Fort Gay, WV
Population 459 · West Virginia
About Fort Gay, WV
Fort Gay is a small community located in West Virginia with a population of 459 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $27,679 per year, which is 63% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.1 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 Fort Gay features a median home value of $58,100, which is 76% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Gay one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $671, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 371 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (92 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (130 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Gay shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 35.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Gay have an average one-way commute time of 34.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.3% of Fort Gay 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 1.5% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fort Gay Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Fort Gay, WV
Compared to national averages, Fort Gay has a median household income of $27,679 (63% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $58,100, which is 76% below the national median. Monthly rent at $671 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Fort Gay's income is 49% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 55% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Fort Gay, WV?
Fort Gay offers affordable housing with a median home value of $58,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $671/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($27,679) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Gay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Gay has a population of 459 with a median age of 47.1 years. Compare Fort Gay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Fort Gay
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dupont City | 455 | $39,286 | $133,600 | Compare |
| Pineville | 463 | $42,037 | $85,000 | Compare |
| Delbarton | 466 | $39,167 | $94,200 | Compare |
| Gauley Bridge | 466 | $19,500 | $71,600 | Compare |
| Racine | 451 | $73,724 | $112,700 | Compare |
| Cedar Grove | 468 | $57,750 | $72,500 | Compare |
| Valley Grove | 448 | $54,028 | $136,700 | Compare |
| Bancroft | 472 | $75,938 | $114,100 | 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 Fort Gay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Gay
What is the population of Fort Gay, WV?
The population of Fort Gay, WV is 459 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 Fort Gay?
The median household income in Fort Gay, WV is $27,679 per year, which is 63% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Gay?
The median home value in Fort Gay, WV is $58,100, which is 76% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fort Gay?
The median monthly rent in Fort Gay, WV is $671, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Gay?
The unemployment rate in Fort Gay, WV is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fort Gay, WV a good place to live?
Fort Gay offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 459 and a median age of 47.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fort Gay, WV?
5.3% of residents in Fort Gay 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 Fort Gay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Gay, WV: median home value is $58,100 (76% below national), median rent is $671/month, and median household income is $27,679. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Gay?
The poverty rate in Fort Gay, WV is 35.7%, 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 Fort Gay, WV?
Fort Gay's population is 1.5% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.