Bethany, WV
Population 1,066 · West Virginia
About Bethany, WV
Bethany is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,066 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,250 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bethany features a median home value of $113,600, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bethany one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $675, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 166 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (112 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (43 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bethany shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bethany have an average one-way commute time of 21.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
49.6% of Bethany residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.4% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 4.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bethany Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Bethany, WV
Compared to national averages, Bethany has a median household income of $61,250 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $113,600, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $675 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Bethany's income is 13% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 11% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Bethany, WV?
Bethany offers affordable housing with a median home value of $113,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $675/month, and a well-educated community where 49.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,250) that falls below the national average. However, Bethany’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bethany has a population of 1,066 with a median age of 21 years. Compare Bethany with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Bethany
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poca | 1,056 | $83,750 | $178,500 | Compare |
| Carpendale | 1,053 | $59,679 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Marlinton | 1,050 | $42,386 | $90,500 | Compare |
| Glenville | 1,049 | $46,875 | $95,000 | Compare |
| Enterprise | 1,084 | $73,150 | $139,400 | Compare |
| Despard | 1,038 | $33,929 | $82,100 | Compare |
| Tornado | 1,101 | $81,875 | $156,500 | Compare |
| Buffalo | 1,110 | $55,313 | $124,100 | 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 Bethany With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bethany
What is the population of Bethany, WV?
The population of Bethany, WV is 1,066 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Bethany?
The median household income in Bethany, WV is $61,250 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bethany?
The median home value in Bethany, WV is $113,600, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bethany?
The median monthly rent in Bethany, WV is $675, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bethany?
The unemployment rate in Bethany, WV is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bethany, WV a good place to live?
Bethany offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,066 and a median age of 21, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bethany, WV?
49.6% of residents in Bethany aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bethany?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bethany, WV: median home value is $113,600 (54% below national), median rent is $675/month, and median household income is $61,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bethany?
The poverty rate in Bethany, WV is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bethany, WV?
Bethany's population is 1.4% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 23.8% two or more races. 4.2% of residents are foreign-born.