Northfork, WV
Population 271 · West Virginia
About Northfork, WV
Northfork is a small community located in West Virginia with a population of 271 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,143 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.2 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 Northfork features a median home value of $35,800, which is 85% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Northfork one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 196 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (56 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (14 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Northfork shows an unemployment rate of 29.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 52.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Northfork have an average one-way commute time of 32.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
2.8% of Northfork 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, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Northfork Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Northfork, WV
Compared to national averages, Northfork has a median household income of $47,143 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $35,800, which is 85% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Northfork's income is 13% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 72% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Northfork, WV?
Northfork offers affordable housing with a median home value of $35,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,143) that falls below the national average. However, Northfork’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Northfork has a population of 271 with a median age of 43.2 years. Compare Northfork with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in West Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Northfork
What is the population of Northfork, WV?
The population of Northfork, WV is 271 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 Northfork?
The median household income in Northfork, WV is $47,143 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Northfork?
The median home value in Northfork, WV is $35,800, which is 85% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Northfork?
The median monthly rent in Northfork, WV is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Northfork?
The unemployment rate in Northfork, WV is 29.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Northfork, WV a good place to live?
Northfork offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 271 and a median age of 43.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Northfork, WV?
2.8% of residents in Northfork 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 Northfork?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Northfork, WV: median home value is $35,800 (85% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $47,143. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Northfork?
The poverty rate in Northfork, WV is 52.0%, 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 Northfork, WV?
Northfork's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 44.3% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.