Elkins, WV
Population 6,875 · West Virginia
About Elkins, WV
Elkins is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 6,875 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,746 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elkins features a median home value of $130,500, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elkins one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $897, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,382 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (1,697 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (1,009 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elkins shows an unemployment rate of 8.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elkins have an average one-way commute time of 11.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
30.4% of Elkins 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 1.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Elkins Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Elkins, WV
Compared to national averages, Elkins has a median household income of $47,746 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $130,500, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $897 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Elkins's income is 12% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 2% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Elkins, WV?
Elkins offers affordable housing with a median home value of $130,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $897/month, and short commute times averaging just 11.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,746) that falls below the national average. However, Elkins’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elkins has a population of 6,875 with a median age of 36.1 years. Compare Elkins with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Elkins
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 6,891 | $67,083 | $190,400 | Compare |
| Charles Town | 6,854 | $94,830 | $359,500 | Compare |
| Nitro | 6,941 | $52,247 | $120,400 | Compare |
| Pea Ridge | 7,188 | $67,708 | $186,900 | Compare |
| Brookhaven | 6,465 | $84,962 | $254,500 | Compare |
| Dunbar | 7,340 | $54,647 | $121,100 | Compare |
| Moundsville | 7,934 | $48,590 | $108,500 | Compare |
| Princeton | 5,780 | $44,428 | $115,800 | 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 Elkins With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elkins
What is the population of Elkins, WV?
The population of Elkins, WV is 6,875 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 Elkins?
The median household income in Elkins, WV is $47,746 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elkins?
The median home value in Elkins, WV is $130,500, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elkins?
The median monthly rent in Elkins, WV is $897, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elkins?
The unemployment rate in Elkins, WV is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elkins, WV a good place to live?
Elkins offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,875 and a median age of 36.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elkins, WV?
30.4% of residents in Elkins 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 Elkins?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elkins, WV: median home value is $130,500 (47% below national), median rent is $897/month, and median household income is $47,746. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elkins?
The poverty rate in Elkins, WV is 16.8%, 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 Elkins, WV?
Elkins's population is 1.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.