Madison, WV
Population 2,840 · West Virginia
About Madison, WV
Madison is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 2,840 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,073 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.4 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 Madison features a median home value of $127,200, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Madison one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,015, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,319 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (727 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (314 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Madison shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Madison have an average one-way commute time of 17.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Madison 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, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Madison, WV
Compared to national averages, Madison has a median household income of $57,073 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $127,200, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,015 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Madison's income is 6% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 1% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Madison, WV?
Madison offers affordable housing with a median home value of $127,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,015/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,073) that falls below the national average. However, Madison’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Madison has a population of 2,840 with a median age of 43.4 years. Compare Madison with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Madison
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | 2,864 | $59,659 | $165,000 | Compare |
| Follansbee | 2,790 | $52,974 | $137,100 | Compare |
| Milton | 2,773 | $54,135 | $123,500 | Compare |
| Philippi | 2,919 | $43,203 | $110,900 | Compare |
| Moorefield | 2,952 | $47,308 | $121,400 | Compare |
| Sissonville | 2,706 | $58,322 | $166,300 | Compare |
| Kenova | 2,977 | $53,438 | $98,700 | Compare |
| Williamstown | 2,977 | $75,577 | $164,100 | 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 Madison With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Madison
What is the population of Madison, WV?
The population of Madison, WV is 2,840 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 Madison?
The median household income in Madison, WV is $57,073 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Madison?
The median home value in Madison, WV is $127,200, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Madison?
The median monthly rent in Madison, WV is $1,015, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Madison?
The unemployment rate in Madison, WV is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Madison, WV a good place to live?
Madison offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,840 and a median age of 43.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Madison, WV?
21.5% of residents in Madison 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 Madison?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Madison, WV: median home value is $127,200 (48% below national), median rent is $1,015/month, and median household income is $57,073. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Madison?
The poverty rate in Madison, WV is 13.9%, 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 Madison, WV?
Madison's population is 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.