Petersburg, WV
Population 3,172 · West Virginia
About Petersburg, WV
Petersburg is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 3,172 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,286 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Petersburg features a median home value of $136,100, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Petersburg one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $622, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,285 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (754 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (370 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Petersburg shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Petersburg have an average one-way commute time of 14.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.7% of Petersburg residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.9% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Petersburg Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Petersburg, WV
Compared to national averages, Petersburg has a median household income of $48,286 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $136,100, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $622 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Petersburg's income is 11% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 6% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Petersburg, WV?
Petersburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $136,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $622/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,286) that falls below the national average. However, Petersburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Petersburg has a population of 3,172 with a median age of 39.8 years. Compare Petersburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Petersburg
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culloden | 3,158 | $89,519 | $199,700 | Compare |
| Blennerhassett | 3,229 | $85,619 | $173,900 | Compare |
| Ripley | 3,066 | $35,120 | $119,300 | Compare |
| Kingwood | 2,980 | $67,411 | $162,700 | Compare |
| Williamson | 2,979 | $24,119 | $93,300 | Compare |
| Kenova | 2,977 | $53,438 | $98,700 | Compare |
| Williamstown | 2,977 | $75,577 | $164,100 | Compare |
| Moorefield | 2,952 | $47,308 | $121,400 | 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 Petersburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Petersburg
What is the population of Petersburg, WV?
The population of Petersburg, WV is 3,172 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 Petersburg?
The median household income in Petersburg, WV is $48,286 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Petersburg?
The median home value in Petersburg, WV is $136,100, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Petersburg?
The median monthly rent in Petersburg, WV is $622, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Petersburg?
The unemployment rate in Petersburg, WV is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Petersburg, WV a good place to live?
Petersburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,172 and a median age of 39.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Petersburg, WV?
23.7% of residents in Petersburg 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 Petersburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Petersburg, WV: median home value is $136,100 (44% below national), median rent is $622/month, and median household income is $48,286. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Petersburg?
The poverty rate in Petersburg, WV is 16.3%, 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 Petersburg, WV?
Petersburg's population is 0.9% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 0.1% of residents are foreign-born.