Is Buckhannon Safe, Pros and cons of living in Buckhannon

Buckhannon, West Virginia, offers a glimpse into small-town American life, blending a historic atmosphere with the practicalities of modern living. Nestled in Upshur County, this city provides a community-focused environment for its residents. It’s a place where local events and a strong sense of community play significant roles in the daily lives of its inhabitants.

The city’s location in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains contributes to its scenic surroundings. Buckhannon serves as the county seat, a hub of local governance and community activity. Its proximity to larger cities like Morgantown and Charleston provides access to broader amenities while maintaining a distinct, smaller-town identity.

Is it Safe to Live in Buckhannon?

Buckhannon presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are often noted as being lower than national averages. The overall crime rate in Buckhannon is reported to be 27% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This suggests a community where safety is a consistent, if not exceptional, characteristic.

Violent crime rates in Buckhannon are also notably lower than the national average, at 11.1% lower per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also significantly below the national average, by 29.8% per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). Residents generally feel safe, with some neighborhoods considered particularly secure, often due to increased community presence and active law enforcement (DoorProfit).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Buckhannon offers relatively affordable options compared to national trends. The median home value in Buckhannon is approximately $151,781 (Livability.com). This figure indicates a market that is more accessible for prospective homeowners.

Rental prices in Buckhannon are also quite affordable, with a median rent of $899 per month (Zillow). The median listing price for homes is around $245,000 (Home.com). These figures suggest a stable rental market and a housing market that offers good value for buyers.

Buckhannon’s housing market has seen appreciation, with the median sale price increasing by 10.36% year-over-year (Home.com). The time it takes for homes to sell has also decreased significantly, with days on market shortening by 62.12% year-over-year (Home.com). This indicates a healthy and active market for sellers.

Cost of Living and Income

Buckhannon’s cost of living is notably lower than both the national average and the state average for West Virginia. Overall living costs are approximately 3% lower than the U.S. national average (Salary.com). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life.

Housing costs in Buckhannon are particularly favorable, being 44.5% lower than the national average (Salary.com). Other expenses such as food, transportation, healthcare, and utilities are also below the national averages (ERI Economic Research Institute, Salary.com). This makes Buckhannon an attractive option for those seeking to reduce their overall living expenses.

The median household income in Buckhannon was reported as $54,615 (World Population Review). While this median income is lower than some national benchmarks, the significantly lower cost of living helps to balance the financial equation for residents. The rent-to-income ratio is around 35.5% for renters (Point2Homes).

Job Market and Major Employers

The employment landscape in Buckhannon is characterized by a stable unemployment rate, which stands at 4.7% (Point2Homes). This indicates a functional job market for the local population. The majority of the workforce, 81.6%, is employed in professional or administrative positions (Point2Homes).

Key employers in the Buckhannon area include institutions like West Virginia Wesleyan College, which is a significant contributor to the local economy and employment (Zippia, Lensa). Other notable employers and industries in the broader region include healthcare services, retail, and some manufacturing (West Virginia Executive Magazine). Walmart and McDonald’s are also listed among prominent employers in Buckhannon (Indeed.com).

The unemployment rate in Buckhannon is currently 95.06% employment rate (BestNeighborhood.org). This suggests that the majority of the working-age population is actively employed or seeking employment within the area.

Climate and Weather

Buckhannon experiences a climate with distinct seasons, featuring warm summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature ranges from approximately 20°F in January to 84°F in July (myPerfectWeather). This range provides a typical four-season experience for residents.

Annual precipitation in Buckhannon averages around 48 inches, with snowfall around 42 inches (Livability.com). The warmest months are July and August, with average highs in the low 80s Fahrenheit. Winter months, particularly January, see average highs in the low 40s Fahrenheit and lows in the 20s Fahrenheit (myPerfectWeather, U.S. Climate Data).

The city experiences a significant amount of rainfall, with July being the wettest month, averaging about 5 inches of precipitation (myPerfectWeather). While summers are warm and humid, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer comfortable weather, with temperatures generally between 65°F and 86°F (myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

Buckhannon is served by the Upshur County Schools district, which includes several educational institutions. Buckhannon Upshur High School is a key secondary school within the district (SchoolDigger). This high school has a graduation rate of 92% and an average GPA of 3.56 (Homes.com).

The district’s performance metrics show varied results, with Buckhannon Upshur High School ranking in the bottom half of West Virginia high schools (SchoolDigger). State test proficiency scores in math and reading for the district are also below state averages in some instances (Upshur County Schools – Niche, SchoolDigger).

West Virginia Wesleyan College is a prominent institution of higher learning located in Buckhannon, contributing to the educational landscape and providing opportunities for post-secondary education (Zippia, Wikipedia). The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Demographics and Community

Buckhannon has a population of approximately 5,116 residents, with a slight majority being male at 50.4% (Point2Homes). The median age in Buckhannon is 33 years old, indicating a relatively young population with a significant portion in the 15 to 24 age group (Point2Homes).

The racial composition of Buckhannon is predominantly White, at 87.2%, followed by African American at 4.8%, and Asian at 1.7% (Point2Homes, World Population Review). A notable portion of the population, 21.7%, lives below the poverty line (Data USA). This figure is higher than the national average of 12.5% (Data USA).

Households in Buckhannon consist of an average of two members, with about 53.4% being families (Point2Homes). The city has a total of 1,902 households, with a renter occupancy rate of 37.3% (Point2Homes).