Grafton, WV
Population 4,671 · West Virginia
About Grafton, WV
Grafton is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 4,671 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,872 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Grafton features a median home value of $72,700, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Grafton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $429, 63% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,326 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (1,454 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (447 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Grafton shows an unemployment rate of 9.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Grafton have an average one-way commute time of 21.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.3% of Grafton 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, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Grafton Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Grafton, WV
Compared to national averages, Grafton has a median household income of $38,872 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $72,700, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $429 is 63% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Grafton's income is 28% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 43% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Grafton, WV?
Grafton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $72,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $429/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,872) that falls below the national average. However, Grafton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Grafton has a population of 4,671 with a median age of 41 years. Compare Grafton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Grafton
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keyser | 4,870 | $47,991 | $141,400 | Compare |
| Barboursville | 4,394 | $59,531 | $212,000 | Compare |
| Buckhannon | 5,144 | $48,720 | $152,000 | Compare |
| New Martinsville | 5,175 | $51,226 | $112,600 | Compare |
| Point Pleasant | 4,009 | $40,837 | $113,900 | Compare |
| Westover | 4,007 | $58,333 | $179,500 | Compare |
| Pinch | 3,893 | $72,406 | $198,400 | Compare |
| Weston | 3,884 | $51,399 | $88,000 | 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 Grafton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Grafton
What is the population of Grafton, WV?
The population of Grafton, WV is 4,671 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 Grafton?
The median household income in Grafton, WV is $38,872 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Grafton?
The median home value in Grafton, WV is $72,700, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Grafton?
The median monthly rent in Grafton, WV is $429, which is 63% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Grafton?
The unemployment rate in Grafton, WV is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Grafton, WV a good place to live?
Grafton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,671 and a median age of 41, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Grafton, WV?
11.3% of residents in Grafton 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 Grafton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Grafton, WV: median home value is $72,700 (70% below national), median rent is $429/month, and median household income is $38,872. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Grafton?
The poverty rate in Grafton, WV is 25.6%, 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 Grafton, WV?
Grafton's population is 0.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.