Cowen, WV
Population 560 · West Virginia
About Cowen, WV
Cowen is a small community located in West Virginia with a population of 560 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $30,625 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cowen features a median home value of $57,300, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cowen one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $753, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 250 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (124 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (67 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cowen shows an unemployment rate of 46.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cowen have an average one-way commute time of 17.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.2% of Cowen 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, 5.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cowen Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Cowen, WV
Compared to national averages, Cowen has a median household income of $30,625 (59% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $57,300, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $753 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Cowen's income is 43% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 55% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Cowen, WV?
Cowen offers affordable housing with a median home value of $57,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $753/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($30,625) that falls below the national average. However, Cowen’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cowen has a population of 560 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Cowen with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
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Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in West Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cowen
What is the population of Cowen, WV?
The population of Cowen, WV is 560 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Cowen?
The median household income in Cowen, WV is $30,625 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cowen?
The median home value in Cowen, WV is $57,300, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cowen?
The median monthly rent in Cowen, WV is $753, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cowen?
The unemployment rate in Cowen, WV is 46.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cowen, WV a good place to live?
Cowen offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 560 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cowen, WV?
11.2% of residents in Cowen 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 Cowen?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cowen, WV: median home value is $57,300 (77% below national), median rent is $753/month, and median household income is $30,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cowen?
The poverty rate in Cowen, WV is 31.8%, 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 Cowen, WV?
Cowen's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 5.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.