Cost of Living in Fairmont, WV
Population 18,303 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fairmont sits on the smaller end of the West Virginia city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 7.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Fairmont is about 65 miles south of Pittsburgh, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fairmont
The median home value in Fairmont is $159,100 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $902/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,791/year is 18% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, 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, Fairmont has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.
🏠 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 | 43 | 46 | 55 | 68 | 76 | 83 | 86 | 85 | 79 | 68 | 56 | 47 |
| Low °F | 25 | 27 | 33 | 43 | 52 | 60 | 64 | 63 | 55 | 44 | 36 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.30 | 3.14 | 3.62 | 3.89 | 4.25 | 4.54 | 5.40 | 3.62 | 3.51 | 3.02 | 3.17 | 3.38 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fairmont, WV?
Fairmont has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fairmont, WV?
The median gross rent in Fairmont is $902 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fairmont?
The median home value in Fairmont is $159,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fairmont?
The median household income in Fairmont is $60,791 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fairmont, WV?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fairmont is 6.4%. The West Virginia state income tax top rate is 6.5%.
Is Fairmont, WV affordable?
Yes, Fairmont is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Fairmont?
Fairmont 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.
Fairmont at a Glance
- Population
- 18,303
- Median Income
- $60,791
- Home Value
- $159,100
- Median Rent
- $902/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 65.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
West Virginia Rankings
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