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Lester, WV

West Virginia · Raleigh County · Beckley Metro

Lester is a small town in West Virginia with a population of 492. Residents earn $30,000 per year, which is 60% below the national average.

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
492 Population 984/sq mi density
$30,000 Median Income $18,676 per capita
$81,500 Home Value $128,330 Zillow
$834 Median Rent 39.0% income on rent
50°F Avg Temperature 305 sunny days/yr
1,057 Violent Crime/100K 7,207 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.4 / 5.0
$30,000 median income, 1.4% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$81,500 home value, $834/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
1,057 violent crimes/100K (178% above avg)
D
Education
2.0 / 5.0
12.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Lester, WV

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $30,000
60% lower than US avg
Home Value $81,500
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 1,057/100K
178% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 12.0%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent $834
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 44.6%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment 1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 46.2%
273% higher than US avg

How Lester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population492
Median Age50.4 yrs
Density984/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans5.3%

Economy

C
Median Income$30,000
Per Capita$18,676
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty46.2%
County GDP$4,532M
Commute48 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$81,500
Rent$834
Ownership75.8%
Zillow$128,330
Housing Units190
Rent Burden39.0%

Crime

F
Violent1,057/100K
Property7,207/100K

Health

Obesity44.6%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking22.9%
Depression31.9%
Heart Disease7.4%

Climate

Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain43.4 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation2,027 ft (618 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+12.0%
High School+77.7%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score5.02

Community

2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute48 min
Broadband68.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries5

Is Lester a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Lester receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Lester has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Lester is $30,000, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. The poverty rate of 46.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 48 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Lester is $81,500, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $834 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

With 1,057 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,207 per 100,000, 268% above the national average.

Education

12.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.

Climate & Weather

Lester experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.4 inches, including 38.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.

Lester has a population of 492 with a density of 984 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 50.4 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.1% female and 54.9% male. The city is predominantly White (80.1%), with 7.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 27.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.7% have health insurance coverage.

Population

492
Total Population
984
People / sq mi
50.4yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
0.5mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 54.9%
Female 45.1%

Race & Ethnicity

Lester vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish 0.0%
100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Lester vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Lester is $30,000, which is 60% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,676 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 46.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,608 business establishments, including 129 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 48 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 7.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Lester vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$30,000
60% below US avg
Per Capita Income$18,676
Avg Weekly Wage$1,043
IRS Avg AGI$63,527
Gini Index0.491 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.4%
61% below US avg
Poverty Rate46.2%
273% above US avg
Establishments (County)2,608
County GDP$4,532M

Business (County)

Restaurants129
Healthcare299
Retail302
Manufacturing44

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$2,735
22% below US avg
Cost of Living89.50 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate3.36%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time48.3 min
Drive Alone85.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home7.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Lester is $81,500, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,330, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $834 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 190 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $2,735 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 39.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$81,500
71% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$128,330

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$834
28% below US avg
Rent Burden39.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$714
1 Bedroom$766
2 Bedrooms$945
3 Bedrooms$1,231
4 Bedrooms$1,380

Ownership & Property

Homeownership75.8%
Owner-Occupied75.8%
Renter-Occupied24.2%
Housing Units190
Median Year Built1978

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$2,735
22% below US avg
Effective Rate3.36%
In Lester, 44.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 42.9% have high blood pressure. 22.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.0% report binge drinking. 36.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.2% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,294. The dentist ratio is 1:1,279. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Lester vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity44.6%
39% above US avg
Diabetes15.1%
Heart Disease7.4%
High Blood Pressure42.9%
Asthma12.9%
COPD10.4%
Cancer7.1%
Stroke3.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking22.9%
64% above US avg
Binge Drinking15.0%
Physical Inactivity36.7%
Depression31.9%
Mental Distress25.2%
Physical Distress18.6%
Short Sleep46.6%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate95.7%
Uninsured10.2%
19% above US avg
Primary Care1:1,294
Dentists1:1,279
Mental Health1:340
Checkup Rate79.2%
Dental Visits46.6%
Premature Death16,996/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment6.1/10
Exercise Access56.8%
Healthcare Facilities299
Lester has a violent crime rate of 1,057 per 100,000 residents, 178% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,207 per 100,000, 268% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Lester receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Lester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent1,057.1/100K
178% above US avg

Property Crime

Total Property7,206.6/100K
268% above US avg

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)10
Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
FEMA Disasters91

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Lester experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 305 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 43.4 inches. The area receives 38.4 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 2,027 feet.

