Coal Fork, WV
Population 1,414 · West Virginia
About Coal Fork, WV
Coal Fork is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,414 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,053 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.3 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 Fork features a median home value of $101,900, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Coal Fork one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,023, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 662 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (490 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (73 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Coal Fork shows an unemployment rate of 31.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Coal Fork have an average one-way commute time of 23.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.7% of Coal Fork 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 6.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Coal Fork, WV
Compared to national averages, Coal Fork has a median household income of $64,053 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,900, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,023 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Coal Fork's income is 19% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 21% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Coal Fork, WV?
Coal Fork offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,023/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.6%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,053) that falls below the national average. However, Coal Fork’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Coal Fork has a population of 1,414 with a median age of 49.3 years. Compare Coal Fork with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Coal Fork
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lubeck | 1,412 | $69,616 | $240,500 | Compare |
| Harrisville | 1,408 | $45,988 | $115,000 | Compare |
| Oceana | 1,421 | $47,548 | $60,800 | Compare |
| Bradley | 1,429 | $58,984 | $88,600 | Compare |
| Shepherdstown | 1,399 | $62,500 | $474,500 | Compare |
| Ceredo | 1,432 | $48,184 | $126,400 | Compare |
| Wayne | 1,433 | $31,797 | $74,200 | Compare |
| Mount Gay-Shamrock | 1,440 | $49,063 | $81,400 | 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 Fork With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Coal Fork
What is the population of Coal Fork, WV?
The population of Coal Fork, WV is 1,414 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 Fork?
The median household income in Coal Fork, WV is $64,053 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Coal Fork?
The median home value in Coal Fork, WV is $101,900, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Coal Fork?
The median monthly rent in Coal Fork, WV is $1,023, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Coal Fork?
The unemployment rate in Coal Fork, WV is 31.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Coal Fork, WV a good place to live?
Coal Fork offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,414 and a median age of 49.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Coal Fork, WV?
12.7% of residents in Coal Fork 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 Fork?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Coal Fork, WV: median home value is $101,900 (58% below national), median rent is $1,023/month, and median household income is $64,053. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Coal Fork?
The poverty rate in Coal Fork, WV is 8.6%, 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 Fork, WV?
Coal Fork's population is 6.8% White, 0.8% 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.