Median Income
$46,875
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,800
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.0%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$713
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.2%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.2%
100% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.1%
10% lower than US avg
How Sistersville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,340
Median Age50.4 yrs
Density2,528/mi²
Male / Female44% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans10.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$46,875
Per Capita$24,719
Unemployment7.2%
Poverty11.1%
County GDP$1,454M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,800
Rent$713
Ownership75.6%
Zillow$122,242
Housing Units734
Rent Burden32.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property518/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary148/100K
Health
Obesity43.2%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking21.8%
Depression33.6%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain45.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation647 ft (197 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.0%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+7.0%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute30 min
Broadband79.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Sistersville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sistersville receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Sistersville offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sistersville is $46,875, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 11.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sistersville is $95,800, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sistersville 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 518 per 100,000, 74% below the national average.
Education
17.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Sistersville experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Sistersville has a population of 1,340 with a density of 2,528 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 56.5% female and 43.5% male. The city is predominantly White (84.7%), with 1.5% Hispanic, 4.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.4yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sistersville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sistersville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sistersville is $46,875, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,719 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,140, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 175 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sistersville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,875 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,719 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,140 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $104,597 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.2% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.1% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 175 |
| County GDP | $1,454M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,880 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 60.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Sistersville is $95,800, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,242, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $713 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 734 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $1,880 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,800 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $122,242 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $713 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.4% |
| Housing Units | 734 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,880 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.96% |
In Sistersville, 43.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 39.2% have high blood pressure. 21.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.6% report binge drinking. 32.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 33.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,078. The dentist ratio is 1:8,183. 68.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sistersville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.2% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.2% |
| Asthma | 12.8% |
| COPD | 9.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.8% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.9% |
| Depression | 33.6% |
| Mental Distress | 24.2% |
| Physical Distress | 17.0% |
| Short Sleep | 42.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,078 |
| Dentists | 1:8,183 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,960 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 56.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,212/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Sistersville has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 518 per 100,000, 74% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 370, burglary at 148, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sistersville receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Sistersville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 518.1/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| Burglary | 148.0/100K |
| Theft | 370.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Sistersville experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 73°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 45.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 647 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 647 ft (197 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,528/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5598°N, 80.9987°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Tyler County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mid-Ohio Valley Regional (PKB)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.0"
18% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively 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
34 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
47 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
41 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
59 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
56 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
149 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
24 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
58 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
59 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
39 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
102 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
29 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
75 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
131 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 103 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2021 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2003 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1998 |
EF2 |
42 km |
1 |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1990 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1986 |
EF2 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1981 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1978 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1973 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 37-38 (1,050 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 37-38 |
1,050 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 24 |
709 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Sistersville has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 29°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Sistersville. 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 | $789 |
| Toddler | $749 |
| Preschool | $767 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $690 |
| Toddler | $578 |
| Preschool | $578 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sistersville
What is the population of Sistersville?
Sistersville has a population of 1,340 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 2,528 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 56.5% female and 43.5% male.
Is Sistersville expensive to live in?
Sistersville 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 $46,875, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,800 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sistersville safe?
Sistersville 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 518 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sistersville receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sistersville?
Sistersville has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Sistersville?
The unemployment rate in Sistersville is 7.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,140. There are 175 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sistersville?
The median home value in Sistersville is $95,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,242. For renters, the median monthly rent is $713. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.6%. The average annual property tax is $1,880.
How are the schools in Sistersville?
Schools in Sistersville score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.0% of adults in Sistersville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 7.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sistersville?
The obesity rate in Sistersville is 43.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 32.9% are physically inactive. 33.6% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 68.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,078.
What is transportation like in Sistersville?
The average commute in Sistersville is 30 minutes. 60% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sistersville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sistersville is 84.7% White, 4.1% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 29.7% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
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