Temperature

30°F Jan (-1°C) 69°F Jul (20°C)
Annual Average49.7°F
8% below US avg
January Average30°F (-1°C)
July Average69°F (20°C)
Sunny Days305 days/yr

Geography

Elevation2,027 ft (618 m)
Area0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²)
Population Density984/sq mi
Coordinates37.7320°N, 81.3027°W
TimezoneAmerica/New_York
CountyRaleigh County County
Nearest AirportWest Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
47 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 43.4"
14% above US avg
Snowfall 38.4"
Wettest Month (Jul) 4.84"
Driest Month (Oct) 3.03"

Air Quality

AQI Median39.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskRelatively Low
Risk Score65.5 / 100
Social Vulnerability67.3 / 100
Community Resilience38.5 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Very Low
Hurricane Very Low
Earthquake Relatively Low
Wildfire Relatively Low
Flood Relatively Moderate
Hail Relatively Low
Strong Wind Relatively Moderate
Heat Wave Very Low
Winter Weather Relatively Moderate
Lightning Relatively Moderate
Ice Storm Relatively Moderate
Drought Very Low
Cold Wave Relatively Low
Landslide Relatively Moderate
Avalanche Relatively Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

50 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.

Apr 22, 1991 14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia M3.5 99 km
Apr 4, 2010 14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia M3.4 102 km
Feb 12, 1994 10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia M3.4 121 km
Mar 31, 2013 West Virginia M3.4 110 km
Jun 26, 1995 6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia M3.4 110 km
Sep 13, 2017 11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia M3.2 60 km
Dec 4, 2001 9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia M3.1 48 km
Jun 28, 1991 4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia M3.0 56 km
May 16, 2009 2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia M3.0 127 km
Jul 7, 1995 3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee M3.0 146 km
Aug 14, 2009 4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia M2.9 143 km
Jan 22, 1995 0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia M2.9 88 km
Jul 4, 2009 3 km E of Narrows, Virginia M2.8 64 km
May 6, 2002 3 km SE of Racine, Ohio M2.8 145 km
Feb 15, 2005 12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia M2.8 81 km
Jan 10, 2012 14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia M2.8 100 km
Jul 30, 2013 12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia M2.8 128 km
Jul 15, 2021 10 km S of Narrows, Virginia M2.8 69 km
May 12, 2017 6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia M2.8 65 km
Jul 6, 2023 5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia M2.7 124 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tornado History

58 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 62 injuries.

Date Rating Distance Fatalities
Apr 4, 1974 EF3 26 km 1
Apr 4, 1974 EF3 8 km 0
Apr 2, 2024 EF2 90 km 0
Apr 2, 2024 EF2 47 km 0
Oct 7, 2014 EF2 17 km 0
Apr 8, 2011 EF2 88 km 0
Jun 22, 1990 EF2 74 km 0
May 26, 1990 EF2 47 km 0
Jul 11, 1976 EF2 66 km 0
Apr 24, 1975 EF2 73 km 0
Apr 12, 1965 EF2 41 km 0
Apr 8, 1965 EF2 50 km 0
Feb 25, 1961 EF2 31 km 0
Apr 2, 2024 EF1 64 km 0
Apr 2, 2024 EF1 72 km 0
Apr 2, 2024 EF1 51 km 0
Apr 2, 2024 EF1 84 km 0
Aug 31, 2021 EF1 97 km 0
Aug 9, 2019 EF1 84 km 0
Jun 24, 2019 EF1 74 km 0
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)

Wildfire History

20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: BRUSHY (61,231 ac, 1987).

