Morgantown, WV
Population 30,273 · West Virginia
About Morgantown, WV
Morgantown is a mid-sized city located in West Virginia with a population of 30,273 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,245 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Morgantown features a median home value of $238,200, which is 3% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Morgantown in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $888, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,179 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (5,369 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (6,750 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 Morgantown shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 33.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Morgantown have an average one-way commute time of 17.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
58.1% of Morgantown residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.5% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 6.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Morgantown Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Morgantown, WV
Compared to national averages, Morgantown has a median household income of $42,245 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $238,200, which is 3% below the national median. Monthly rent at $888 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Morgantown's income is 22% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 86% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Morgantown, WV?
Morgantown offers affordable housing with a median home value of $238,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $888/month, and a well-educated community where 58.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,245) that falls below the national average. However, Morgantown’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Morgantown has a population of 30,273 with a median age of 24 years. Compare Morgantown with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Morgantown
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parkersburg | 29,461 | $44,675 | $113,900 | Compare |
| Wheeling | 26,670 | $48,498 | $142,500 | Compare |
| Martinsburg | 18,805 | $54,590 | $231,900 | Compare |
| 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 |
| Huntington | 46,189 | $43,146 | $118,800 | 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 Morgantown With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Morgantown
What is the population of Morgantown, WV?
The population of Morgantown, WV is 30,273 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 Morgantown?
The median household income in Morgantown, WV is $42,245 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Morgantown?
The median home value in Morgantown, WV is $238,200, which is 3% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Morgantown?
The median monthly rent in Morgantown, WV is $888, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Morgantown?
The unemployment rate in Morgantown, WV is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Morgantown, WV a good place to live?
Morgantown offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 30,273 and a median age of 24, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Morgantown, WV?
58.1% of residents in Morgantown aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Morgantown?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Morgantown, WV: median home value is $238,200 (3% below national), median rent is $888/month, and median household income is $42,245. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Morgantown?
The poverty rate in Morgantown, WV is 33.6%, 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 Morgantown, WV?
Morgantown's population is 0.5% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 4.2% two or more races. 6.2% of residents are foreign-born.