City Profile
Oak Hill, West Virginia
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Oak Hill, West Virginia, is a city nestled in Fayette County, known for its rich Appalachian heritage and a strong sense of community. Historically, the area's economy was tied to coal mining, but it has since diversified, with healthcare and retail now playing significant roles. The city offers a sparse suburban feel, attracting many retirees and individuals seeking a quieter lifestyle with access to outdoor activities. Its location provides a gateway to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, making it appealing for nature enthusiasts and those who appreciate scenic beauty.
Oak Hill serves as the primary city within its micropolitan statistical area, contributing to the broader Beckley-Oak Hill Combined Statistical Area. The city is recognized for its affordability and a slower pace of life compared to larger metropolitan areas. While its population has seen a slight decline in recent years, the community maintains a conservative demographic and a focus on local amenities and outdoor recreation.
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 71/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 85 / 100 | 85.0 | 30% | 25.5 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 78.0 | 71.3 | 25% | 17.8 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $52,466 Income needed to live here: $45,000 Unemployment rate: 8.3% | 33.5 | 20% | 6.7 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 4.63% | 100.0 | 15% | 15.0 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 55 / 100 | 55.0 | 10% | 5.5 |
| Overall score | 70.5 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=99 ✓ perfect), last refreshed
8 August 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.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Oak Hill is generally more affordable than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking lower expenses. The median rent in Oak Hill was recorded at $897 in June 2026, which is considerably lower than the national average. Housing costs, in particular, are a significant driver of this affordability, with median home values and listing prices well below national figures.
While specific cost of living index data against the national average is not readily available, the lower median household income of $52,466 in 2024, compared to the national GDP per capita, suggests that local wages align with the reduced cost of goods and services. This balance allows residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the financial pressures often found in more expensive U.S. cities.
Income
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Oak Hill's economy is primarily driven by the Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Accommodation & Food Services sectors. In 2024, Health Care & Social Assistance employed 769 people, followed by Retail Trade with 571, and Accommodation & Food Services with 454. The city experienced a positive employment growth rate of 4.63% from 2023 to 2024, indicating a growing job market in these key areas.
Despite this growth, the unemployment rate in Oak Hill stood at 8.3% in March 2026, which is higher than the national average. The highest paying industries in 2024 included Manufacturing ($77,841), Information ($70,203), and Health Care & Social Assistance ($68,688). The job market is characterized by a significant portion of the workforce employed in professional or administrative positions, with a smaller percentage in hands-on or service-based roles.
The average salary in Oak Hill is $28,806 per year. You would need approximately $45,000 to live comfortably.
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Transportation in Oak Hill is largely car-dependent, reflecting its sparse suburban character. The city has a Walk Score of 0 out of 100, indicating that most errands require a car. Similarly, public transit options are very limited, with a Transit Score of 1 out of 10. This means residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting and activities.
The average commute time for workers in Oak Hill was 29 minutes in 2024, which is slightly higher than the national average. Approximately 89% of residents travel by personal vehicle, with a small percentage walking to work. Car ownership is common, with an average of two cars per household, aligning with the necessity of private transportation in the area.
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