Performance
Score Breakdown
Beckley
Oak Hill
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Oak Hill is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
24% higher compared to Beckley.
| Metric | Beckley | Oak Hill | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $897 | +6% |
| Groceries | $450 | $350 | +29% |
| Utilities | $200 | $150 | +33% |
| Transport | $150 | $100 | +50% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $120 | +108% |
| Monthly Total | $2,000 | $1,617 | +24% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 78 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Beckley offers 9% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Beckley delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Beckley is estimated at
$45,000 vs $45,000 in Oak Hill.
| Metric | Beckley | Oak Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $31,431 | $28,806 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 36,978 idx | 36,931 idx |
| Household Income | $45,826 | $52,466 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Beckley | Oak Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Beckley has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Oak Hill.
Beckley scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Beckley leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Beckley | Oak Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 29 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 1.0/10 |
| Walkability | 15.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Beckley is the larger city
— approximately 2x the population of Oak Hill.
From a growth perspective, Beckley is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Beckley has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Beckley | Oak Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 16,196 | 7,937 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 42.3 | 41.4 |
| Unemployment | 2.70% | 8.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Beckley
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Beckley is significantly lower than the national average, including housing, utilities, and healthcare.
Housing is highly affordable, with a 2024 median property value of $158,000 and a positive home affordability ratio.
Commute times are notably shorter, with an average one-way commute of 16.5 minutes, well below the national average.
Beckley offers a strong sense of community and a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.
The city provides access to abundant outdoor recreational activities in the Appalachian Mountains, including rock climbing, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
Drawbacks
Amenities are limited, and nightlife and dining options are sparse, contributing to a lower livability score.
Job opportunities are limited, and many residents commute out of town for work, impacting employment scores.
The city is highly car-dependent with a low walkability score of 15, and public transportation is not readily available.
Concerns exist regarding rising drug use and its impact on community health and safety.
Utility costs can be high in rural West Virginia, potentially offsetting some of the overall affordability benefits.
Oak Hill
Advantages
The violent crime rate in Oak Hill is 44% below the national average, contributing to a sense of safety.
Housing is significantly more affordable than the national average, with a median home value of $118,700 in 2024.
The city offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, including white water rafting and hiking, due to its proximity to the New River Gorge.
Oak Hill experienced a positive employment growth rate of 4.63% from 2023 to 2024.
The median rent of $897 in June 2026 is considerably lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Oak Hill has a high unemployment rate of 8.3% as of March 2026, exceeding the national average.
The city is highly car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 0 and very limited public transit options.
The population is projected to decline by -1.42% annually, indicating a shrinking community.
Some reports suggest overall crime rates are 57% higher than the West Virginia average, despite low violent crime.
The average commute time of 29 minutes is slightly higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Beckley
#93West Virginia, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$31,431
Cost Index
85
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
15.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
56
Business
60
Oak Hill
#93West Virginia, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$897
Avg Salary
$28,806
Cost Index
78
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
1.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
8.30%
Livability
68
Business
55
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