Rowlesburg, WV
Population 640 · West Virginia
About Rowlesburg, WV
Rowlesburg is a small community located in West Virginia with a population of 640 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,813 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.5 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 Rowlesburg features a median home value of $87,300, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rowlesburg one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $673, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 324 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (210 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (60 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rowlesburg shows an unemployment rate of 19.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rowlesburg have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.7% of Rowlesburg 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 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rowlesburg, WV
Compared to national averages, Rowlesburg has a median household income of $52,813 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $87,300, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $673 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Rowlesburg's income is 2% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 32% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Rowlesburg, WV?
Rowlesburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $87,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $673/month, and short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,813) that falls below the national average. However, Rowlesburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rowlesburg has a population of 640 with a median age of 53.5 years. Compare Rowlesburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
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Other Cities in West Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rowlesburg
What is the population of Rowlesburg, WV?
The population of Rowlesburg, WV is 640 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 Rowlesburg?
The median household income in Rowlesburg, WV is $52,813 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rowlesburg?
The median home value in Rowlesburg, WV is $87,300, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rowlesburg?
The median monthly rent in Rowlesburg, WV is $673, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rowlesburg?
The unemployment rate in Rowlesburg, WV is 19.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rowlesburg, WV a good place to live?
Rowlesburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 640 and a median age of 53.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rowlesburg, WV?
11.7% of residents in Rowlesburg 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 Rowlesburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rowlesburg, WV: median home value is $87,300 (64% below national), median rent is $673/month, and median household income is $52,813. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rowlesburg?
The poverty rate in Rowlesburg, WV is 24.4%, 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 Rowlesburg, WV?
Rowlesburg's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% 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.