Parkersburg, WV
Population 29,461 · West Virginia
About Parkersburg, WV
Parkersburg is a mid-sized city located in West Virginia with a population of 29,461 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,675 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Parkersburg features a median home value of $113,900, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Parkersburg one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $746, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,234 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (8,439 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (4,835 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Parkersburg shows an unemployment rate of 8.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Parkersburg have an average one-way commute time of 17.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.5% of Parkersburg 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 0.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Parkersburg Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Parkersburg, WV
Compared to national averages, Parkersburg has a median household income of $44,675 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $113,900, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $746 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Parkersburg's income is 17% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 11% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Parkersburg, WV?
Parkersburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $113,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $746/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,675) that falls below the national average. However, Parkersburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Parkersburg has a population of 29,461 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Parkersburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Parkersburg
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgantown | 30,273 | $42,245 | $238,200 | 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 |
| Teays Valley | 13,961 | $106,798 | $271,900 | 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 Parkersburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Parkersburg
What is the population of Parkersburg, WV?
The population of Parkersburg, WV is 29,461 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 Parkersburg?
The median household income in Parkersburg, WV is $44,675 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Parkersburg?
The median home value in Parkersburg, WV is $113,900, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Parkersburg?
The median monthly rent in Parkersburg, WV is $746, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Parkersburg?
The unemployment rate in Parkersburg, WV is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Parkersburg, WV a good place to live?
Parkersburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 29,461 and a median age of 41.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Parkersburg, WV?
18.5% of residents in Parkersburg 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 Parkersburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Parkersburg, WV: median home value is $113,900 (53% below national), median rent is $746/month, and median household income is $44,675. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Parkersburg?
The poverty rate in Parkersburg, WV is 23.0%, 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 Parkersburg, WV?
Parkersburg's population is 0.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.