Marlinton, WV
Population 1,050 · West Virginia
About Marlinton, WV
Marlinton is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,050 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,386 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.9 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 Marlinton features a median home value of $90,500, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Marlinton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $703, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 556 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (263 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (136 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Marlinton shows an unemployment rate of 14.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Marlinton have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.2% of Marlinton 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, 1.5% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Marlinton, WV
Compared to national averages, Marlinton has a median household income of $42,386 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $90,500, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $703 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Marlinton's income is 22% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 29% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Marlinton, WV?
Marlinton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $90,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $703/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,386) that falls below the national average. However, Marlinton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Marlinton has a population of 1,050 with a median age of 47.9 years. Compare Marlinton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Marlinton
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenville | 1,049 | $46,875 | $95,000 | Compare |
| Carpendale | 1,053 | $59,679 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Poca | 1,056 | $83,750 | $178,500 | Compare |
| Despard | 1,038 | $33,929 | $82,100 | Compare |
| Bethany | 1,066 | $61,250 | $113,600 | Compare |
| Enterprise | 1,084 | $73,150 | $139,400 | Compare |
| Fort Ashby | 1,011 | $0 | $215,400 | Compare |
| Chapmanville | 1,005 | $35,655 | $216,700 | 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 Marlinton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Marlinton
What is the population of Marlinton, WV?
The population of Marlinton, WV is 1,050 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 Marlinton?
The median household income in Marlinton, WV is $42,386 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Marlinton?
The median home value in Marlinton, WV is $90,500, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Marlinton?
The median monthly rent in Marlinton, WV is $703, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Marlinton?
The unemployment rate in Marlinton, WV is 14.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Marlinton, WV a good place to live?
Marlinton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,050 and a median age of 47.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Marlinton, WV?
21.2% of residents in Marlinton 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 Marlinton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Marlinton, WV: median home value is $90,500 (63% below national), median rent is $703/month, and median household income is $42,386. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Marlinton?
The poverty rate in Marlinton, WV is 26.3%, 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 Marlinton, WV?
Marlinton's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.