Cost of Living in Parkersburg, WV
Population 29,461 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $44,675, median household incomes in Parkersburg land roughly 40% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 8.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Parkersburg lies roughly 90 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Columbus. Median home values run roughly 51% lower than Columbus' $235,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Parkersburg
The median home value in Parkersburg is $113,900 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $746/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,675/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.0%, 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 65.2°F and lows of 44.6°F, with about 11.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% 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 | 40 | 44 | 54 | 67 | 76 | 83 | 87 | 86 | 80 | 68 | 55 | 45 |
| Low °F | 24 | 26 | 33 | 42 | 53 | 62 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 35 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.41 | 3.01 | 4.00 | 3.74 | 4.48 | 4.89 | 4.63 | 3.65 | 3.23 | 2.95 | 2.83 | 3.39 |
| Snow" | 5.5 | 3.3 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.3 |
💨 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 Parkersburg, WV?
Parkersburg has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.
What is average rent in Parkersburg, WV?
The median gross rent in Parkersburg is $746 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Parkersburg?
The median home value in Parkersburg is $113,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Parkersburg?
The median household income in Parkersburg is $44,675 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Parkersburg, WV?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Parkersburg is 6.4%. The West Virginia state income tax top rate is 6.5%.
Is Parkersburg, WV affordable?
Yes, Parkersburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Parkersburg?
Parkersburg has average high temperatures of 65.2°F and average lows of 44.6°F. Annual precipitation is 44.2". Average annual snowfall is 11.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Parkersburg at a Glance
- Population
- 29,461
- Median Income
- $44,675
- Home Value
- $113,900
- Median Rent
- $746/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 65.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.4%
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West Virginia Rankings
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