Median Income
$47,991
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$141,400
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.1%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$631
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.1%
46% higher than US avg
How Keyser Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,870
Median Age39.7 yrs
Density2,472/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$47,991
Per Capita$29,477
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty18.1%
County GDP$1,073M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$141,400
Rent$631
Ownership50.0%
Zillow$172,254
Housing Units2,526
Rent Burden26.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property168/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking17.5%
Depression32.4%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation938 ft (286 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.1%
High School+83.6%
Graduate+11.2%
School Score4.78
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute17 min
Broadband85.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Keyser a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Keyser receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Keyser offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Keyser is $47,991, 36% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 18.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Keyser is $141,400, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $631 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Keyser 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 168 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
21.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Keyser experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 29.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Keyser has a population of 4,870 with a density of 2,472 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 39.7 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (89.8%), with 2.7% Hispanic, 4.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.7yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Keyser is $47,991, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,477 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,050, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 704 business establishments, including 53 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,991 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,477 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,050 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,654 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.1% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 704 |
| County GDP | $1,073M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Healthcare | 74 |
| Retail | 71 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,204 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.1% |
| Public Transit | 3.4% |
| Work from Home | 11.2% |
The median home value in Keyser is $141,400, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,254, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $631 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 50.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,526 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $2,204 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $141,400 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $172,254 |
| Median List Price | $119,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $119,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $75 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 11 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $631 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,526 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,204 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.56% |
In Keyser, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 36.2% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.1% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 32.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,357. The dentist ratio is 1:2,984. 36.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Keyser vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.2% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 32.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,357 |
| Dentists | 1:2,984 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,168 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Dental Visits | 59.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,866/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 74 |
Keyser has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 168 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Keyser receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Keyser vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 168.2/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Keyser experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 302 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 38.2 inches. The area receives 29.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 938 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.6°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 938 ft (286 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (5.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,472/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4394°N, 78.9821°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Mineral County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.2"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 11, 2024.
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
100 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
148 km |
| Aug 15, 2010 |
19 km ESE of Burnsville, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
143 km |
| Aug 21, 2010 |
19 km WNW of Helvetia, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
142 km |
| Jul 27, 1997 |
5 km SSE of Culpeper, Virginia |
M2.5 |
142 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
8 km S of Remington, Virginia |
M2.5 |
148 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
166 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 104 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1975 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF2 |
95 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 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
56 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,460 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
74 km |
| 2012 |
NEIGHBOR MTN FIRE |
1,986 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
SMITH RUN FIRE |
1,908 |
98 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
54 km |
| 2024 |
DOVE HOLLOW |
1,634 |
60 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
65 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
CARDINAL |
1,345 |
92 km |
| 2019 |
DRY HOLLOW |
1,327 |
73 km |
| 2024 |
GAULEY RIDGE RX |
1,263 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
POINT 2 |
1,126 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. |
1,055 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
COFFMAN/CHESTNUT RIDGE |
1,048 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
ROCKY BRANCH |
1,018 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
GATE MOUNTAIN |
972 |
90 km |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
52 km |
| 2024 |
SERENITY RIDGE FIRE |
877 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Keyser has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 31°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Keyser. 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 | $769 |
| Toddler | $730 |
| Preschool | $747 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $702 |
| Toddler | $579 |
| Preschool | $579 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Keyser
What is the population of Keyser?
Keyser has a population of 4,870 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 2,472 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.7 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Keyser expensive to live in?
Keyser 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 $47,991, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $141,400 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $631 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Keyser safe?
Keyser 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 168 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Keyser receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Keyser?
Keyser has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches, with 29.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Keyser?
Keyser has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,050. There are 704 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 11.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Keyser?
The median home value in Keyser is $141,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,254. For renters, the median monthly rent is $631. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,204.
How are the schools in Keyser?
Schools in Keyser have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.1% of adults in Keyser hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.6% have completed high school. 11.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Keyser?
The obesity rate in Keyser is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 32.4% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 36.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,357.
What is transportation like in Keyser?
The average commute in Keyser is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.1% of workers drive alone to work, 3.4% use public transit, and 11.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Keyser?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Keyser is 89.8% White, 4.2% Black or African American, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.