What are the hidden costs of living in Parkersburg?

Annual flood insurance premiums Potential environmental remediation costs Higher commuting costs if living far from job centers

What is the median home price in Parkersburg?

The median home price in Parkersburg is approximately $97,700.

Is Parkersburg walkable?

Parkersburg has a Walk Score of 33 out of 100. Most errands require a car.

Parkersburg, WV

Updated May 1, 2026 · Would You Live There?

Think twice

Verdict

$98K

Median Price

33/100

Walk Score

8.3/10

Schools

Score Breakdown

FWalkability

33/100

D+Safety

55/100

B-Quietness

70/100

B+Schools

83/100

AAffordability

92/100

ACommute

100/100

WYLT Score72/100

Our Take

Parkersburg offers inexpensive homes and a tight-knit feel, but serious environmental and safety concerns loom large. The flood risk, legacy industrial pollution, and lack of public transit make it a risky place to settle for most people.

Map

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The Good

✓Low home prices (median $97k), inexpensive rent (median $772), good public schools (average rating 8.3), strong sense of community

Real Talk

!High flood risk (Zone AE), potential contamination from DuPont, low median income ($43k) limits local economic growth, car‑dependent lifestyle with almost no public transit
$Annual flood insurance premiums
$Potential environmental remediation costs
$Higher commuting costs if living far from job centers

Best For

Families looking for low-cost housingRetirees wanting a small-town vibePeople who can commute by car

Risk Snapshot

Flood riskHigh

Violent crimeModerate

Property crimeModerate

Air qualityPoor

Price volatilityModerate

Crime & Safety

Parkersburg, WV

D+

Safety grade

Safety score55 / 100

High riskVery safe

⚠️Violent Crime

Moderate

3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr

0Natl avg (3.7)11+

5% higher than the national average

🔒Property Crime

Moderate

19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr

0Natl avg (19.5)59+

2% higher than the national average

Verify with real-time data

AreaVibes crime →City-Data stats →NeighborhoodScout →

Rates are estimated from neighborhood characteristics using national FBI baselines. Actual figures vary by block — always verify with local sources before making decisions.

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From Residents

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