Cost of Living in Petersburg, WV

Population 3,172 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023

46
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $48,286, median household incomes in Petersburg land roughly 35% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators.

Geographically, Petersburg lies roughly 110 miles west of the nearest major metro, Arlington. Median home values run roughly 84% lower than Arlington's $865,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 45
Rent 47

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

About the Cost of Living in Petersburg

The median home value in Petersburg is $136,100 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $622/month, 53% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,286/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, 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 55.4°F and lows of 37.7°F. Overall, Petersburg has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$136,100
55% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$181,050
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$622/mo
53% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.2x
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 67.1%
Renter-occupied 32.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$622
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,236/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
15.5 min
43% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
89.7%
Carpooled
2.9%
Walked
2.6%
Work from home
2.2%

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
$48,286
35% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,282
Unemployment Rate
5.9%
22% above avg
Poverty Rate
16.3%
Labor Force Participation
58.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.3%
Graduate degree 5.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.8
Male median age 35.7
Female median age 42.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
55.4°F
Avg Low
37.7°F
Annual Precip
56.7"
10° 28° 45° 63° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 343744576471747368594738
Low °F 182028354653565549393024
Precip" 4.754.425.275.125.775.305.724.183.973.703.764.75

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
5
Public schools
1,619
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Petersburg, WV?

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

What is average rent in Petersburg, WV?

The median gross rent in Petersburg is $622 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Petersburg?

The median home value in Petersburg is $136,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Petersburg?

The median household income in Petersburg is $48,286 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Petersburg, WV?

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

Is Petersburg, WV affordable?

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

What is the weather like in Petersburg?

Petersburg has average high temperatures of 55.4°F and average lows of 37.7°F. Annual precipitation is 56.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Petersburg at a Glance

Population
3,172
Median Income
$48,286
Home Value
$136,100
Median Rent
$622/mo
Unemployment
5.9%
Avg High Temp
55.4°F
Sales Tax
6.4%
View all cities in West Virginia →
🗺️ County data for West Virginia

Explore county-level cost of living data

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