Median Income
$73,482
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$200,000
29% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
122/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.0%
14% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$695
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.8%
37% lower than US avg
How Parkersburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,747
Median Age46.7 yrs
Density1,205/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,482
Per Capita$42,957
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty7.8%
County GDP$705M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$200,000
Rent$695
Ownership80.8%
Zillow$234,460
Housing Units891
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
F
Violent122/100K
Property1,923/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking15.3%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation979 ft (298 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.0%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute27 min
Broadband81.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Parkersburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Parkersburg 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 high obesity rates. Parkersburg offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Parkersburg is $73,482, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Parkersburg is $200,000, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $695 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
Parkersburg is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 122 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,923 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
29.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Parkersburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Parkersburg has a population of 1,747 with a density of 1,205 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 46.7 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.7yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Parkersburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Parkersburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Parkersburg is $73,482, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,957. The average weekly wage is $1,023, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 424 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Parkersburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,482 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,957 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,023 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,290 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.8% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 424 |
| County GDP | $705M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,327 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Parkersburg is $200,000, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $234,460, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $695 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 891 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $3,327. 24.0% 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 Values
| Census Median | $200,000 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $234,460 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $695 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.2% |
| Housing Units | 891 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,327 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.66% |
In Parkersburg, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 24.4% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,166. The dentist ratio is 1:4,756. 60.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Parkersburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,166 |
| Dentists | 1:4,756 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,362 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 69.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,243/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Parkersburg has a violent crime rate of 122 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,923 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Parkersburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Parkersburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 122.3/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,922.6/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Parkersburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 979 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 979 ft (298 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,205/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5739°N, 92.7785°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Butler County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.4"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
651 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 45 fatalities, 1,134 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
9 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
70 km |
5 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
35 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
76 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
28 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
100 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Parkersburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Parkersburg. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $697 |
| Toddler | $600 |
| Preschool | $600 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $458 |
| Toddler | $450 |
| Preschool | $450 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Parkersburg
What is the population of Parkersburg?
Parkersburg has a population of 1,747 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,205 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Parkersburg expensive to live in?
Parkersburg is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $73,482, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $200,000 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $695 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 Parkersburg safe?
Parkersburg is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 122 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,923 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Parkersburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Parkersburg?
Parkersburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Parkersburg?
Parkersburg has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,023. There are 424 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Parkersburg?
The median home value in Parkersburg is $200,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $234,460. For renters, the median monthly rent is $695. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,327.
How are the schools in Parkersburg?
Schools in Parkersburg score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.0% of adults in Parkersburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Parkersburg?
The obesity rate in Parkersburg is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 60.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,166.
What is transportation like in Parkersburg?
The average commute in Parkersburg is 27 minutes. 86.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Parkersburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Parkersburg is 94.2% White. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
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