Median Income
$37,188
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$83,300
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.9%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$905
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.1%
44% higher than US avg
Unemployment
23.1%
542% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How West Dunbar Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population385
Median Age38.7 yrs
Density1,674/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 38%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$37,188
Per Capita$23,939
Unemployment23.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,832M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$83,300
Rent$905
Ownership49.8%
Zillow$121,237
Housing Units394
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity46.1%
Uninsured4.7%
Smoking20.5%
Depression28.9%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain46.2 in/yr
Elevation605 ft (184 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+13.8%
School Score6.04
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute15 min
Broadband79.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is West Dunbar a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Dunbar receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. West Dunbar offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Dunbar is $37,188, 51% below the national average of $75,149. At 23.1%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Dunbar is $83,300, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $905 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
6.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
West Dunbar enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.2 inches, including 31.5 inches of snow.
West Dunbar has a population of 385 with a density of 1,674 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 38.7 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.4% female and 42.6% male. The city is predominantly Black (55.8%), with 37.9% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
385
Total Population
2023 Census
38.7yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Dunbar 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
West Dunbar vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Dunbar is $37,188, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,939 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,238, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 23.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,894 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Dunbar vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,188 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,939 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,238 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,515 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 23.1% |
| 542% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,894 |
| County GDP | $3,832M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 137 |
| Retail | 171 |
| Manufacturing | 45 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,677 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 98.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in West Dunbar is $83,300, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $121,237, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $905 (22% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 49.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 394 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $2,677 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $83,300 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $121,237 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $905 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 49.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 49.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.2% |
| Housing Units | 394 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,677 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.21% |
In West Dunbar, 46.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 46.0% have high blood pressure. 20.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.2% report binge drinking. 34.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.8% experience frequent mental distress. 4.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:954. The dentist ratio is 1:2,376. 67.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Dunbar vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 46.0% |
| Asthma | 13.2% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.5% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.6% |
| Depression | 28.9% |
| Mental Distress | 23.8% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 47.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 4.7% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:954 |
| Dentists | 1:2,376 |
| Mental Health | 1:919 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.7% |
| Dental Visits | 52.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,065/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 137 |
West Dunbar enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 31.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 605 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 56.2°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 605 ft (184 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,674/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3721°N, 81.7558°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Putnam County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.2"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.38"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
49 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.8 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
126 km |
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
114 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
94 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
40 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
78 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
65 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
90 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
96 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 9 fatalities, 179 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
98 km |
7 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2003 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2000 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1967 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
5 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 |
61 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
52 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
75 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
27 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
58 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
88 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
51 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
74 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
34 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
69 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
68 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
95 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
58 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
75 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
46 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
5.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
3.6 in |
|
West Dunbar has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 35°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.4") and October the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in West Dunbar. 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 | $707 |
| Toddler | $673 |
| Preschool | $706 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $657 |
| Toddler | $731 |
| Preschool | $780 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About West Dunbar
What is the population of West Dunbar?
West Dunbar has a population of 385 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,674 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.7 years. The population is 57.4% female and 42.6% male.
Is West Dunbar expensive to live in?
West Dunbar 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 $37,188, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $83,300 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $905 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in West Dunbar?
West Dunbar enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 46.2 inches, with 31.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in West Dunbar?
The job market in West Dunbar faces challenges, with unemployment at 23.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,238. There are 1,894 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Dunbar?
The median home value in West Dunbar is $83,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $121,237. For renters, the median monthly rent is $905. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 49.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,677.
How are the schools in West Dunbar?
Schools in West Dunbar score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.9% of adults in West Dunbar hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 13.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Dunbar?
The obesity rate in West Dunbar is 46.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.5% of adults are smokers. 34.6% are physically inactive. 28.9% of residents report depression. 4.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:954.
What is transportation like in West Dunbar?
The average commute in West Dunbar is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 98.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Dunbar?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Dunbar is 37.9% White, 55.8% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.