Keyser, WV
Population 4,870 · West Virginia
About Keyser, WV
Keyser is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 4,870 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,991 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Keyser features a median home value of $141,400, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Keyser one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $631, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,718 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (1,029 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (1,029 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Keyser shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Keyser have an average one-way commute time of 16.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.1% of Keyser 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 0.5% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Keyser Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Keyser, WV
Compared to national averages, Keyser has a median household income of $47,991 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $141,400, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $631 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Keyser's income is 11% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 10% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Keyser, WV?
Keyser offers affordable housing with a median home value of $141,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $631/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,991) that falls below the national average. However, Keyser’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Keyser has a population of 4,870 with a median age of 39.7 years. Compare Keyser with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Keyser
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grafton | 4,671 | $38,872 | $72,700 | Compare |
| Buckhannon | 5,144 | $48,720 | $152,000 | Compare |
| New Martinsville | 5,175 | $51,226 | $112,600 | Compare |
| Barboursville | 4,394 | $59,531 | $212,000 | Compare |
| Ranson corporation, West Virginia | 5,588 | $86,378 | $220,700 | Compare |
| Point Pleasant | 4,009 | $40,837 | $113,900 | Compare |
| Westover | 4,007 | $58,333 | $179,500 | Compare |
| Princeton | 5,780 | $44,428 | $115,800 | 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 Keyser With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Keyser
What is the population of Keyser, WV?
The population of Keyser, WV is 4,870 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 Keyser?
The median household income in Keyser, WV is $47,991 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Keyser?
The median home value in Keyser, WV is $141,400, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Keyser?
The median monthly rent in Keyser, WV is $631, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Keyser?
The unemployment rate in Keyser, WV is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Keyser, WV a good place to live?
Keyser offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,870 and a median age of 39.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Keyser, WV?
21.1% of residents in Keyser 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 Keyser?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Keyser, WV: median home value is $141,400 (42% below national), median rent is $631/month, and median household income is $47,991. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Keyser?
The poverty rate in Keyser, WV is 27.3%, 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 Keyser, WV?
Keyser's population is 0.5% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 4.2% two or more races. 0.1% of residents are foreign-born.