Median Income
$48,498
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$142,500
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
778/100K
105% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.4%
4% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$795
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.6%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.7%
10% higher than US avg
How Wheeling Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population26,670
Median Age44.8 yrs
Density1,961/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,498
Per Capita$35,997
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty13.7%
County GDP$5,057M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$142,500
Rent$795
Ownership59.6%
Zillow$142,594
Housing Units14,428
Rent Burden32.6%
Crime
F
Violent778/100K
Property2,528/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault678/100K
Burglary592/100K
Health
Obesity41.6%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking19.5%
Depression31.7%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain41.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation669 ft (204 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.4%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+11.4%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute21 min
Broadband81.9%
EV Stations5
Libraries1
Is Wheeling a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wheeling receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Wheeling offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wheeling is $48,498, 35% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wheeling is $142,500, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $795 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 778 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 2,528 per 100,000, 29% above the national average.
Education
32.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Wheeling experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Wheeling has a population of 26,670 with a density of 1,961 people per square mile, spread across 16.0 square miles. The median age is 44.8 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (89.4%), with 4.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.8yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
The median household income in Wheeling is $48,498, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,997. The average weekly wage is $1,074, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,794 business establishments, including 140 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,498 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,997 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,074 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,258 |
| Gini Index | 0.507 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.7% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,794 |
| County GDP | $5,057M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 140 |
| Healthcare | 229 |
| Retail | 186 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,676 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.1% |
| Public Transit | 2.4% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Wheeling is $142,500, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,594. Homes sell for 98.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $795 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 14,428 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $3,676. 32.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $142,500 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $142,594 |
| Median List Price | $215,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $215,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $46 |
| Homes Sold | 15 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.8% |
| Price Drops | 19.4% |
| Inventory | 62 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $795 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $822 |
| Rent Burden | 32.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.4% |
| Housing Units | 14,428 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,676 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.58% |
In Wheeling, 41.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 38.2% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:760. The dentist ratio is 1:901. 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
6.7
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
7.1
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
3.6
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.1
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
153.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Wheeling vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.6% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.2% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 31.7% |
| Mental Distress | 22.9% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
| Short Sleep | 43.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:760 |
| Dentists | 1:901 |
| Mental Health | 1:250 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 54.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,927/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 229 |
Wheeling has a violent crime rate of 778 per 100,000 residents, 105% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 677.7 per 100,000, robbery at 57.4, rape at 43.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,528 per 100,000, 29% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,796, burglary at 592, vehicle theft at 140 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wheeling receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wheeling vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 778.1/100K |
| 105% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 43.0/100K |
| Robbery | 57.4/100K |
| Assault | 677.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,527.8/100K |
| 29% above US avg |
| Burglary | 591.6/100K |
| Theft | 1,796.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 139.8/100K |
| Arson | 14.3/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 352 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wheeling experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 41.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 669 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.1°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 669 ft (204 m) |
| Area | 16.0 sq mi (41.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,961/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0738°N, 80.6960°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Ohio County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pittsburgh International (PIT) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.9"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0439 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
22 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
147 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
54 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
76 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
70 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
97 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
65 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
76 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
2 km S of Limaville, Ohio |
M2.9 |
106 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
90 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
98 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
74 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| May 17, 2010 |
2 km S of Boston Heights, Ohio |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
132 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
85 km |
| Aug 16, 2013 |
13 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Aug 21, 2010 |
19 km WNW of Helvetia, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
145 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
22 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
231 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 18 fatalities, 423 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
85 km |
9 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 1978 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
75 km |
2 |
| Jun 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2021 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2003 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1998 |
EF2 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1990 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Wheeling has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 30°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Wheeling. 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 | $635 |
| Toddler | $605 |
| Preschool | $636 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $591 |
| Toddler | $659 |
| Preschool | $704 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wheeling
What is the population of Wheeling?
Wheeling has a population of 26,670 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,961 people per square mile, spread across 16.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Wheeling expensive to live in?
Wheeling 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 $48,498, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $142,500 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $795 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wheeling safe?
Public safety is a concern in Wheeling, with a violent crime rate of 778 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 2,528 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wheeling receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wheeling?
Wheeling has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Wheeling?
Wheeling has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,074. There are 1,794 business establishments in the area, including 140 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wheeling?
The median home value in Wheeling is $142,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,594. For renters, the median monthly rent is $795. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,676.
How are the schools in Wheeling?
Schools in Wheeling score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.4% of adults in Wheeling hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 11.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wheeling?
The obesity rate in Wheeling is 41.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 31.7% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:760.
What is transportation like in Wheeling?
The average commute in Wheeling is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.1% of workers drive alone to work, 2.4% use public transit, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wheeling?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wheeling is 89.4% White, 4.4% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.