Buckhannon, WV
Population 5,144 · West Virginia
About Buckhannon, WV
Buckhannon is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 5,144 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,720 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.6 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 Buckhannon features a median home value of $152,000, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Buckhannon in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $800, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,217 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (1,199 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (723 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Buckhannon shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Buckhannon have an average one-way commute time of 18.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Buckhannon residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Buckhannon Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Buckhannon, WV
Compared to national averages, Buckhannon has a median household income of $48,720 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,000, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $800 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Buckhannon's income is 10% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 18% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Buckhannon, WV?
Buckhannon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $800/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,720) that falls below the national average. However, Buckhannon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Buckhannon has a population of 5,144 with a median age of 32.6 years. Compare Buckhannon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Buckhannon
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Martinsville | 5,175 | $51,226 | $112,600 | Compare |
| Keyser | 4,870 | $47,991 | $141,400 | Compare |
| Ranson corporation, West Virginia | 5,588 | $86,378 | $220,700 | Compare |
| Grafton | 4,671 | $38,872 | $72,700 | Compare |
| Princeton | 5,780 | $44,428 | $115,800 | Compare |
| Barboursville | 4,394 | $59,531 | $212,000 | Compare |
| Point Pleasant | 4,009 | $40,837 | $113,900 | Compare |
| Westover | 4,007 | $58,333 | $179,500 | 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 Buckhannon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Buckhannon
What is the population of Buckhannon, WV?
The population of Buckhannon, WV is 5,144 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 Buckhannon?
The median household income in Buckhannon, WV is $48,720 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Buckhannon?
The median home value in Buckhannon, WV is $152,000, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Buckhannon?
The median monthly rent in Buckhannon, WV is $800, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Buckhannon?
The unemployment rate in Buckhannon, WV is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Buckhannon, WV a good place to live?
Buckhannon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,144 and a median age of 32.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Buckhannon, WV?
21.5% of residents in Buckhannon 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 Buckhannon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Buckhannon, WV: median home value is $152,000 (38% below national), median rent is $800/month, and median household income is $48,720. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Buckhannon?
The poverty rate in Buckhannon, WV is 24.6%, 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 Buckhannon, WV?
Buckhannon's population is 0.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 5.9% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.