Is Huntington Safe, Pros and cons of living in Huntington
The city of Huntington, West Virginia, presents a complex profile for potential residents, balancing historical industrial roots with ongoing revitalization efforts. Its location at the confluence of the Ohio and Guyandotte rivers has historically made it a significant transportation hub. Today, Huntington is part of a metropolitan area that spans three states and is the largest in West Virginia. The city itself has a population of over 46,000, making it the second-largest city in the state.
The cost of living in Huntington is notably lower than the national average, with housing costs being a significant contributor to this affordability. Overall living expenses are approximately 14% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes), and Huntington’s housing is about 39% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This lower cost extends to rent as well, with the average rent for an apartment being $1,385 (as reported by RentCafe), and houses for rent averaging around $948 for a studio and up to $2,000 for larger family homes (as reported by Rentometer). The median home value in Huntington is approximately $139,631 (as reported by Zillow), with prices seeing a year-over-year increase (as reported by Zillow and Redfin).
Is it Safe to Live in Huntington?
Huntington’s safety is a multifaceted issue with varying statistics. The overall crime rate per 1,000 residents is reported at 45.16 (as reported by Meadow Law Office), with violent crime at 8.36 per 1,000 and property crime at 36.80 per 1,000. However, other analyses place the violent crime rate at 4.135 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime is around 1 in 115 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout), and property crime is 1 in 25 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
NeighborhoodScout also notes that Huntington has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft nationally, based on FBI data. Violent crime is higher than the average US city, with Huntington ranking in the 28th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 28% of cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Data from Meadow Law Office indicates a decline in crime rates for several categories between 2017 and 2022, including drug offenses, arson, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, sexual assault, robbery, and murder.
Violent Crime Trends
While some reports indicate a general decline in crime, others highlight specific concerning areas. The violent crime rate in Huntington is reported to be higher than the national average, with a rate of 802.5 per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 473.3 per 100,000 (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Rape is a particularly elevated category, with a rate of 102.5 per 100K, which is 2.4 times the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This trend has seen a 2.3% increase year over year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Property Crime Overview
Property crime in Huntington presents a significant concern, with a rate of 3,602.3 per 100,000 residents, which is over 20% higher than the West Virginia state average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Motor vehicle theft is noted as being particularly high, with a rate of 334.4 per 100K, though this is slightly lower than the national average of 352.4 per 100K (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Burglary rates are also elevated, at 606.3 per 100K, which is more than double the national average of 287.8 per 100K (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Job Market and Economy
Huntington’s economy is characterized by a diverse range of industries, with healthcare, education, manufacturing, and transportation being key sectors. The unemployment rate in Huntington, WV, is currently at 4.60% (as reported by YCharts), which is lower than its long-term average of 6.52%. This figure is also slightly higher than the previous month’s rate of 4.20% and the rate from the previous year at 4.10% (as reported by YCharts).
Major employers in the Huntington area include Cabell Huntington Hospital, St. Mary’s Medical Center, and Marshall University. Amazon and DirecTV are also significant employers in the region (as reported by Wikipedia). The average salary in Huntington, West Virginia, is approximately $57,384 per year or $27.59 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Other sources indicate a slightly higher average salary of $59,878 per year or $28.79 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).
Major Employers
The healthcare and education sectors are significant drivers of employment in Huntington. Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary’s Medical Center are major healthcare providers, while Marshall University is a prominent educational institution and employer (as reported by Wikipedia and Zippia). Amazon and Steel of West Virginia, Inc. also represent key players in the region’s employment landscape (as reported by Zippia). The presence of these large institutions provides a stable job market, particularly in the healthcare and education fields.
Salary and Wages
The average annual salary in Huntington is reported to be around $57,384 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, salary ranges can vary significantly, with the 25th percentile earning around $37,211 and the 75th percentile earning up to $75,599 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). For those in specialized fields, H1B visa salary data indicates a median salary of $199,680 for FY 2025 (as reported by H1B Salaries). This suggests a wide spectrum of earning potential within the city.
Climate and Environment
Huntington experiences a climate with warm, humid summers and cold winters, with the weather being partly cloudy throughout the year. The temperature typically ranges from 27°F to 86°F, rarely dropping below 11°F or exceeding 93°F. The hottest month is July, with average highs around 86°F and lows of 67°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows of 28°F and highs of 43°F.
