Is Dunbar Safe, Pros and cons of living in Dunbar
Is it Safe to Live in Dunbar?
Dunbar presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are generally considered higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is reported at 31.76 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to NeighborhoodScout). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime can vary significantly by neighborhood, with southeastern areas having a higher incidence of crime compared to the safer northeastern parts of the city.
While some sources indicate a safety grade of B- with overall crime rates 30% below the national average (according to DoorProfit), other analyses suggest a more concerning outlook. For instance, FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data indicates a violent crime rate of 311.2 per 100,000 residents, which is substantially higher than both the national and state averages, leading to a safety grade of F (High Risk) in one assessment (according to PlainCrime). The cost of crime per resident is approximately $501 annually, which is slightly above the national average (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Crime Statistics Overview
The crime rate in Dunbar is notably higher than in many other American communities, though not among the highest overall. It is considered safer than only 30% of U.S. cities (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are also above average, with a rate of 19 per 1,000 population (according to NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of property crime, such as larceny-theft, burglary, motor vehicle theft, or arson, is approximately one in 54 (according to NeighborhoodScout).
The violent crime rate in Dunbar is reported at 2.2 per 1,000 residents, which is 39% below the national average (according to Kurby AI). However, this specific statistic appears to contradict broader crime rate analyses from other sources. It is crucial to consider all available data when assessing the safety of the area.
Cost of Living in Dunbar
Dunbar offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is estimated to be about 15% less than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage expenses.
Housing costs in Dunbar are also more affordable compared to the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This is supported by the median home value, which is significantly lower than the national median. Renting in Dunbar is also more economical, with average rents being considerably below the national average.
Housing Costs and Affordability
The median home value in Dunbar is approximately $119,600 (as reported by Data USA), which is considerably lower than the national average of $332,700. This median property value has seen a slight decrease of 1.24% between 2023 and 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Dunbar stands at 62.1%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).
For renters, the average rent in Dunbar is around $1,081 per month as of May 2026 (according to Apartments.com). This is 34% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (according to Apartments.com). A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,081 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,307 per month (according to Apartments.com).
Income and Employment Landscape
The median household income in Dunbar was $58,379 in 2024, showing a growth of 6.83% from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The average annual household income was $65,108 in 2024, a 5.2% increase from the prior year (as reported by Point2Homes). The unemployment rate in Dunbar is reported at 1.8% (according to Point2Homes), which is considered a strong indicator of job security and a healthy local economy.
The local economy supports a workforce of approximately 3,772 residents. Major employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Public Administration (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Dunbar is $43,325 as of May 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter), with most salaries ranging between $31,041 and $53,125 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Environment
Dunbar experiences a climate with moderate temperatures throughout the year. The average daily high temperature is around 66°F, with average lows around 44°F (as reported by Livability.com). Summers are warm, with July being the hottest month, featuring average highs of 86°F and lows of 64°F.
Winters are cold, with January temperatures typically ranging from highs of 43°F to lows of 23°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 48 inches, with July being the wettest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages around 22 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Temperature and Precipitation Patterns
Throughout the year, temperatures in Dunbar generally range from 23°F to 86°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winter temperatures rarely fall below 27°F or exceed 68°F for daily highs, while daily lows are around 31°F, seldom dropping below 12°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Summer highs can reach up to 86°F, with lows around 64°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Annual precipitation in Dunbar averages 48 inches, with July seeing the highest monthly precipitation (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages 22 inches per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The air can feel uncomfortably humid during July (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education and Schools
Dunbar is served by several public schools within the Kanawha County School District. The school system includes Dunbar Middle School, Dunbar Intermediate Center, and Dunbar Primary Center, among others. These schools cater to students from pre-kindergarten through middle school grades.
However, school performance in Dunbar presents some challenges. Dunbar Middle School and Dunbar Intermediate Center are noted for underperforming, with low statewide rankings and poor performance on state assessments (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). These schools face significant hurdles in meeting the academic needs of their students, with proficiency rates in math and reading being below state averages (as reported by Niche).
School Performance and Ratings
Dunbar Intermediate Center has a Niche grade of C+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 3 out of 10 (as reported by Homes.com). Proficiency in math is at 34%, and in reading, it is 28% (as reported by Homes.com). Dunbar Middle School also has a low rating, with a 2 out of 5 on Niche (as reported by Niche).
The minority enrollment in Dunbar’s public schools is 40%, which is higher than the West Virginia average of 12% (as reported by Niche). Addressing socioeconomic factors and resource allocation will be crucial for improving student outcomes in Dunbar’s schools.
Demographics and Community
Dunbar is home to a population of approximately 7,254 residents (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Dunbar is 42.9 years (as reported by Data USA). The city’s population has seen a slight decrease of -1.2% year-over-year (as reported by Data USA).
The racial makeup of Dunbar is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), accounting for 5,580 people, followed by Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) and Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents (as reported by Data USA). Hispanic or Latino residents make up 3.86% of the population (as reported by Data USA).
Population Trends and Diversity
As of 2024, 99.9% of Dunbar residents are U.S. citizens, a rate higher than the national average of 93.2% (as reported by Data USA). The foreign-born population is a small percentage, at 0.744% (as reported by Data USA). The community is largely homogeneous, with no households reporting a non-English language spoken at home as their primary shared language (as reported by Data USA).
The gender distribution shows 45% male and 55% female residents (as reported by Point2Homes). Age demographics indicate that approximately 12.5% of the population are children under 15, with significant portions in the 25-44 and 45-64 age brackets. Around 22.3% of residents are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).
Major Employers and Job Market
The economy of Dunbar is supported by several key industries and employers. The largest sectors employing residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Public Administration (as reported by Data USA). Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services and Utilities offer some of the highest-paying opportunities within the city (as reported by Data USA).
While specific major employers are not extensively detailed, companies like Allied Universal, National Seating & Mobility, and Foundation Building Materials operate in or near the Dunbar area (as reported by Lensa and Zippia). The job market is powered by approximately 3,772 working residents, with a significant portion employed in professional or administrative roles (as reported by Point2Homes).
Employment Opportunities
From 2023 to 2024, employment in Dunbar grew by 7.07%, indicating a positive trend in job creation (as reported by Data USA). The most common job groups include Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Management Occupations (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate stands at a low 1.8% (according to Point2Homes), suggesting a robust job market with good opportunities for those seeking employment.
The average salary in Dunbar is approximately $43,325 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, salary ranges can vary significantly based on occupation and experience, with top earners potentially making much more. Some of the highest-paying job types mentioned include Part Time, Toyota, and Warehouse roles (as reported by ZipRecruiter).