Is Elkins Safe, Pros and cons of living in Elkins

Is it Safe to Live in Elkins?

Elkins presents a mixed safety profile, with overall crime rates lower than the national average, though specific categories show variations. The city has a crime rate of 28.29 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Elkins can vary by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 22 in central areas to 1 in 47 in the southeast (according to CrimeGrade.org).

When examining violent crimes, Elkins reports 32 such incidents per 100,000 individuals, which is 33% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, property crimes are significantly lower, with 403 per 100,000 residents, a rate that is 77.1% below the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). Over the past five years, the city has recorded 88 violent crimes and 65 property crimes, with the average violent crime rate being 16.2% below the national average (according to Crime Explorer).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Elkins is generally considered affordable, standing at 14% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Housing costs in Elkins are particularly attractive, being 31% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Renters can expect to pay around $421 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, significantly less than the national average (according to Apartments.com). This makes Elkins a more budget-friendly option compared to many other cities in the U.S.

The median home value in Elkins was approximately $152,700 in a recent year (according to Data USA). This figure has seen an increase, with a 17% rise reported between two recent years (according to Data USA). The homeownership rate in Elkins is around 58.5% (according to Data USA), which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (according to Data USA).

Job Market and Economy

Elkins’s economy employs a substantial number of people, with the latest data indicating around 10.9k employees (according to Data USA). The primary industries supporting this employment are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (according to Data USA). These sectors collectively represent a significant portion of the local workforce.

The average salary in Elkins, West Virginia, is approximately $59,073 per year (according to ERI SalaryExpert). However, other sources indicate a median wage of $50.8K per year, with the 25th percentile at $35.3K and the 75th percentile at $75.7K (according to ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Elkins is reported at 6.5% (according to Livability.com), reflecting the share of the workforce actively seeking employment.

Climate and Environment

Elkins experiences a climate characterized by warm, wet summers and short, very cold, snowy winters, with partly cloudy conditions throughout the year (according to Weather Spark). The temperature typically ranges from 20°F to 81°F, rarely dropping below 3°F or exceeding 87°F (according to Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 80°F and lows of 60°F.

Winter in Elkins brings colder temperatures, with January being the coldest month, averaging lows of 21°F and highs of 39°F (according to Weather Spark). Snowfall is a significant feature, with an average of 4.1 inches in February (according to Weather Spark). The region receives an average annual rainfall of about 46 inches (according to Livability.com) and an average annual snowfall of 80 inches (according to Livability.com).

Education and Demographics

Elkins is served by public schools that show varying performance levels. The average math proficiency score in Elkins public schools is 26%, and the reading proficiency score is 39% (according to Niche). These scores are below the West Virginia public school averages (according to Niche). The Randolph County School District, which includes Elkins, is ranked 55th out of 55 districts in the state (according to SchoolDigger.com).

The city’s population is approximately 6,811, with a median age of 40.5 years (according to Data USA). The demographic makeup is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), accounting for a significant majority of the residents (according to Data USA). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a very low percentage born outside the country (according to Data USA).