Quick answer
West Virginia can be a good place to live in 2027 if its numbers fit your life: the app's top-scoring places have a median home value of $142,500, rent of $863/month and household income of $44,675, and the state's violent crime rate (266 per 100k, 2025) is below the median state. Start your research with Morgantown, Charleston, Wheeling.
Median home value
$142,500
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$863/mo
Household income
$44,675
Violent crime / 100k
266
West Virginia, 2025
Population change
+0.3%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+8.3%
State wage income tax
Yes
Home value ÷ income
3.2×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgantown, WV | 63 | $238,200 | $888 | $42,245 | +0.2% |
| Charleston, WV | 56 | $187,300 | $898 | $64,512 | -1.0% |
| Wheeling, WV | 50 | $142,500 | $795 | $48,498 | -0.9% |
| Parkersburg, WV | 44 | $113,900 | $746 | $44,675 | -0.8% |
| Huntington, WV | 38 | $118,800 | $863 | $43,146 | -1.0% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley County | 70 | $248,000 | $1,238 | $77,329 | +2.3% |
| Wirt County | 69 | $112,800 | $575 | $54,688 | -1.4% |
| Putnam County | 68 | $214,200 | $975 | $77,871 | -0.2% |
| Preston County | 66 | $157,700 | $753 | $61,373 | -0.0% |
| Jackson County | 65 | $154,600 | $720 | $55,671 | -0.4% |
| Jefferson County | 65 | $324,500 | $1,103 | $95,523 | +0.9% |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 2Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 3Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 4Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 5Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
Is West Virginia a Good Place to Live in 2027?
West Virginia can be a good place to live in 2027 if its numbers fit your life: the app's top-scoring places have a median home value of $142,500, rent of $863/month and household income of $44,675, and the state's violent crime rate (266 per 100k, 2025) is below the median state. Start your research with Morgantown, Charleston, Wheeling.
What are the best places to live in West Virginia?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring West Virginia cities are Morgantown, Charleston, Wheeling, Parkersburg, Huntington, and the top counties are Berkeley County, Wirt County, Putnam County, Preston County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does West Virginia have a state income tax?
Yes, West Virginia taxes wage income. Check the state revenue department for current rates and compare property and sales taxes too.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
