Bolivar, WV
Population 1,317 · West Virginia
About Bolivar, WV
Bolivar is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,317 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $81,641 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bolivar features a median home value of $253,700, which is 4% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Bolivar in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,420, 22% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 629 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (329 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (232 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bolivar shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bolivar have an average one-way commute time of 35.3 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
40.6% of Bolivar 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 0.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bolivar Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Bolivar, WV
Compared to national averages, Bolivar has a median household income of $81,641 (9% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $253,700, which is 4% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,420 is 22% above the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Bolivar's income is 51% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 98% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Bolivar, WV?
Bolivar offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $81,641, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 40.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.4%, better than the national average.
Bolivar has a population of 1,317 with a median age of 39.5 years. Compare Bolivar with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Bolivar
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanaford | 1,327 | $46,944 | $154,700 | Compare |
| Rainelle | 1,334 | $36,875 | $73,500 | Compare |
| Shenandoah Junction | 1,339 | $109,048 | $193,900 | Compare |
| Sistersville | 1,340 | $46,875 | $95,800 | Compare |
| MacArthur | 1,287 | $26,824 | $126,700 | Compare |
| Barrackville | 1,362 | $81,250 | $156,400 | Compare |
| Fairlea | 1,266 | $23,197 | $0 | Compare |
| Mount Hope | 1,369 | $26,983 | $91,900 | 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 Bolivar With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bolivar
What is the population of Bolivar, WV?
The population of Bolivar, WV is 1,317 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 Bolivar?
The median household income in Bolivar, WV is $81,641 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bolivar?
The median home value in Bolivar, WV is $253,700, which is 4% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bolivar?
The median monthly rent in Bolivar, WV is $1,420, which is 22% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bolivar?
The unemployment rate in Bolivar, WV is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bolivar, WV a good place to live?
Bolivar offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,317 and a median age of 39.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bolivar, WV?
40.6% of residents in Bolivar 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 Bolivar?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bolivar, WV: median home value is $253,700 (4% above national), median rent is $1,420/month, and median household income is $81,641. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bolivar?
The poverty rate in Bolivar, WV is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bolivar, WV?
Bolivar's population is 0.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.