Question 1

Is 42261 a safe area?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 42261 in Morgantown has a crime score of 95/100 — a high score indicating that reported crime rates are below the city average, meaning this area has relatively fewer incidents per 1,000 residents than most comparable neighborhoods. Violent and property crime rates are well below the regional baseline. This score places 42261 among the safer ZIP codes in the Morgantown metro area.

Question 2

What are the best schools near 42261?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 42261 has a school score of 59/100, based on NCES EdFacts proficiency data. Schools in and near 42261 perform below state averages on math and reading assessments — proficiency rates trail both the Morgantown district median and the national baseline. For families prioritizing school quality, comparing individual school ratings in the Full School Report and reviewing each school's state report card before making location decisions is strongly recommended. Scores reflect SY 2020-21 EdFacts data.

Question 3

What is the average home price in 42261?

Accepted Answer

The typical home value in 42261 is approximately $247K, based on recent Zillow Research ZHVI data. ZHVI reflects the 35th–65th percentile price range, not a simple median. This places 42261 at a premium relative to the metro median, reflecting the neighborhood's above-average crime and school scores. Median rent in 42261 is available in the Full Market Report. Prices fluctuate with market conditions; Zillow data reflects trailing sale prices, not current listing prices.

Question 4

Is 42261 a good place to live?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 42261 has an overall NeighborScore of 70/100, placing it in the moderate range for Morgantown. The score combines crime rate (40% weight), school quality (35%), and relative property value (25%), each normalized to the metro area. At 70/100, 42261 scores similarly to the middle tier of Morgantown neighborhoods — neither among the strongest nor the weakest performers. Individual priorities (commute, school age, budget) should guide how much weight you give this composite vs. the component scores.

School	Grades	Students	Math ↓	Reading
Butler County Middle School	06–08	461	45%	59%
North Butler Elementary	PK–05	406	42%	47%
Butler County High School	09–12	662	32%	37%
Morgantown Elementary School	PK–05	610	27%	35%

— ZIP 42261

Nearby Neighborhoods

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