Year Name Acres Distance
1987 BRUSHY 61,231 76 km
1987 UNNAMED 41,794 75 km
1987 UNNAMED 32,565 94 km
1991 KAYFORD MOUNTAIN 31,509 31 km
1991 JENNINGS CREEK 29,308 93 km
1987 UNNAMED 27,317 83 km
1991 WHITE OAK BRANCH 25,550 58 km
1987 ELLIS CREEK 24,070 24 km
1991 UNNAMED 22,282 83 km
1991 TUG RIVER 20,813 75 km
1991 BROWNS BRANCH 17,324 33 km
1991 HUFF CREEK 15,190 42 km
1987 RUCKERS BRANCH 14,744 54 km
1987 UNNAMED 14,554 91 km
1991 ROLLINS BRANCH 14,435 28 km
1991 UNNAMED 14,264 98 km
1991 GAULEY MTN 13,113 51 km
1991 ROCK HOUSE BRANCH 13,056 81 km
1991 TOMS BRANCH 11,849 42 km
1991 UNNAMED 11,117 83 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 30°F (-1°C) 3.1 in Coldest
February 33°F (1°C) 3.1 in
March 42°F (5°C) 3.7 in
April 51°F (10°C) 3.7 in
May 59°F (15°C) 4.3 in
June 67°F (19°C) 3.9 in
July 69°F (20°C) 4.8 in Wettest
August 69°F (21°C) 3.9 in Warmest
September 63°F (17°C) 3.4 in
October 53°F (12°C) 3.0 in Driest
November 43°F (6°C) 3.2 in
December 35°F (2°C) 3.4 in

Lester has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 30°F in January to 69°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 43.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (3.0").

View full weather details →
Lester is located in Raleigh County. It is classified as Metro / under 250K, part of a metropolitan area. 12.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 64% below the national average of 33.7%. 77.7% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.4% of the vote, a 54.3-point margin. 68.5% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). The area has 1 EV charging stations. There are 5 public libraries serving the community. 299 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 85% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.4%
D 22%

Winner: Republican by 54.3 points

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)10
Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
FEMA Disaster Declarations91
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+12.0%
64% below US avg
High School+77.7%
Graduate Degree+6.2%
School Test Score5.02
D Education Grade (2.0/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 3Metro / under 250K
Population Density984/sq mi
Total Area0.5 sq mi
CountyRaleigh County County

Services

Broadband Access68.5%
Avg Download Speed53.8 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed3.8 Mbps
Max Download Speed1,000 Mbps
EV Charging Stations1
Alt Fuel Stations3
Public Libraries5
Healthcare Facilities299
Restaurants129
Retail Stores302

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute48.3 min
Drive Alone85.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home7.1%
Average costs for common services in Lester. 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$736
Toddler$700
Preschool$722
Family Childcare (monthly)
Infant$676
Toddler$737
Preschool$737
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)

Top Industries in Raleigh County

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Health Care & Social Assistance 6,679 569 $53,377 1.44
Retail Trade 4,314 316 $37,740 1.34
Accommodation & Food Services 3,395 160 $21,959 1.16
Mining & Oil/Gas 2,048 28 $111,715 16.75
Administrative & Waste Services 2,024 174 $42,544 1.06
Construction 1,122 203 $59,354 0.66
Wholesale Trade 1,067 128 $71,810 0.84
Professional & Technical Services 983 228 $60,335 0.44
Other Services 910 162 $50,214 0.94
Finance & Insurance 886 120 $55,787 0.68
Transportation & Warehousing 688 85 $49,950 0.50
Manufacturing 642 58 $61,909 0.24
Real Estate 424 91 $52,955 0.85
Educational Services 392 22 $32,015 0.59
Arts & Entertainment 341 38 $24,496 0.63
Information & Technology 304 33 $62,858 0.50
Management of Companies 280 21 $80,267 0.51
Utilities 162 7 $99,307 1.32
Agriculture & Forestry 58 10 $54,739 0.22
Unclassified 5 8 $21,363 0.11

Radio Stations near Lester

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
BIG 104.7 WPGB-FM AAC

Campgrounds Near Lester

10 campgrounds found near Lester.

NameRatingSitesPrice
Grandview Playground Shelter 5.0/5 1 $90
R.D. BAILEY LAKE GROUP SHELTERS 5.0/5 3 $50–$60
Grandview Shelter 2 4.8/5 1 $75
Grandview Shelter 1 4.5/5 1 $70
BATTLE RUN 4.4/5 117 $24–$40
Guyandotte Campground 4.2/5 86 $26–$40
Grandview Shelter 3 4.1/5 1 $70
SUMMERSVILLE LAKE SHELTERS 4.1/5 4 $40–$70
Grandview Shelter 4 4.0/5 1 $75
BLUESTONE LAKE PICNIC SHELTER 3.0/5 1 $60

National Parks Near Lester

23 national parks and monuments found near Lester.