Monthly rainfall varies, with May typically receiving the most rain at 3.7 inches, and January receiving the least at 2.1 inches. Recent climate data from April indicates that Huntington, WV, experienced temperatures 7.1°F above normal, making it one of the warmest Aprils on record for the location (as reported by the Northeast Regional Climate Center).
Average Temperatures
Summers in Huntington are warm, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 77°F from late May to mid-September (as reported by WeatherSpark). The peak of summer heat occurs in July, where daytime temperatures often reach 86°F (as reported by WeatherSpark). Conversely, winter brings cold conditions, with average daily high temperatures falling below 52°F from December through February (as reported by WeatherSpark). January is the coldest month, with average temperatures hovering around 35.5°F.
Precipitation Patterns
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year in Huntington, with May being the wettest month, averaging 3.7 inches (as reported by WeatherSpark). January is the driest, with approximately 2.1 inches of precipitation (as reported by WeatherSpark). While specific monthly totals vary, the city generally experiences moderate rainfall year-round, with no extreme dry or wet seasons.
Education and Demographics
Huntington is served by Cabell County Schools, which is rated as an above-average public school district. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, and according to state test scores, 35% of students are proficient in math and 46% in reading (as reported by Niche). Huntington High School itself has a rating of B-minus, with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 and 21% math proficiency and 57% reading proficiency (as reported by Niche).
The population of Huntington is estimated to be around 45,787, a slight decrease from the 2020 Census count of 46,842 (as reported by Census Dots). The demographic makeup is predominantly White (83.6%), followed by Black (6.5%), Multiracial (5.9%), Hispanic (2.4%), and Asian (1.2%) (as reported by Census Dots). The median age in Huntington is 35 years old (as reported by Point2Homes).
School Ratings
Huntington’s public schools, primarily within the Cabell County School District, generally receive above-average ratings. Cabell County Schools holds an overall Niche grade of B-plus, ranking it seventh among West Virginia’s school districts (as reported by Niche). Huntington High School specifically has a rating of B-minus (as reported by Niche). While these ratings indicate a solid educational foundation, there is room for improvement in state test score proficiency, particularly in mathematics.
Population and Diversity
The city of Huntington has an estimated population of 45,787, with the majority identifying as White (83.6%) (as reported by Census Dots). While it is more diverse than the state of West Virginia overall, its racial diversity has slightly decreased since the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). The median age of residents is 35, suggesting a mix of younger and older demographics within the community (as reported by Point2Homes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Huntington
Huntington offers a lower cost of living, particularly in housing, which can be attractive to potential residents. The city’s economy is diversified, with significant employment opportunities in healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Furthermore, the surrounding natural beauty provides avenues for outdoor recreation.
However, safety concerns related to crime rates, particularly motor vehicle theft and violent crime, are a significant drawback. While some crime statistics show a downward trend, the overall rates remain higher than national averages in certain categories. The job market, while diverse, may present challenges for those seeking high-paying positions outside of specialized sectors.
Affordability and Housing Market
The affordability of Huntington is a major draw, with the cost of living being significantly lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs are particularly attractive, with median home values around $139,631 (as reported by Zillow) and average rents for apartments at $1,385 (as reported by RentCafe). This makes Huntington a more accessible option for individuals and families looking to reduce their living expenses.
Job Opportunities and Economic Stability
The job market in Huntington is anchored by major employers in healthcare, education, and manufacturing, providing a degree of economic stability (as reported by Wikipedia). The unemployment rate is relatively low at 4.60% (as reported by YCharts), indicating a functional job market. However, the average salary may not be as competitive as in larger metropolitan areas, with most salaries falling within a specific range (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Community and Lifestyle
Huntington’s community offers a blend of urban amenities and access to natural surroundings. The city has a vibrant downtown area and is home to Marshall University, contributing to a lively atmosphere. Residents can enjoy access to parks and outdoor activities, making it a place with a good quality of life for those who appreciate a balance between city living and natural environments.
Crime and Safety Concerns
Despite efforts to improve safety, crime rates remain a concern in Huntington. The elevated rates of violent and property crimes, including motor vehicle theft, are points of caution for potential residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade.org). While crime statistics show some positive trends, a comprehensive understanding of neighborhood-specific safety is crucial.
Educational Opportunities
The public school system in Huntington, represented by Cabell County Schools, is rated above average (as reported by Niche). While this provides a solid educational framework, further research into specific school performance and offerings is recommended for families with children. The presence of Marshall University also offers higher education opportunities for residents.