Martinsburg, WV
Population 18,805 · West Virginia
About Martinsburg, WV
Martinsburg is a mid-sized city located in West Virginia with a population of 18,805 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,590 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Martinsburg features a median home value of $231,900, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Martinsburg in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,090, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,384 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (3,864 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (3,830 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Martinsburg shows an unemployment rate of 8.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Martinsburg have an average one-way commute time of 26.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.1% of Martinsburg 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 5.6% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Martinsburg Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Martinsburg, WV
Compared to national averages, Martinsburg has a median household income of $54,590 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $231,900, which is 5% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,090 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Martinsburg's income is 1% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 81% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Martinsburg, WV?
Martinsburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $231,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,090/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,590) that falls below the national average. However, Martinsburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Martinsburg has a population of 18,805 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Martinsburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Martinsburg
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weirton | 18,785 | $56,699 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Fairmont | 18,303 | $60,791 | $159,100 | Compare |
| Beckley | 16,977 | $39,939 | $148,800 | Compare |
| Clarksburg | 15,829 | $46,859 | $114,600 | Compare |
| Teays Valley | 13,961 | $106,798 | $271,900 | Compare |
| South Charleston | 13,594 | $59,616 | $144,800 | Compare |
| Wheeling | 26,670 | $48,498 | $142,500 | Compare |
| St. Albans | 10,637 | $58,788 | $131,800 | 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 Martinsburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Martinsburg
What is the population of Martinsburg, WV?
The population of Martinsburg, WV is 18,805 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Martinsburg?
The median household income in Martinsburg, WV is $54,590 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Martinsburg?
The median home value in Martinsburg, WV is $231,900, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Martinsburg?
The median monthly rent in Martinsburg, WV is $1,090, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Martinsburg?
The unemployment rate in Martinsburg, WV is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Martinsburg, WV a good place to live?
Martinsburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,805 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Martinsburg, WV?
23.1% of residents in Martinsburg 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 Martinsburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Martinsburg, WV: median home value is $231,900 (5% below national), median rent is $1,090/month, and median household income is $54,590. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Martinsburg?
The poverty rate in Martinsburg, WV is 23.0%, 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 Martinsburg, WV?
Martinsburg's population is 5.6% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 13.5% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.