Nitro, WV
Population 6,941 · West Virginia
About Nitro, WV
Nitro is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 6,941 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,247 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 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 Nitro features a median home value of $120,400, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Nitro one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $916, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,499 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (1,984 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (836 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Nitro shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 21.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Nitro have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.2% of Nitro 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, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Nitro Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Nitro, WV
Compared to national averages, Nitro has a median household income of $52,247 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $120,400, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $916 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Nitro's income is 3% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 6% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Nitro, WV?
Nitro offers affordable housing with a median home value of $120,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $916/month, and short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,247) that falls below the national average. However, Nitro’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Nitro has a population of 6,941 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare Nitro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Nitro
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 6,891 | $67,083 | $190,400 | Compare |
| Elkins | 6,875 | $47,746 | $130,500 | Compare |
| Charles Town | 6,854 | $94,830 | $359,500 | Compare |
| Pea Ridge | 7,188 | $67,708 | $186,900 | Compare |
| Dunbar | 7,340 | $54,647 | $121,100 | Compare |
| Brookhaven | 6,465 | $84,962 | $254,500 | Compare |
| Moundsville | 7,934 | $48,590 | $108,500 | Compare |
| Oak Hill | 8,057 | $51,799 | $110,400 | 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 Nitro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Nitro
What is the population of Nitro, WV?
The population of Nitro, WV is 6,941 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 Nitro?
The median household income in Nitro, WV is $52,247 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Nitro?
The median home value in Nitro, WV is $120,400, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Nitro?
The median monthly rent in Nitro, WV is $916, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Nitro?
The unemployment rate in Nitro, WV is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Nitro, WV a good place to live?
Nitro offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,941 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Nitro, WV?
15.2% of residents in Nitro 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 Nitro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Nitro, WV: median home value is $120,400 (51% below national), median rent is $916/month, and median household income is $52,247. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Nitro?
The poverty rate in Nitro, WV is 21.6%, 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 Nitro, WV?
Nitro's population is 0.0% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.