ParkTypeFee
Babcock State Park State Park Free
Bluestone Lake State Park State Park Free
Bluestone National Scenic River National Scenic River Free
Bluestone State Park State Park Free
Camp Creek State Park State Park Free
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park State Park Free
Chief Logan State Park State Park Free
Claytor Lake State Park State Park Free
Clinch River State Park State Park Free
Clinch River State Park State Park Free
Gauley River National Recreation Area National Recreation Area Free
Hawks Nest State Park State Park Free
Holly River State Park State Park Free
Hungry Mother State Park State Park Free
Little Beaver State Park State Park Free
Moncove Lake State Park State Park Free
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve National Park & Preserve Free
New River Trail State Park State Park Free
Panther State Forest State Park Free
Pinnacle Rock State Park State Park Free
Pipestem Resort State Park State Park Free
Shot Tower Historic State Park State Park Free
Twin Falls Resort State Park State Park Free

Trails Near Lester

3 trails found near Lester.

TrailMilesSurfaceHikeBikeHorse
APPALACHIAN TRAIL 18.2 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes
ROOSTER 1.2 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes
LITTLE HORSE GAP 0.6 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes Yes

Museums in Lester

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
BECKLEY PERFORMING ARTSHISTORIC PRESERVATION3042555684$39,780
MOUNT HOPE HERITAGE AND HOPEHISTORIC PRESERVATION$3,300
BECKLEY EXHIBITION COAL MINEGENERAL MUSEUM
HANK WILLIAMS MUSEUM INC OF OAK HILL WVGENERAL MUSEUM
LEWIS HOUSEHISTORY MUSEUM214 MAIN ST E3044696200
NEW RIVER GORGE NEW RIVERHISTORIC PRESERVATION3044650508
RALEIGH COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETYHISTORIC PRESERVATION110 SUNSET DR C3045758562
RALEIGH COUNTY VETERAN'SHISTORIC PRESERVATION3042531775
RALEIGH COUNTY VETERANS ASSOCIATONGENERAL MUSEUMPO BOX 3165
SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA MULTICULTURAL MUSEUM AND COMMUNITY CENTERGENERAL MUSEUM
STOCORALEIGH COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL ASSOCIATIONHISTORIC PRESERVATION3046457917
WHIPPLE COMPANY STORE & APPLACHIAN HERTIAGE EDUCATIONAL MUSEUMGENERAL MUSEUM3044650331
WILDWOOD HOUSE MUSEUMGENERAL MUSEUM3042528614
YOUTH MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIAGENERAL MUSEUM3042523730

Libraries in Lester

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
KILLEEN CITY LIBRARY SYSTEM205 E CHURCH AVE0.0270,983
RALEIGH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY221 N. KANAWHA ST.0.0265,143
FAYETTE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY531 SUMMIT STREET0.073,542
WYOMING COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY124 CASTLE ROCK AVENUE0.044,013

Farmers Markets in Lester

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Farmers Market599 Market RoadThu: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM;
Fayette County Farmers Market138 E Main St06/25/2013 to 10/22/2013Tue: 3:00 PM-6:00 PM;
Pineville Farmers MarketIn front of Old Pineville Jr. High School

Dentists in Lester

1 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Jarrell Family Dentistry

Gas Stations in Lester

2 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Exxon
GoMart

Banks in Lester

1 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Whitesville State Bank

Shopping Malls in Lester

1 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Surveyor Shopping Mall

Cell Towers in Lester

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
(Pilot Knob) 693 Bolt Tower RoadLTOWER61
Tower Road, Near Summit of Pilot Knob (102163)LTOWER50
Tower Road, Near Summit of Pilot Knob (102163)LTOWER50
Tower Road, Near Summit of Pilot Knob (102163)LTOWER50
Tower Road, Near Summit of Pilot Knob (102163)LTOWER50

Fire Stations in Lester

NameAddressTypeActive FirefightersVolunteersPhone
Lester Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.128 Hoo Hoo Hollow RDVolunteer304-934-6622
Trap Hill Fire & Rescue765 Bolt RDVolunteer304-934-7772

