Cost of Living in Welch, WV
Population 3,492 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Welch run well below national norms — a median of $36,188 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $57,000). Around 27% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Geographically, Welch lies roughly 120 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Winston-Salem. Median home values run roughly 73% lower than Winston-Salem's $208,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Welch
The median home value in Welch is $56,500 — 81% below the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $36,188/year is 51% 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 60.9°F and lows of 43.3°F, with about 34.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Welch has a cost of living index of 19 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 81% less expensive.
Welch has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
🛒 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 | 43 | 51 | 63 | 70 | 76 | 79 | 78 | 73 | 63 | 52 | 43 |
| Low °F | 24 | 27 | 33 | 43 | 51 | 58 | 62 | 61 | 55 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.03 | 2.90 | 3.84 | 3.64 | 4.61 | 4.14 | 4.36 | 3.14 | 3.24 | 2.78 | 2.55 | 3.01 |
| Snow" | 9.9 | 8.8 | 6.5 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.4 | 6.6 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Welch, WV?
Welch has a cost index of 19 (100 = national average). It is 81% below the national average.
What is the average home price in Welch?
The median home value in Welch is $56,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Welch?
The median household income in Welch is $36,188 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Welch, WV?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Welch is 6.4%. The West Virginia state income tax top rate is 6.5%.
Is Welch, WV affordable?
Yes, Welch is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 19 — about 81% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Welch?
Welch has average high temperatures of 60.9°F and average lows of 43.3°F. Annual precipitation is 41.2". Average annual snowfall is 34.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Welch at a Glance
- Population
- 3,492
- Median Income
- $36,188
- Home Value
- $56,500
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
West Virginia Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs