Cost of Living in Keyser, WV

Population 4,870 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023

47
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Keyser's median household income of $47,991 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (27% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Keyser lies roughly 85 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Pittsburgh — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 27% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 46
Rent 48

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

About the Cost of Living in Keyser

The median home value in Keyser is $141,400 — 54% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $631/month, 52% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,991/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, 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%. Overall, Keyser has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$141,400
54% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$172,254
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$631/mo
52% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.7x
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 50.0%
Renter-occupied 50.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$631
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,245/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
18.1 min
33% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.1%
Carpooled
6.6%
Public transit
3.4%
Walked
0.7%
Bicycle
2.0%
Work from home
11.2%

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
$47,991
36% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,477
Unemployment Rate
6.5%
35% above avg
Poverty Rate
27.3%
Labor Force Participation
51.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.6%
Graduate degree 11.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.7
Male median age 32.9
Female median age 50.3

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

96%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
14
Public schools
4,094
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Keyser, WV?

Keyser has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.

What is average rent in Keyser, WV?

The median gross rent in Keyser is $631 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Keyser?

The median home value in Keyser is $141,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Keyser?

The median household income in Keyser is $47,991 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Keyser, WV?

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

Is Keyser, WV affordable?

Yes, Keyser is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.