Cheat Lake, WV
Population 10,485 · West Virginia
About Cheat Lake, WV
Cheat Lake is a mid-sized city located in West Virginia with a population of 10,485 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $111,379 per year, which is 48% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cheat Lake features a median home value of $345,500, which is 41% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Cheat Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,113, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,555 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (3,413 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (844 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cheat Lake shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Cheat Lake have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
58.7% of Cheat Lake 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 1.1% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 4.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cheat Lake Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Cheat Lake, WV
Compared to national averages, Cheat Lake has a median household income of $111,379 (48% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $345,500, which is 41% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,113 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Cheat Lake's income is 106% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 169% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Cheat Lake, WV?
Cheat Lake offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $111,379, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,113/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 58.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Cheat Lake has a population of 10,485 with a median age of 41.5 years. Compare Cheat Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Cheat Lake
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna | 10,575 | $65,211 | $155,500 | Compare |
| St. Albans | 10,637 | $58,788 | $131,800 | Compare |
| Cross Lanes | 10,172 | $62,704 | $144,000 | Compare |
| Bluefield | 9,511 | $43,826 | $101,000 | Compare |
| Bridgeport | 9,292 | $99,936 | $276,700 | Compare |
| Oak Hill | 8,057 | $51,799 | $110,400 | Compare |
| Moundsville | 7,934 | $48,590 | $108,500 | Compare |
| South Charleston | 13,594 | $59,616 | $144,800 | 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 Cheat Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheat Lake
What is the population of Cheat Lake, WV?
The population of Cheat Lake, WV is 10,485 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 Cheat Lake?
The median household income in Cheat Lake, WV is $111,379 per year, which is 48% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cheat Lake?
The median home value in Cheat Lake, WV is $345,500, which is 41% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cheat Lake?
The median monthly rent in Cheat Lake, WV is $1,113, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cheat Lake?
The unemployment rate in Cheat Lake, WV is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cheat Lake, WV a good place to live?
Cheat Lake offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 10,485 and a median age of 41.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cheat Lake, WV?
58.7% of residents in Cheat Lake 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 Cheat Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cheat Lake, WV: median home value is $345,500 (41% above national), median rent is $1,113/month, and median household income is $111,379. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cheat Lake?
The poverty rate in Cheat Lake, WV is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Cheat Lake, WV?
Cheat Lake's population is 1.1% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 3.9% two or more races. 4.4% of residents are foreign-born.