Oceana, WV
Population 1,421 · West Virginia
About Oceana, WV
Oceana is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,421 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,548 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Oceana features a median home value of $60,800, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Oceana one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $932, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 732 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (323 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (283 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oceana shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 27.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oceana have an average one-way commute time of 22.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.9% of Oceana 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, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Oceana Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Oceana, WV
Compared to national averages, Oceana has a median household income of $47,548 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $60,800, which is 75% below the national median. Monthly rent at $932 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Oceana's income is 12% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 53% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Oceana, WV?
Oceana offers affordable housing with a median home value of $60,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $932/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,548) that falls below the national average. However, Oceana’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oceana has a population of 1,421 with a median age of 41.5 years. Compare Oceana with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Oceana
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coal Fork | 1,414 | $64,053 | $101,900 | Compare |
| Bradley | 1,429 | $58,984 | $88,600 | Compare |
| Lubeck | 1,412 | $69,616 | $240,500 | Compare |
| Ceredo | 1,432 | $48,184 | $126,400 | Compare |
| Wayne | 1,433 | $31,797 | $74,200 | Compare |
| Harrisville | 1,408 | $45,988 | $115,000 | Compare |
| Mount Gay-Shamrock | 1,440 | $49,063 | $81,400 | Compare |
| Shepherdstown | 1,399 | $62,500 | $474,500 | 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 Oceana With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oceana
What is the population of Oceana, WV?
The population of Oceana, WV is 1,421 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 Oceana?
The median household income in Oceana, WV is $47,548 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oceana?
The median home value in Oceana, WV is $60,800, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oceana?
The median monthly rent in Oceana, WV is $932, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oceana?
The unemployment rate in Oceana, WV is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Oceana, WV a good place to live?
Oceana offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,421 and a median age of 41.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Oceana, WV?
5.9% of residents in Oceana 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 Oceana?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oceana, WV: median home value is $60,800 (75% below national), median rent is $932/month, and median household income is $47,548. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oceana?
The poverty rate in Oceana, WV is 27.1%, 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 Oceana, WV?
Oceana's population is 0.0% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.