Cost of Living in Elkins, WV
Population 6,875 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $47,746, median household incomes in Elkins land roughly 36% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 8.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 105 miles south of Pittsburgh, Elkins is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 32% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Elkins
The median home value in Elkins is $130,500 — 57% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $897/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,746/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.7%, 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 64.0°F and lows of 39.4°F, with about 68.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Elkins has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.
Elkins has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 42 | 45 | 54 | 66 | 73 | 80 | 83 | 82 | 77 | 66 | 55 | 45 |
| Low °F | 20 | 22 | 29 | 37 | 47 | 56 | 60 | 58 | 52 | 39 | 30 | 24 |
| Precip" | 3.36 | 3.26 | 3.98 | 4.10 | 5.14 | 4.48 | 5.99 | 3.87 | 3.51 | 3.08 | 2.87 | 3.57 |
| Snow" | 20.3 | 15.4 | 11.4 | 2.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.9 | 4.1 | 14.5 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Elkins, WV?
Elkins has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Elkins, WV?
The median gross rent in Elkins is $897 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Elkins?
The median home value in Elkins is $130,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Elkins?
The median household income in Elkins is $47,746 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Elkins, WV?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Elkins is 6.4%. The West Virginia state income tax top rate is 6.5%.
Is Elkins, WV affordable?
Yes, Elkins is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Elkins?
Elkins has average high temperatures of 64.0°F and average lows of 39.4°F. Annual precipitation is 47.2". Average annual snowfall is 68.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Elkins at a Glance
- Population
- 6,875
- Median Income
- $47,746
- Home Value
- $130,500
- Median Rent
- $897/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
West Virginia Rankings
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