Coal City, WV
Population 1,236 · West Virginia
About Coal City, WV
Coal City is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,236 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $23,750 per year, which is 68% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Coal City features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Coal City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $453, 61% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 821 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (407 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (159 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Coal City shows an unemployment rate of 13.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Coal City have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Coal City 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Coal City Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Coal City, WV
Compared to national averages, Coal City has a median household income of $23,750 (68% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $453 is 61% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Coal City's income is 56% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 100% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Coal City, WV?
Coal City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $453/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.7%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($23,750) that falls below the national average. However, Coal City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Coal City has a population of 1,236 with a median age of 57.2 years. Compare Coal City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Coal City
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Man | 1,234 | $57,778 | $153,300 | Compare |
| Pennsboro | 1,227 | $51,348 | $78,000 | Compare |
| Newell | 1,252 | $38,924 | $86,700 | Compare |
| Granville | 1,215 | $32,015 | $135,400 | Compare |
| Brush Fork | 1,213 | $51,364 | $59,200 | Compare |
| Ansted | 1,210 | $54,327 | $74,900 | Compare |
| Fairlea | 1,266 | $23,197 | $0 | Compare |
| MacArthur | 1,287 | $26,824 | $126,700 | 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 Coal City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Coal City
What is the population of Coal City, WV?
The population of Coal City, WV is 1,236 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 Coal City?
The median household income in Coal City, WV is $23,750 per year, which is 68% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Coal City?
The median home value in Coal City, WV is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Coal City?
The median monthly rent in Coal City, WV is $453, which is 61% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Coal City?
The unemployment rate in Coal City, WV is 13.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Coal City, WV a good place to live?
Coal City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,236 and a median age of 57.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Coal City, WV?
0.0% of residents in Coal City 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 Coal City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Coal City, WV: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $453/month, and median household income is $23,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Coal City?
The poverty rate in Coal City, WV is 11.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Coal City, WV?
Coal City's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.