Median Income
$42,417
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$54,300
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
373/100K
2% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.4%
90% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.8%
21% lower than US avg
How Parkersburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population233
Median Age42.2 yrs
Density281/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans10.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$42,417
Per Capita$27,889
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty9.8%
County GDP$834M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$54,300
Ownership94.4%
Zillow$149,643
Housing Units118
Rent Burden14.5%
Crime
F
Violent373/100K
Property3,063/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking14.7%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain48.8 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation484 ft (148 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.4%
High School+64.4%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score5.26
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute27 min
Broadband90.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Parkersburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Parkersburg receives an overall livability score of 2.7 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 below-average incomes. Parkersburg has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Parkersburg is $42,417, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. 9.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Parkersburg is $54,300, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Parkersburg is below the national average at 373 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,063 per 100,000, 56% above the national average.
Education
3.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 64.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Parkersburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.8 inches, including 10.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Parkersburg has a population of 233 with a density of 281 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 42.2 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.9% female and 54.1% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.2yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Parkersburg 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
Parkersburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Parkersburg is $42,417, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,889 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 392 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 3.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Parkersburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,417 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,889 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,653 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 392 |
| County GDP | $834M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,850 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.0% |
The median home value in Parkersburg is $54,300, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,643, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 118 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $4,850 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $54,300 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $149,643 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.6% |
| Housing Units | 118 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,850 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.93% |
In Parkersburg, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,755. The dentist ratio is 1:3,859. 64.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Parkersburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,755 |
| Dentists | 1:3,859 |
| Mental Health | 1:191 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,994/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Parkersburg has a violent crime rate of 373 per 100,000 residents, 2% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,063 per 100,000, 56% above 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 | 373.3/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,063.2/100K |
| 56% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Parkersburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 48.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 484 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.2°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 484 ft (148 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 281/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5891°N, 88.0568°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Richland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.8"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
66 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
21 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
22 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
71 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
22 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
78 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
145 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
22 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
46 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
149 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
22 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
20 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
89 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
101 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
30 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
24 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
23 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
89 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
87 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
84 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
482 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 49 fatalities, 672 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
52 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
35 km |
6 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
88 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1989 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Parkersburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 29°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.5").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Parkersburg
What is the population of Parkersburg?
Parkersburg has a population of 233 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 281 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.9% female and 54.1% male.
Is Parkersburg expensive to live in?
Parkersburg has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $42,417, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $54,300 (81% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Parkersburg safe?
Parkersburg is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 373 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,063 per 100,000 (above 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 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.8 inches, with 10.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Parkersburg?
The job market in Parkersburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 392 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 3.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Parkersburg?
The median home value in Parkersburg is $54,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,643. The homeownership rate is 94.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,850.
How are the schools in Parkersburg?
Schools in Parkersburg score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.4% of adults in Parkersburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 64.4% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Parkersburg?
The obesity rate in Parkersburg is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 64.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,755.
What is transportation like in Parkersburg?
The average commute in Parkersburg is 27 minutes. 89.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Parkersburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Parkersburg is 98.7% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 27.1% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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