.545.403.623.513.023.173.38

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

93%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.4:1
Student-teacher ratio
10
Public schools
3,825
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Buckhannon, WV?

Buckhannon has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.

What is average rent in Buckhannon, WV?

The median gross rent in Buckhannon is $800 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Buckhannon?

The median home value in Buckhannon is $152,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Buckhannon?

The median household income in Buckhannon is $48,720 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Buckhannon, WV?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Buckhannon is 6.4%. The West Virginia state income tax top rate is 6.5%.

Is Buckhannon, WV affordable?

Yes, Buckhannon is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Buckhannon?

Buckhannon has average high temperatures of 65.7°F and average lows of 44.2°F. Annual precipitation is 44.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Buckhannon at a Glance

Population
5,144
Median Income
$48,720
Home Value
$152,000
Median Rent
$800/mo
Unemployment
6.2%
Avg High Temp
65.7°F
Sales Tax
6.4%
View all cities in West Virginia →
🗺️ County data for West Virginia

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs