Beckley, WV
Population 16,977 · West Virginia
About Beckley, WV
Beckley is a mid-sized city in West Virginia with a population of 16,977 residents. The median household income is $39,939 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Beckley is 39 years.
Housing in Beckley has a median home value of $148,800 and median monthly rent of $867. Of the 8,822 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 3,837 owner-occupied and 3,371 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Beckley is 2.7% and the poverty rate is 27.0%. 25.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.7 minutes.
How Beckley Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Beckley, WV
Compared to national averages, Beckley has a median household income of $39,939 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $148,800, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $867 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Beckley's income is 26% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 16% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Beckley, WV?
Beckley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $148,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $867/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,939) that falls below the national average. However, Beckley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Beckley has a population of 16,977 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Beckley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Beckley
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksburg | 15,829 | $46,859 | $114,600 | Compare |
| Fairmont | 18,303 | $60,791 | $159,100 | Compare |
| Weirton | 18,785 | $56,699 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Martinsburg | 18,805 | $54,590 | $231,900 | Compare |
| Teays Valley | 13,961 | $106,798 | $271,900 | Compare |
| South Charleston | 13,594 | $59,616 | $144,800 | Compare |
| St. Albans | 10,637 | $58,788 | $131,800 | Compare |
| Vienna | 10,575 | $65,211 | $155,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in West Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Beckley
What is the population of Beckley, WV?
The population of Beckley, WV is 16,977 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Beckley?
The median household income in Beckley, WV is $39,939 per year.
What is the median home value in Beckley?
The median home value in Beckley, WV is $148,800.
What is the average rent in Beckley?
The median monthly rent in Beckley, WV is $867.
What is the unemployment rate in Beckley?
The unemployment rate in Beckley, WV is 2.7%.