Paw Paw, WV
Population 440 · West Virginia
About Paw Paw, WV
Paw Paw is a small community located in West Virginia with a population of 440 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,500 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.2 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 Paw Paw features a median home value of $83,900, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Paw Paw one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $989, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 177 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (103 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (47 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Paw Paw shows an unemployment rate of 16.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Paw Paw have an average one-way commute time of 41.3 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
5.2% of Paw Paw 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, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 7.0% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Paw Paw, WV
Compared to national averages, Paw Paw has a median household income of $62,500 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $83,900, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $989 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Paw Paw's income is 16% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 35% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Paw Paw, WV?
Paw Paw offers affordable housing with a median home value of $83,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $989/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,500) that falls below the national average. However, Paw Paw’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Paw Paw has a population of 440 with a median age of 47.2 years. Compare Paw Paw with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Paw Paw
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gatewood | 443 | $73,914 | $96,400 | Compare |
| Prichard | 434 | $90,795 | $94,000 | Compare |
| Valley Grove | 448 | $54,028 | $136,700 | Compare |
| Farmington | 431 | $76,094 | $68,500 | Compare |
| Racine | 451 | $73,724 | $112,700 | Compare |
| Charlton Heights | 428 | $94,286 | $98,200 | Compare |
| Dupont City | 455 | $39,286 | $133,600 | Compare |
| Newark | 424 | $45,556 | $86,700 | 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 Paw Paw With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Paw Paw
What is the population of Paw Paw, WV?
The population of Paw Paw, WV is 440 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 Paw Paw?
The median household income in Paw Paw, WV is $62,500 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Paw Paw?
The median home value in Paw Paw, WV is $83,900, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Paw Paw?
The median monthly rent in Paw Paw, WV is $989, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Paw Paw?
The unemployment rate in Paw Paw, WV is 16.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Paw Paw, WV a good place to live?
Paw Paw offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 440 and a median age of 47.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Paw Paw, WV?
5.2% of residents in Paw Paw 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 Paw Paw?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Paw Paw, WV: median home value is $83,900 (66% below national), median rent is $989/month, and median household income is $62,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Paw Paw?
The poverty rate in Paw Paw, WV is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Paw Paw, WV?
Paw Paw's population is 0.0% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 7.0% Asian, and 9.1% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.