Huntington, WV
Population 46,189 · West Virginia
About Huntington, WV
Huntington is a mid-sized city located in West Virginia with a population of 46,189 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,146 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Huntington features a median home value of $118,800, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Huntington one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $863, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 24,153 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (10,298 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (9,329 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Huntington shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Huntington have an average one-way commute time of 18.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
34.5% of Huntington 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 0.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Huntington Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Huntington, WV
Compared to national averages, Huntington has a median household income of $43,146 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,800, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $863 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Huntington's income is 20% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 7% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Huntington, WV?
Huntington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $863/month, and a well-educated community where 34.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,146) that falls below the national average. However, Huntington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Huntington has a population of 46,189 with a median age of 34.9 years. Compare Huntington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Huntington
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 47,918 | $64,512 | $187,300 | Compare |
| Morgantown | 30,273 | $42,245 | $238,200 | Compare |
| Parkersburg | 29,461 | $44,675 | $113,900 | Compare |
| Wheeling | 26,670 | $48,498 | $142,500 | Compare |
| Martinsburg | 18,805 | $54,590 | $231,900 | Compare |
| Weirton | 18,785 | $56,699 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Fairmont | 18,303 | $60,791 | $159,100 | Compare |
| Beckley | 16,977 | $39,939 | $148,800 | 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 Huntington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Huntington
What is the population of Huntington, WV?
The population of Huntington, WV is 46,189 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Huntington?
The median household income in Huntington, WV is $43,146 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Huntington?
The median home value in Huntington, WV is $118,800, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Huntington?
The median monthly rent in Huntington, WV is $863, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Huntington?
The unemployment rate in Huntington, WV is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Huntington, WV a good place to live?
Huntington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 46,189 and a median age of 34.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Huntington, WV?
34.5% of residents in Huntington aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Huntington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Huntington, WV: median home value is $118,800 (51% below national), median rent is $863/month, and median household income is $43,146. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Huntington?
The poverty rate in Huntington, WV is 27.4%, 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 Huntington, WV?
Huntington's population is 0.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 6.2% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.