Kenova, WV
Population 2,977 · West Virginia
About Kenova, WV
Kenova is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 2,977 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,438 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.9 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 Kenova features a median home value of $98,700, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Kenova one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $780, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,528 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (763 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (697 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kenova shows an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kenova have an average one-way commute time of 6.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.7% of Kenova 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, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kenova Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Kenova, WV
Compared to national averages, Kenova has a median household income of $53,438 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $98,700, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $780 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Kenova's income is 1% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 23% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Kenova, WV?
Kenova offers affordable housing with a median home value of $98,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $780/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 6.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,438) that falls below the national average. However, Kenova’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kenova has a population of 2,977 with a median age of 51.9 years. Compare Kenova with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Kenova
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williamstown | 2,977 | $75,577 | $164,100 | Compare |
| Williamson | 2,979 | $24,119 | $93,300 | Compare |
| Kingwood | 2,980 | $67,411 | $162,700 | Compare |
| Moorefield | 2,952 | $47,308 | $121,400 | Compare |
| Philippi | 2,919 | $43,203 | $110,900 | Compare |
| Ripley | 3,066 | $35,120 | $119,300 | Compare |
| Fayetteville | 2,864 | $59,659 | $165,000 | Compare |
| Madison | 2,840 | $57,073 | $127,200 | 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 Kenova With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kenova
What is the population of Kenova, WV?
The population of Kenova, WV is 2,977 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 Kenova?
The median household income in Kenova, WV is $53,438 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kenova?
The median home value in Kenova, WV is $98,700, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kenova?
The median monthly rent in Kenova, WV is $780, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kenova?
The unemployment rate in Kenova, WV is 1.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kenova, WV a good place to live?
Kenova offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,977 and a median age of 51.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Kenova, WV?
13.7% of residents in Kenova 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 Kenova?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kenova, WV: median home value is $98,700 (60% below national), median rent is $780/month, and median household income is $53,438. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kenova?
The poverty rate in Kenova, WV is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kenova, WV?
Kenova's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 4.3% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.