Institute, WV
Population 690 · West Virginia
About Institute, WV
Institute is a small community located in West Virginia with a population of 690 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,625 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23 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 Institute features a median home value of $93,000, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Institute one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $988, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 249 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (163 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (47 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Institute 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 7.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Institute have an average one-way commute time of 15 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
45.5% of Institute residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 5.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Institute Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Institute, WV
Compared to national averages, Institute has a median household income of $47,625 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $93,000, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $988 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Institute's income is 12% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 28% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Institute, WV?
Institute offers affordable housing with a median home value of $93,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $988/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 45.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,625) that falls below the national average. However, Institute’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Institute has a population of 690 with a median age of 23 years. Compare Institute with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Institute
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piney View | 692 | $44,886 | $135,900 | Compare |
| Hometown | 699 | $40,500 | $167,600 | Compare |
| Mill Creek | 699 | $47,457 | $112,500 | Compare |
| Rivesville | 701 | $61,678 | $132,400 | Compare |
| Crooked Creek | 675 | $40,104 | $0 | Compare |
| Beverly | 713 | $34,583 | $118,900 | Compare |
| Valley Bend | 713 | $93,352 | $253,500 | Compare |
| Kopperston | 717 | $22,500 | $45,800 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Institute
What is the population of Institute, WV?
The population of Institute, WV is 690 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 Institute?
The median household income in Institute, WV is $47,625 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Institute?
The median home value in Institute, WV is $93,000, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Institute?
The median monthly rent in Institute, WV is $988, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Institute?
The unemployment rate in Institute, 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 Institute, WV a good place to live?
Institute offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 690 and a median age of 23, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Institute, WV?
45.5% of residents in Institute 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 Institute?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Institute, WV: median home value is $93,000 (62% below national), median rent is $988/month, and median household income is $47,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Institute?
The poverty rate in Institute, WV is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Institute, WV?
Institute's population is 4.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 47.7% two or more races. 5.9% of residents are foreign-born.