Parkersburg, WV, US
Mid-Ohio Valley city with the Blennerhassett Island and a strong chemical industry.
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Parkersburg vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.5%
- Sales Tax: 6.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $45,000
- Unemployment: 4.0%
- Population: 30,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 175/year
- Summer High: 85°F
- Winter Low: 26°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: $160,000
- 1BR Rent: $850/mo
Cost of Living
Parkersburg's cost of living index is 84 (US average = 100).
| Category | Parkersburg | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 84 | 100 | -16.0% |
| Housing | 86 | 100 | -14.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $160,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $850/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,063/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $106 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Parkersburg:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $99 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $74 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $40 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $308 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Parkersburg scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Parkersburg has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 46°F | 26°F | 2.5" |
| April | 70°F | 41°F | 2.8" |
| July | 85°F | 60°F | 1.5" |
| October | 65°F | 44°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Parkersburg faces the following natural hazards:
Ohio River flooding.
Severe winter storms.
Appalachian region with landslides.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Tornado risk.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.5%
- Sales Tax: 6%
- Property Tax: ~0.59% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
State mandates 180 school days.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV, US?
The cost of living index in Parkersburg is 84, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Parkersburg?
The median home price in Parkersburg is $160,000. The housing index is 86.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Parkersburg is approximately $850/mo.
Does Parkersburg, WV have income tax?
Parkersburg is in WV, which has an income tax rate of 6.5%.
What is the climate like in Parkersburg?
Parkersburg enjoys approximately 175 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 85°F, while winter lows can drop to around 26°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.