Is Moundsville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Moundsville
Moundsville, West Virginia, offers a glimpse into a community shaped by its history and poised for its future. Nestled along the Ohio River, this city in Marshall County provides a distinct living experience, blending small-town charm with the conveniences of proximity to larger metropolitan areas. Its unique name, derived from a prominent ancient burial mound, hints at the rich cultural tapestry that underlies the region.
Understanding the nuances of life in Moundsville involves exploring various facets, from its safety and economic landscape to its climate and educational opportunities. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a clear picture for anyone considering making Moundsville their home, covering essential information to help in the decision-making process.
Is it Safe to Live in Moundsville?
Moundsville’s safety profile presents a complex picture, with differing reports from various sources. One assessment indicates that Moundsville has a crime rate that is 53% below the national average, with a violent crime risk of 1 in 596 and a property crime risk of 1 in 85 (as reported by DoorProfit). This source also assigns Moundsville an A+ crime safety grade, deeming it one of the safest cities in the country.
However, other analyses suggest a different perspective. According to NeighborhoodScout, based on FBI crime data, Moundsville is not among America’s safest communities, with a crime rate higher than 89% of West Virginia’s cities and towns. This source also states that when compared to communities of similar population, Moundsville’s crime rate is significantly above average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). CrimeGrade.org also notes that the city ranks in the 17th percentile for safety, meaning it is less safe than 83% of U.S. cities, with a violent crime rate higher than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Market Trends
The housing market in Moundsville presents an attractive option for prospective homeowners, with prices significantly below the national average. The median home value in Moundsville is approximately $124,991, showing a slight increase of 1.0% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Another source indicates a median listing price of $185,000, with homes selling for approximately the asking price on average (as reported by Realtor.com®). This median home price is considerably lower than the U.S. median of $393,134 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).
The homeownership rate in Moundsville stands at 71.1%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA). The market shows a moderate inventory, with around 63 homes listed for sale (as reported by Realtor.com®). Homes in Moundsville sell in a median of 83 days, indicating a warm market (as reported by Realtor.com®). Rental availability is notably sparse, with only two current rentals listed, which could intensify competition for renters (as reported by Realtor.com®).
Rental Market Insights
For those considering renting, the market in Moundsville is quite limited. The average rent in Moundsville, WV, is reported to be $800 per month (as reported by Zillow and Trulia). Houses for rent in Moundsville, WV, are more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $942, while apartments average $800 per month (as reported by Zumper). The price range for rentals generally falls between $600 and $1,100 (as reported by Zillow).
Rental prices have seen some fluctuation, with the average rent decreasing by $100 in the last year but increasing by $50 in the last month (as reported by Zillow). The scarcity of rental properties, with only 2 current listings available according to Realtor.com®, suggests that renters may face a competitive environment when seeking accommodation.
Economic Landscape and Job Market
Moundsville’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, and accommodation and food services being the largest sectors (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Moundsville is approximately $42,000 per year, or $20.19 per hour (as reported by Zippia). However, other sources place the median wage at $37.3K annually and the average salary at $40,365 (as reported by ZipRecruiter and Data USA, respectively).
The unemployment rate in West Virginia was 4.5% as of March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). While specific unemployment data for Moundsville is not readily available, the state’s rate provides a general economic indicator. Major employers in the area include large retail chains like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dollar General, as well as healthcare providers and service industries (as reported by Indeed.com and Data USA).
Major Employers and Industries
The economic activity in Moundsville is driven by several key sectors. Retail trade stands out as a significant employer, followed by healthcare and social assistance, and accommodation and food services (as reported by Data USA). Large companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, Dollar General, Kroger, and CVS Health are prominent employers in the region (as reported by Indeed.com).
Industries like mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction offer higher earning potential, with average salaries in these sectors reaching up to $110,547 (as reported by Data USA). Public administration is another sector that provides competitive salaries, averaging around $80,150 annually (as reported by Data USA).
Cost of Living Considerations
Moundsville offers a cost of living that is significantly lower than the national average, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious individuals and families. The overall cost of living in Moundsville is about 19% less expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs are particularly favorable, being 40.1% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com).