Bridges in Lester

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
Box Beam (Multiple)Prestressed concrete1993574,300P
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel1959363,800P
Box Beam (Multiple)Prestressed concrete1999743,300F
CulvertConcrete continuous1940322,900F
CulvertConcrete continuous1950331,400F
Box Beam (Multiple)Prestressed concrete198628450F
Box Beam (Multiple)Prestressed concrete199046100F
Stringer/Multi-beamWood or Timber19965530F
Box Beam (Multiple)Prestressed concrete19923420F
Box Beam (Multiple)Prestressed concrete19986010F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel20022810P

Amtrak Stations in Lester

2 Amtrak stations.

StationAddressType
Prince, WV5034 Stanaford RoadTRAIN
Thurmond, WVHwy 25 & Hwy 2TRAIN

Airports Near Lester

23 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Mercer County AirportBLFMedium Airport
Raleigh County Memorial AirportBKWMedium Airport
Yeager AirportCRWMedium Airport
Bocamanu AirportSmall Airport
Burkes Garden AirportSmall Airport
Fayette AirportSmall Airport
Herold AirportSmall Airport
Hinton-Alderson AirportSmall Airport
Island AirportSmall Airport
Kee FieldSmall Airport
Kurt's FieldSmall Airport
Lee Massey AirportSmall Airport
Logan County AirportSmall Airport
Mallory AirportSmall Airport
Mike Ferrell FieldSmall Airport
New River Gorge AirportSmall Airport
New River Valley AirportPSKSmall Airport
Peterstown AirportSmall Airport
Rainelle AirportSmall Airport
Richwood Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Stanger To Blue Waters Ultralight FlightparkSmall Airport
Summersville AirportSmall Airport
Tazewell County AirportSmall Airport

Police Stations in Lester

5 police stations.

StationAddressPhone
City Police Station
City Police Station
Glen Lyn Police Department
Raleigh County Sheriff Substation
West Virginia State Police, Troop 7

Grocery Stores in Lester

6 grocery stores.

StoreTypeAddress
A&J Homestyle LlcFarmers and Markets119 Butternut Drive
Dollar General 25225Other1838 Lester Highway
Dollar General 4445Other7131 Harper Rd
Go Mart 102Convenience Store7059 Harper Rd
Little General 2360Convenience Store7006 Harper Rd
Ricks SupermarketSupermarket7007 Harper Rd

Post Offices in Lester

5 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Glen Daniel Post Office
Lester Post Office
Slab Fork Post Office
Surveyor Post Office
Surveyor Post Office6429 Harper Road

Treatment Centers in Lester

7 treatment centers.

CenterTypePhone
Beckley Comprehensive Treatment Center - Beckley Treatment Center LLCSubstance Abuse304-254-9262
Burlington United Methodist - Fam Servs/Beckley CenterMental Health304-252-8508
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical - Center Substance Abuse Treatment ProgSubstance Abuse304-255-2121 x4140
FMRS Health Systems Inc - Raleigh County OfficeBoth304-256-7100
KVC West VirginiaMental Health304-927-0015
Southern Highlands CMHC IncBoth304-294-5353
Southern WV Fellowship Home IncSubstance Abuse304-253-1441

Churches & Religious Organizations in Lester

2 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
LESTER FIRST CHURCH OF GODPO BOX 721
SOUND MIND451 GWINN ST

Explore Near Lester

Mines
9
Active and inactive mining sites tracked by the Mine Safety and Health Administration
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lester

What is the population of Lester?

Lester has a population of 492 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 984 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.1% female and 54.9% male.

Is Lester expensive to live in?

Lester 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 $30,000, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,500 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $834 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Lester safe?

Public safety is a concern in Lester, with a violent crime rate of 1,057 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,207 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lester receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Lester?

Lester has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.4 inches, with 38.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.

How is the job market in Lester?

The job market in Lester is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,043. There are 2,608 business establishments in the area, including 129 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 48 minutes, and 7.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Lester?

The median home value in Lester is $81,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,330. For renters, the median monthly rent is $834. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,735.

How are the schools in Lester?

Schools in Lester score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.0% of adults in Lester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.7% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Lester?

The obesity rate in Lester is 44.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.9% of adults are smokers. 36.7% are physically inactive. 31.9% of residents report depression. 10.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,294.

What is transportation like in Lester?

The average commute in Lester is 48 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 85% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Lester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lester is 80.1% White, 7.3% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 27.0% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.

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