Median Income
$30,179
60% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,500
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.4%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$715
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.6%
26% higher than US avg
How Bayard Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population311
Median Age44.5 yrs
Density1,003/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$30,179
Per Capita$25,291
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty15.6%
County GDP$619M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,500
Rent$715
Ownership84.8%
Zillow$324,271
Housing Units145
Rent Burden35.6%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking18.4%
Depression29.6%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain52.7 in/yr
Sunny Days290/yr
Elevation2,354 ft (717 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.4%
High School+90.4%
Graduate+1.0%
School Score4.84
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 10%
Commute35 min
Broadband74.8%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Bayard a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bayard receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times, high obesity rates. Bayard offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bayard is $30,179, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. The poverty rate of 15.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bayard is $78,500, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $715 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bayard is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
12.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Bayard experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 290 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.7 inches, including 117.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Bayard has a population of 311 with a density of 1,003 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 44.5 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (96.1%), with 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 19.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.5yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Bayard is $30,179, which is 60% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,291 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 364 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 10.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $30,179 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,291 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,076 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 364 |
| County GDP | $619M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 39 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,671 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.6% |
The median home value in Bayard is $78,500, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $324,271, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $715 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 145 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $1,671 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 35.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,500 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $324,271 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $715 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.2% |
| Housing Units | 145 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,671 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.13% |
In Bayard, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 35.8% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 28.2% are physically inactive. 29.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,569. The dentist ratio is 1:1,828. 56.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bayard vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.8% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.2% |
| Depression | 29.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 46.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,569 |
| Dentists | 1:1,828 |
| Mental Health | 1:728 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 52.3% |
| Premature Death | 11,644/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Bayard has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Bayard vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Bayard experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 290 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 52.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 117.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,354 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 290 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,354 ft (717 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,003/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2711°N, 79.3662°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Grant County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.7"
39% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 71.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 27.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 11, 2024.
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
138 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Aug 16, 2013 |
13 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
144 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km WNW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
138 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
134 km |
| Aug 15, 2010 |
19 km ESE of Burnsville, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
105 km |
| Aug 21, 2010 |
19 km WNW of Helvetia, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
118 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 93 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
13 km |
1 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1965 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WATERFALL MOUNTAIN (9,251 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WATERFALL MOUNTAIN |
9,251 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
5,345 |
91 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
5,149 |
91 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,687 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,022 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
VALLEY |
2,514 |
89 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,460 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
67 km |
| 2010 |
HONE QUARRY |
1,827 |
89 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
32 km |
| 2024 |
DOVE HOLLOW |
1,634 |
57 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
74 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
46 km |
| 2006 |
CARDINAL |
1,345 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
DRY HOLLOW |
1,327 |
49 km |
| 2024 |
GAULEY RIDGE RX |
1,263 |
80 km |
| 2012 |
POINT 2 |
1,126 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. |
1,055 |
54 km |
| 2011 |
COFFMAN/CHESTNUT RIDGE |
1,048 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Bayard has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 26°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.0") and February the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Bayard. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $760 |
| Toddler | $721 |
| Preschool | $719 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $664 |
| Toddler | $547 |
| Preschool | $547 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bayard
What is the population of Bayard?
Bayard has a population of 311 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,003 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Bayard expensive to live in?
Bayard is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $30,179, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,500 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $715 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bayard safe?
Bayard is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Bayard?
Bayard has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 290 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.7 inches, with 117.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Bayard?
The job market in Bayard is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 364 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 10.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bayard?
The median home value in Bayard is $78,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $324,271. For renters, the median monthly rent is $715. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.8%. The average annual property tax is $1,671.
How are the schools in Bayard?
Schools in Bayard have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.4% of adults in Bayard hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bayard?
The obesity rate in Bayard is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 28.2% are physically inactive. 29.6% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 56.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,569.
What is transportation like in Bayard?
The average commute in Bayard is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bayard?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bayard is 96.1% White, 2.3% Black or African American. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 19.8% of residents have a disability. 83.7% have health insurance coverage.
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