Richwood, WV
Population 2,617 · West Virginia
About Richwood, WV
Richwood is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 2,617 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,614 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.5 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 Richwood features a median home value of $67,600, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Richwood one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $630, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,301 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (797 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (214 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Richwood shows an unemployment rate of 27.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 33.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Richwood have an average one-way commute time of 38.1 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
12.0% of Richwood 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 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Richwood Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Richwood, WV
Compared to national averages, Richwood has a median household income of $33,614 (55% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $67,600, which is 72% below the national median. Monthly rent at $630 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Richwood's income is 38% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 47% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Richwood, WV?
Richwood offers affordable housing with a median home value of $67,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $630/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,614) that falls below the national average. However, Richwood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Richwood has a population of 2,617 with a median age of 45.5 years. Compare Richwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Richwood
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inwood | 2,605 | $82,267 | $270,000 | Compare |
| White Sulphur Springs | 2,646 | $43,388 | $119,600 | Compare |
| Bethlehem | 2,568 | $87,500 | $203,000 | Compare |
| Winfield | 2,538 | $89,917 | $226,000 | Compare |
| Paden City | 2,529 | $53,871 | $102,100 | Compare |
| Sissonville | 2,706 | $58,322 | $166,300 | Compare |
| Mineralwells | 2,489 | $68,940 | $156,400 | Compare |
| Milton | 2,773 | $54,135 | $123,500 | 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 Richwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Richwood
What is the population of Richwood, WV?
The population of Richwood, WV is 2,617 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 Richwood?
The median household income in Richwood, WV is $33,614 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Richwood?
The median home value in Richwood, WV is $67,600, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Richwood?
The median monthly rent in Richwood, WV is $630, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Richwood?
The unemployment rate in Richwood, WV is 27.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Richwood, WV a good place to live?
Richwood offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,617 and a median age of 45.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Richwood, WV?
12.0% of residents in Richwood 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 Richwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Richwood, WV: median home value is $67,600 (72% below national), median rent is $630/month, and median household income is $33,614. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Richwood?
The poverty rate in Richwood, WV is 33.5%, 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 Richwood, WV?
Richwood's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.