City Profile
Clarksburg, West Virginia
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Clarksburg, West Virginia, situated in Harrison County, is a historic city founded in 1785 and named after American explorer George Rogers Clark. Known as the birthplace of legendary general Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, the city boasts a rich architectural heritage with Victorian-era downtown buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Clarksburg serves as a regional commercial and medical hub for North-Central West Virginia, blending its coal-mining and railroading heritage with modern healthcare and aerospace industries. People are drawn to the area for its small-town charm, community events like the annual West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, and affordable Appalachian lifestyle.
West Virginia, known as the "Mountain State," is characterized by its rugged Appalachian terrain, strong sense of community, and a lifestyle that embraces the outdoors. The state's economy, historically reliant on coal mining, has diversified to include energy, chemicals, manufacturing, advanced technologies, healthcare, and tourism. Living in West Virginia generally offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, particularly for housing, though groceries can be more expensive. The climate is mild, and residents enjoy a quieter, more grounded lifestyle with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.
How this 59/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 30% | 20.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 84.0 | 63.8 | 25% | 15.9 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $48,000 Income needed to live here: $42,000 Unemployment rate: 4.8% | 53.9 | 20% | 10.8 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 0.8% | 36.0 | 15% | 5.4 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 62 / 100 | 62.0 | 10% | 6.2 |
| Overall score | 58.7 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
17 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
Featured Events
Happening in Clarksburg
Featured and sponsored events in Clarksburg.
Local Directory
Businesses in Clarksburg
Featured local businesses in Clarksburg.
Performance
Quality Scores
Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Clarksburg is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious families and retirees. Housing expenses, including both purchasing and renting, remain well below typical U.S. benchmarks, allowing residents to secure more space for their money. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are also economical, though specialized goods and services align closer to broader state trends. Overall, the local economic climate provides strong purchasing power for those earning local or remote wages.
Income
Salary Insights
Clarksburg's local economy is anchored by healthcare, education, aerospace, and government services. Major regional employers include United Hospital Center and the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division located nearby in Clarksburg's Greater Harrison County area, which serves as a massive federal technology and employment anchor. While traditional manufacturing and mining have declined, growth sectors in technology support and aviation maintenance continue to expand. The remote work scene has also seen incremental adoption as professionals seek lower housing costs while maintaining urban remote employment.
The average salary in Clarksburg is $52,000 per year. You would need approximately $42,000 to live comfortably.
Employment
Top Industries
Weather
Climate
Mobility
Transport
Transportation in Clarksburg is heavily automobile-dependent, with most residents relying on personal vehicles to commute via U.S. Route 50 and Interstate 79. Public transit options are limited, though local senior and specialized transit services operate within the county. Walkability is concentrated primarily in the historic downtown commercial district, whereas suburban neighborhoods require a car for daily errands. The North Central West Virginia Airport, located just outside the city, provides regional commercial air connectivity.
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Drawbacks
Head to Head
Compare Clarksburg
Community Q&A
Questions about Clarksburg
What people ask about living in and moving to Clarksburg, West Virginia.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Free Quotes
Get quotes from local pros in Clarksburg
Tell us what you need and we’ll pass it to companies that serve your area. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.
Compare Clarksburg with any city
See how it stacks up on cost, income, and quality of life.
Start Comparing