Shady Spring, WV
Population 3,455 · West Virginia
About Shady Spring, WV
Shady Spring is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 3,455 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,792 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.3 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 Shady Spring features a median home value of $192,000, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Shady Spring in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $923, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,432 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (1,117 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (114 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shady Spring shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shady Spring have an average one-way commute time of 27.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
25.5% of Shady Spring 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shady Spring Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Shady Spring, WV
Compared to national averages, Shady Spring has a median household income of $70,792 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $192,000, which is 22% below the national median. Monthly rent at $923 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Shady Spring's income is 31% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 50% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Shady Spring, WV?
Shady Spring offers affordable housing with a median home value of $192,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $923/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,792) that falls below the national average. However, Shady Spring’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shady Spring has a population of 3,455 with a median age of 42.3 years. Compare Shady Spring with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Shady Spring
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shannondale | 3,441 | $72,283 | $255,000 | Compare |
| Welch | 3,492 | $36,188 | $56,500 | Compare |
| Pleasant Valley | 3,494 | $58,456 | $208,500 | Compare |
| Summersville | 3,397 | $52,321 | $210,400 | Compare |
| Blennerhassett | 3,229 | $85,619 | $173,900 | Compare |
| Petersburg | 3,172 | $48,286 | $136,100 | Compare |
| Culloden | 3,158 | $89,519 | $199,700 | Compare |
| Ripley | 3,066 | $35,120 | $119,300 | 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 Shady Spring With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shady Spring
What is the population of Shady Spring, WV?
The population of Shady Spring, WV is 3,455 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 Shady Spring?
The median household income in Shady Spring, WV is $70,792 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shady Spring?
The median home value in Shady Spring, WV is $192,000, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shady Spring?
The median monthly rent in Shady Spring, WV is $923, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shady Spring?
The unemployment rate in Shady Spring, WV is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shady Spring, WV a good place to live?
Shady Spring offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,455 and a median age of 42.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shady Spring, WV?
25.5% of residents in Shady Spring 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 Shady Spring?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shady Spring, WV: median home value is $192,000 (22% below national), median rent is $923/month, and median household income is $70,792. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shady Spring?
The poverty rate in Shady Spring, WV is 16.5%, 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 Shady Spring, WV?
Shady Spring's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 6.4% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.