Fairmont, WV
Population 18,303 · West Virginia
About Fairmont, WV
Fairmont is a mid-sized city in West Virginia with a population of 18,303 residents. The median household income is $60,791 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Fairmont is 34.5 years.
Housing in Fairmont has a median home value of $159,100 and median monthly rent of $902. Of the 8,952 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 4,808 owner-occupied and 3,011 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Fairmont is 7.0% and the poverty rate is 17.0%. 31.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.4 minutes.
How Fairmont Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Fairmont, WV
Compared to national averages, Fairmont has a median household income of $60,791 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $159,100, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $902 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Fairmont's income is 13% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 24% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Fairmont, WV?
Fairmont offers affordable housing with a median home value of $159,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $902/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,791) that falls below the national average. However, Fairmont’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fairmont has a population of 18,303 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare Fairmont with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Fairmont
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weirton | 18,785 | $56,699 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Martinsburg | 18,805 | $54,590 | $231,900 | Compare |
| Beckley | 16,977 | $39,939 | $148,800 | Compare |
| Clarksburg | 15,829 | $46,859 | $114,600 | Compare |
| Teays Valley | 13,961 | $106,798 | $271,900 | Compare |
| South Charleston | 13,594 | $59,616 | $144,800 | Compare |
| St. Albans | 10,637 | $58,788 | $131,800 | Compare |
| Vienna | 10,575 | $65,211 | $155,500 | 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 Fairmont With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fairmont
What is the population of Fairmont, WV?
The population of Fairmont, WV is 18,303 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Fairmont?
The median household income in Fairmont, WV is $60,791 per year.
What is the median home value in Fairmont?
The median home value in Fairmont, WV is $159,100.
What is the average rent in Fairmont?
The median monthly rent in Fairmont, WV is $902.
What is the unemployment rate in Fairmont?
The unemployment rate in Fairmont, WV is 7.0%.