For a single person, monthly expenses are estimated at $1,691, and for a family of four, they are around $3,776 (as reported by Salary.com). These figures are influenced by lower costs in housing, food, energy, transportation, and healthcare compared to national averages (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing and Utility Expenses
Housing expenses in Moundsville are notably lower than the national average. For a single person, housing costs average $719 per month, and for a family of four, they are $1,318 per month (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability extends to utilities, transportation, and healthcare, which are also below the U.S. average (as reported by Salary.com).
The cost of living in Moundsville is also considerably lower when compared to major cities. For instance, it is 96% less expensive than San Francisco and 49% less expensive than Washington, D.C. (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability makes Moundsville an attractive relocation destination for those seeking to reduce their expenses.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Moundsville experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 23°F to 83°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 7°F or exceeding 91°F (as reported by Time and Date). The warmest months are July and August, with average high temperatures around 83°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows around 25°F (as reported by Time and Date).
Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with the wettest month being June, averaging 3.4 inches of rain. January receives the least amount of rain, with an average of 1.8 inches (as reported by Time and Date). The city experiences seasonal variations in cloud cover, with clearer skies typically from late May to mid-November (as reported by Time and Date).
Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation
Summers in Moundsville are warm and humid, with average high temperatures in July reaching approximately 83°F (as reported by Time and Date). Winters are cold and snowy, with January seeing average low temperatures around 25°F and average highs of 38°F (as reported by Time and Date). The transition seasons of spring and autumn offer milder temperatures.
Rainfall is present year-round, with June being the wettest month, receiving about 4.5 inches of precipitation (as reported by AreaVibes). While specific snowfall data is not detailed, the mention of cold and snowy winters indicates regular snowfall during those months. The average annual precipitation is around 40 inches (as reported by U.S. Climate Data).
Education and School Ratings
The educational landscape in Moundsville is primarily served by Marshall County Schools, a public school district that receives an overall Niche grade of B (as reported by Niche). This district serves approximately 4,159 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 35% of students are proficient in math and 43% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).
Within Moundsville, several schools cater to different age groups. For elementary education, Washington Lands Elementary School and Jefferson Avenue Elementary School are noted with B+ and A- overall Niche grades, respectively (as reported by Niche). Middle school options include Moundsville Junior High School, which has a C overall Niche grade (as reported by Niche).
Marshall County School District
Marshall County Schools is recognized as an above-average public school district. It boasts a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1, which is favorable for student attention and support (as reported by Niche). The district’s performance in state tests shows that a significant portion of students meet proficiency benchmarks in core subjects.
The district is ranked #10 out of 55 school districts in West Virginia by Niche, indicating a strong overall performance and quality of education provided to its students (as reported by Niche). This ranking is based on a comprehensive analysis of key statistics and student/parent reviews.
Demographics and Population
Moundsville is home to a population of approximately 7,869 residents, making it the 20th most populated city in West Virginia out of 429 cities (as reported by Data USA and Moundsville Demographics). The city’s population has seen a slight decrease, with a -7.3% change from 2019 to 2024 (as reported by Moundsville Demographics). The projected population for 2026 is around 7,640, assuming a continued annual rate of change of -1.5% (as reported by Moundsville Demographics).
The demographic makeup of Moundsville is predominantly White, accounting for about 92.1% of the population (as reported by Moundsville Demographics and Moundsville, WV Demographics). Other racial and ethnic groups include those of Two or More Races, Hispanic, and smaller percentages of Black or African American and Asian residents (as reported by Moundsville Demographics).
Age and Diversity
The median age in Moundsville is 44.1 years, which is higher than the national median age of 38.9 years (as reported by Moundsville, WV Demographics and Moundsville). This suggests a population that leans towards middle-aged and older adults. Approximately 23.9% of the population is 65 or older (as reported by Moundsville).
In terms of diversity, Moundsville is largely homogeneous, with the White population forming the vast majority. However, there are small percentages of residents identifying with Two or More Races, Hispanic, and other ethnic groups (as reported by Moundsville Demographics). The foreign-born population is a small fraction, at approximately 0.839% of residents (as reported by Data USA).