Cost of Living in Pinch, WV

Population 3,893 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023

65
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Pinch offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $198,000 — costs less than 2.7 times median household income of $72,406, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 135 miles southeast of Columbus, Pinch is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Columbus' $235,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 65
Rent 66

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

About the Cost of Living in Pinch

The median home value in Pinch is $198,400 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $865/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,406/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.0%, below 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 66.8°F and lows of 45.5°F, with about 31.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Pinch has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$198,400
35% below avg
Median Rent
$865/mo
34% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.1x
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 65.4%
Renter-occupied 34.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$865
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,479/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
28.7 min
6% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
20.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
67.1%
Carpooled
12.6%
Work from home
20.3%

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
$72,406
3% below avg
Per Capita Income
$36,614
Unemployment Rate
2.0%
58% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.0%
Labor Force Participation
48.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 27.1%
Graduate degree 10.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 50.7
Male median age 48.2
Female median age 53

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
66.8°F
Avg Low
45.5°F
Annual Precip
46.2"
Annual Snowfall
31.5"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 444857697683868580695748
Low °F 262935455362666457453630
Precip" 3.273.364.143.564.934.725.383.753.462.913.203.56
Snow" 10.37.75.90.50.00.00.00.00.00.61.55.0

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
70.4%
Good air days/yr
153
Max AQI recorded
225
PM2.5 days
136
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Pinch, WV?

Pinch has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.

What is average rent in Pinch, WV?

The median gross rent in Pinch is $865 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Pinch?

The median home value in Pinch is $198,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Pinch?

The median household income in Pinch is $72,406 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Pinch, WV?

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

Is Pinch, WV affordable?

Yes, Pinch is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Pinch?

Pinch has average high temperatures of 66.8°F and average lows of 45.5°F. Annual precipitation is 46.2". Average annual snowfall is 31.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Pinch at a Glance

Population
3,893
Median Income
$72,406
Home Value
$198,400
Median Rent
$865/mo
Unemployment
2.0%
Avg High Temp
66.8°F
Sales Tax
6.4%
View all cities in West Virginia →
🗺️ County data for West Virginia

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs