Is Barboursville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Barboursville

Barboursville, West Virginia, offers a blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience, nestled in the Huntington-Ashland metropolitan area. Its location provides access to both natural beauty and a growing economic landscape. This guide explores the key aspects of life in Barboursville, from safety and cost of living to employment opportunities and climate, to help you make an informed decision about calling this community home.

The village is situated in Cabell County, along the Guyandotte River, offering scenic views and a connection to the outdoors. Barboursville is known for its community events and a friendly atmosphere, making it an appealing place for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Is it Safe to Live in Barboursville?

Barboursville presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that require consideration. The overall crime rate in Barboursville is reported as being around 31 per one thousand residents, which is notably higher than many other communities of similar size across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This statistic places it among communities with higher crime rates when compared nationally.

When examining specific crime types, the violent crime rate in Barboursville is reported as approximately 1 per one thousand inhabitants, which is considered to be about average for communities across the United States (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, property crime rates are more significant, with a chance of being a victim of property crime reported as 1 in 33, or 30 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This suggests that while violent crime is around the national average, property crimes are a more prevalent concern for residents.

Barboursville’s crime rate is considered about the same as the average U.S. city, earning it a C+ grade for safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The village ranks in the 50th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 50% of cities but less safe than 50% (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest, with varying chances of being a victim of crime depending on the neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 21 in the northeast to 1 in 65 in the southeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs and Availability

Barboursville offers a housing market with relatively affordable options compared to national averages. The median listing price for homes in Barboursville is around $195,000 (as reported by realtor.com®). This median price indicates a more accessible entry point for homebuyers when contrasted with many other areas in the country.

Rental prices in Barboursville are also generally more affordable. The average rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Barboursville is approximately $925 per month (as reported by Zumper and Zillow). This figure is significantly lower than the national average rent, making Barboursville an attractive option for those who prefer renting or are looking for more budget-friendly housing solutions.

The rental market shows some fluctuation, with a reported average apartment rent of $817 for a one-bedroom unit and $1,244 for a two-bedroom unit (as reported by Apartments.com). Rent prices have seen an increase of approximately 5.0% in the past year, and there are currently a limited number of rental listings available, suggesting a competitive rental market for prospective tenants (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Barboursville’s economy is supported by a variety of industries, with healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation and food services being prominent sectors. These industries provide a substantial number of jobs for residents, reflecting the diverse economic activities within the village and surrounding areas (as reported by Data USA).

The average salary for jobs in Barboursville is approximately $60,016 per year, equating to an hourly rate of about $29 (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). While this average provides a general benchmark, specific roles and industries will offer different compensation levels. For example, positions like Pilot and Registered Nurse command higher salaries, while roles such as Bartender and Bank Teller typically fall into lower pay brackets (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

Employment in Barboursville has seen some decline, with a reported decrease of -14.4% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The most common job groups for residents include those in health diagnosing and treating practitioners, material moving, and food preparation and serving related occupations (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Barboursville is noted as 3% (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute), which is below the national average.

Climate and Weather

Barboursville experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and cold winters. Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from a low of 26°F to a high of 88°F, providing distinct seasonal variations (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 88°F, while the coldest month is January, with average lows near 26°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Annual precipitation in Barboursville averages around 47 inches, with rainfall distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. The wettest month is often July, receiving about 5 inches of rain, contributing to the summer humidity (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages around 11 inches annually, with the winter months bringing the coldest temperatures and occasional snow (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The most comfortable weather for outdoor activities typically occurs from April to June and again from mid-September to October. These periods offer milder temperatures and less humidity, making them ideal for enjoying the local parks and recreational areas (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

Barboursville is served by the Cabell County Schools district, which is recognized as a strong educational provider. Village of Barboursville Elementary School, in particular, receives high marks, ranking within the top 5% of all public schools in West Virginia for overall test scores (as reported by Village Of Barboursville Elementary School). This includes top performance in math and reading proficiency, with 65% of students achieving math proficiency and 60% achieving reading proficiency (as reported by Village Of Barboursville Elementary School).

The student-teacher ratio at Village of Barboursville Elementary School is 14:1, which is slightly higher than the West Virginia state average of 13:1 (as reported by Village Of Barboursville Elementary School). This school is highly rated on platforms like Niche, receiving an A- grade, and has a 7/10 GreatSchools Rating (as reported by Homes.com).

Barboursville Middle School also serves the community, catering to students in grades 6-8. It holds a 4 out of 5 rating on Niche and a 7/10 GreatSchools Rating, indicating a solid educational environment for its students (as reported by Niche). The district as a whole is ranked 10th out of 55 school districts in West Virginia, highlighting a commitment to quality education across the county (as reported by School Digger).

Demographics and Community

Barboursville is home to a population of approximately 4,376 residents, with a slightly higher male to female ratio, with 53.2% male and 46.8% female (as reported by Point2Homes). The village has a median age of 35 years, with a distribution across various age groups, including a significant portion of adults between 25 and 44 years old (as reported by Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of Barboursville is predominantly White, accounting for about 89.5% of the population. Other racial groups include African American (2.4%), Asian (4%), and those of two or more races (3.8%) (as reported by Point2Homes). A majority of the population, 93.4%, are U.S.-born citizens, with a smaller percentage being naturalized citizens or non-citizens (as reported by Point2Homes).

The community consists of about 1,496 households, with an average of two members per household. Nearly half of these households are families, while the other half are individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income in Barboursville is approximately $59,684 per year (as reported by ZoomProspector), with a poverty rate of around 19.23% (as reported by World Population Review).

Major Employers and Job Opportunities

Barboursville’s economy is driven by several key industries, including retail, healthcare, and food services, which host a significant number of businesses and jobs. The Huntington Mall, along with various big-box stores like Target and Home Depot, serves as a major retail hub, providing numerous employment opportunities (as reported by Homes.com).

Healthcare and social services are also major employers, with organizations like Village Caregiving expanding its operations and headquarters in Barboursville, indicating growth in this sector (as reported by YouTube). The presence of these essential services contributes to a stable job market for residents in healthcare and related fields.

Other significant industries include accommodation and food services, and public administration. The village has a total of 346 businesses, with a large percentage of these being small businesses employing fewer than 10 people (as reported by ZoomProspector). This mix of large retail centers and smaller businesses offers a diverse range of employment options for the local workforce.