Median Income
$48,286
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$136,100
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
840/100K
121% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.7%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$622
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.9%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Petersburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,172
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density1,958/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$48,286
Per Capita$27,282
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$233M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$136,100
Rent$622
Ownership67.1%
Zillow$186,743
Housing Units1,246
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent840/100K
Property1,400/100K
Health
Obesity44.9%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking21.9%
Depression32.5%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain40.3 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation948 ft (289 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.7%
High School+90.9%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score5.26
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute14 min
Broadband83.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Petersburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Petersburg receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Petersburg offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Petersburg is $48,286, 36% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Petersburg is $136,100, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $622 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 840 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 1,400 per 100,000, 29% below the national average.
Education
23.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Petersburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 34°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 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Petersburg has a population of 3,172 with a density of 1,958 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Petersburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Petersburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Petersburg is $48,286, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,282 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $778, 46% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 228 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Petersburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,286 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,282 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $778 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,592 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 228 |
| County GDP | $233M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,850 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.2% |
The median home value in Petersburg is $136,100, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $186,743, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $622 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,246 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $1,850 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $136,100 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $186,743 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $622 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,246 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,850 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.36% |
In Petersburg, 44.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 38.4% have high blood pressure. 21.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.2% report binge drinking. 33.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 32.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,071. The dentist ratio is 1:859. 86.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Petersburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.9% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.4% |
| Asthma | 12.8% |
| COPD | 9.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.9% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.3% |
| Depression | 32.5% |
| Mental Distress | 23.9% |
| Physical Distress | 17.1% |
| Short Sleep | 46.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,071 |
| Dentists | 1:859 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,206 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Dental Visits | 55.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,533/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Petersburg has a violent crime rate of 840 per 100,000 residents, 121% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,400 per 100,000, 29% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Petersburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Petersburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 840.0/100K |
| 121% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,400.0/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Petersburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 34°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 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 948 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.7°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 948 ft (289 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,958/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.9957°N, 79.1277°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Pendleton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE) 47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.3"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 25.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M3.0 on Jan 17, 2016.
| Sep 22, 2001 |
5 km E of Pantops, Virginia |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
118 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
148 km |
| Aug 15, 2010 |
19 km ESE of Burnsville, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
114 km |
| Aug 21, 2010 |
19 km WNW of Helvetia, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
112 km |
| Jul 27, 1997 |
5 km SSE of Culpeper, Virginia |
M2.5 |
118 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
8 km S of Remington, Virginia |
M2.5 |
128 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Isabel (2003, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
284 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
113 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 4 fatalities, 73 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1976 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Sep 30, 1959 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1975 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PINNACLES (24,792 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
PINNACLES |
24,792 |
84 km |
| 2016 |
ROCKY MTN FIRE 2016 |
9,299 |
86 km |
| 2024 |
WATERFALL MOUNTAIN |
9,251 |
60 km |
| 2014 |
ARCHER KNOB RX |
6,093 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
5,893 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
46 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
5,345 |
62 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
5,149 |
62 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,687 |
59 km |
| 2002 |
FULTZ RUN |
4,638 |
73 km |
| 1999 |
SHOP RUN |
4,261 |
97 km |
| 1986 |
BIG RUN |
4,161 |
87 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,022 |
59 km |
| 2012 |
SHIPWRECK |
3,779 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,667 |
66 km |
| 2014 |
CUB RUN RX |
2,868 |
66 km |
| 2011 |
VALLEY |
2,514 |
54 km |
| 2024 |
RAMSHORN-GUINN RIDGES RX |
2,469 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,460 |
60 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
30 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Petersburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 33°F in February to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Petersburg. 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 | $775 |
| Toddler | $735 |
| Preschool | $580 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $676 |
| Toddler | $543 |
| Preschool | $543 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Petersburg
What is the population of Petersburg?
Petersburg has a population of 3,172 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,958 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Petersburg expensive to live in?
Petersburg 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 $48,286, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $136,100 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $622 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Petersburg safe?
Public safety is a concern in Petersburg, with a violent crime rate of 840 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 1,400 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Petersburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Petersburg?
Petersburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°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 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Petersburg?
Petersburg has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $778. There are 228 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 2.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Petersburg?
The median home value in Petersburg is $136,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $186,743. For renters, the median monthly rent is $622. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.1%. The average annual property tax is $1,850.
How are the schools in Petersburg?
Schools in Petersburg score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.7% of adults in Petersburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Petersburg?
The obesity rate in Petersburg is 44.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.9% of adults are smokers. 33.3% are physically inactive. 32.5% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 86.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,071.
What is transportation like in Petersburg?
The average commute in Petersburg is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Petersburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Petersburg is 94.2% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.