Dunbar, WV
Population 7,340 · West Virginia
About Dunbar, WV
Dunbar is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 7,340 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,647 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43 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 Dunbar features a median home value of $121,100, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Dunbar one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $904, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,096 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (2,087 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (1,508 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dunbar shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dunbar have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
30.8% of Dunbar residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.6% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Dunbar Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Dunbar, WV
Compared to national averages, Dunbar has a median household income of $54,647 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,100, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $904 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Dunbar's income is 1% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 6% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Dunbar, WV?
Dunbar offers affordable housing with a median home value of $121,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $904/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,647) that falls below the national average. However, Dunbar’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dunbar has a population of 7,340 with a median age of 43 years. Compare Dunbar with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Dunbar
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Ridge | 7,188 | $67,708 | $186,900 | Compare |
| Nitro | 6,941 | $52,247 | $120,400 | Compare |
| Hurricane | 6,891 | $67,083 | $190,400 | Compare |
| Elkins | 6,875 | $47,746 | $130,500 | Compare |
| Charles Town | 6,854 | $94,830 | $359,500 | Compare |
| Moundsville | 7,934 | $48,590 | $108,500 | Compare |
| Oak Hill | 8,057 | $51,799 | $110,400 | Compare |
| Brookhaven | 6,465 | $84,962 | $254,500 | 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 Dunbar With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dunbar
What is the population of Dunbar, WV?
The population of Dunbar, WV is 7,340 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 Dunbar?
The median household income in Dunbar, WV is $54,647 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dunbar?
The median home value in Dunbar, WV is $121,100, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dunbar?
The median monthly rent in Dunbar, WV is $904, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dunbar?
The unemployment rate in Dunbar, WV is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Dunbar, WV a good place to live?
Dunbar offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,340 and a median age of 43, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dunbar, WV?
30.8% of residents in Dunbar 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 Dunbar?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dunbar, WV: median home value is $121,100 (51% below national), median rent is $904/month, and median household income is $54,647. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dunbar?
The poverty rate in Dunbar, WV is 18.3%, 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 Dunbar, WV?
Dunbar's population is 1.6% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 12.2% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.