Matewan, WV
Population 521 · West Virginia
About Matewan, WV
Matewan is a small community located in West Virginia with a population of 521 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $15,378 per year, which is 80% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.6 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 Matewan features a median home value of $102,100, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Matewan one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $356, 69% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 349 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (126 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (139 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Matewan shows an unemployment rate of 28.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 44.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Matewan have an average one-way commute time of 15 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
5.3% of Matewan 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 4.2% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Matewan Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Matewan, WV
Compared to national averages, Matewan has a median household income of $15,378 (80% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $102,100, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $356 is 69% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Matewan's income is 72% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 20% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Matewan, WV?
Matewan offers affordable housing with a median home value of $102,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $356/month, and short commute times averaging just 15 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($15,378) that falls below the national average. However, Matewan’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Matewan has a population of 521 with a median age of 52.6 years. Compare Matewan with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Matewan
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Carbon | 519 | $0 | $275,000 | Compare |
| Powellton | 518 | $0 | $68,300 | Compare |
| Hartford City | 529 | $54,063 | $66,300 | Compare |
| West Milford | 529 | $69,000 | $130,500 | Compare |
| Windsor Heights | 511 | $47,708 | $58,300 | Compare |
| Tioga | 509 | $83,486 | $0 | Compare |
| Clearview | 505 | $73,750 | $214,700 | Compare |
| Meadow Bridge | 504 | $40,089 | $108,000 | 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 Matewan With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Matewan
What is the population of Matewan, WV?
The population of Matewan, WV is 521 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Matewan?
The median household income in Matewan, WV is $15,378 per year, which is 80% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Matewan?
The median home value in Matewan, WV is $102,100, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Matewan?
The median monthly rent in Matewan, WV is $356, which is 69% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Matewan?
The unemployment rate in Matewan, WV is 28.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Matewan, WV a good place to live?
Matewan offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 521 and a median age of 52.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Matewan, WV?
5.3% of residents in Matewan 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 Matewan?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Matewan, WV: median home value is $102,100 (58% below national), median rent is $356/month, and median household income is $15,378. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Matewan?
The poverty rate in Matewan, WV is 44.1%, 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 Matewan, WV?
Matewan's population is 4.2% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 11.5% two or more races. 4.2% of residents are foreign-born.