Beckley, WV
Population 16,977 · West Virginia
About Beckley, WV
Beckley is a mid-sized city located in West Virginia with a population of 16,977 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,939 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Beckley features a median home value of $148,800, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Beckley in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $867, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,822 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (3,837 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (3,371 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Beckley shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 27.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Beckley have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.9% of Beckley residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.9% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 3.1% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Beckley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Beckley
What is the population of Beckley, WV?
The population of Beckley, WV is 16,977 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Beckley?
The median household income in Beckley, WV is $39,939 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Beckley?
The median home value in Beckley, WV is $148,800, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Beckley?
The median monthly rent in Beckley, WV is $867, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Beckley?
The unemployment rate in Beckley, WV is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Beckley, WV a good place to live?
Beckley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 16,977 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Beckley, WV?
25.9% of residents in Beckley aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Beckley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Beckley, WV: median home value is $148,800 (39% below national), median rent is $867/month, and median household income is $39,939. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Beckley?
The poverty rate in Beckley, WV is 27.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Beckley, WV?
Beckley's population is 0.9% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 15.0% two or more races. 3.1% of residents are foreign-born.