Cost of Living in Summersville, WV

Population 3,397 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023

59
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

With a median age of 59, Summersville functions largely as a retirement market. Housing costs — $210,000 for a typical home — anchor most household budgets, and the state's treatment of pension income tends to matter more than wage-driven tax comparisons. At 9.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Summersville lies roughly 155 miles north of the nearest major metro, Winston-Salem. Housing prices track closely with Winston-Salem's $208,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 69
Rent 43

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

About the Cost of Living in Summersville

The median home value in Summersville is $210,400 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $570/month, 57% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,321/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.4%, 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 62.3°F and lows of 43.5°F, with about 55.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Summersville has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$210,400
31% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$187,407
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$570/mo
57% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
30.8x
Favors renting
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 67.5%
Renter-occupied 32.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$570
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,184/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
27.8 min
3% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
82.5%
Carpooled
7.5%
Walked
4.1%
Work from home
5.9%

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
$52,321
30% below avg
Per Capita Income
$36,745
Unemployment Rate
9.4%
96% above avg
Poverty Rate
21.1%
Labor Force Participation
41.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.7%
Graduate degree 22.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 59.4
Male median age 56.1
Female median age 62.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
62.3°F
Avg Low
43.5°F
Annual Precip
43.5"
Annual Snowfall
55.9"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 414453647278818074645344
Low °F 242733435159626155443528
Precip" 3.133.124.033.584.684.305.003.683.202.732.803.29
Snow" 15.515.28.91.50.00.00.00.00.01.42.311.1

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

96%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.7:1
Student-teacher ratio
14
Public schools
3,634
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Summersville, WV?

Summersville has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.

What is average rent in Summersville, WV?

The median gross rent in Summersville is $570 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Summersville?

The median home value in Summersville is $210,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Summersville?

The median household income in Summersville is $52,321 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Summersville, WV?

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

Is Summersville, WV affordable?

Yes, Summersville 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 Summersville?

Summersville has average high temperatures of 62.3°F and average lows of 43.5°F. Annual precipitation is 43.5". Average annual snowfall is 55.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Summersville at a Glance

Population
3,397
Median Income
$52,321
Home Value
$210,400
Median Rent
$570/mo
Unemployment
9.4%
Avg High Temp
62.3°F
Sales Tax
6.4%
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