Shepherdstown, WV
Population 1,399 · West Virginia
About Shepherdstown, WV
Shepherdstown is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,399 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 21.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Shepherdstown features a median home value of $474,500, which is 94% above the national median of $244,900. This places Shepherdstown in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,152, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 350 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (188 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (110 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shepherdstown shows an unemployment rate of 13.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Shepherdstown have an average one-way commute time of 17.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
71.4% of Shepherdstown residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shepherdstown Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Shepherdstown, WV
Compared to national averages, Shepherdstown has a median household income of $62,500 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $474,500, which is 94% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,152 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Shepherdstown's income is 16% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 270% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Shepherdstown, WV?
Shepherdstown offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,152/month, and a well-educated community where 71.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.7%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,500) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $474,500. However, Shepherdstown’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shepherdstown has a population of 1,399 with a median age of 21.7 years. Compare Shepherdstown with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Shepherdstown
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisville | 1,408 | $45,988 | $115,000 | Compare |
| Lubeck | 1,412 | $69,616 | $240,500 | Compare |
| Coal Fork | 1,414 | $64,053 | $101,900 | Compare |
| Oceana | 1,421 | $47,548 | $60,800 | Compare |
| Boaz | 1,374 | $92,708 | $227,400 | Compare |
| Bradley | 1,429 | $58,984 | $88,600 | Compare |
| Mount Hope | 1,369 | $26,983 | $91,900 | Compare |
| Ceredo | 1,432 | $48,184 | $126,400 | 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 Shepherdstown With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shepherdstown
What is the population of Shepherdstown, WV?
The population of Shepherdstown, WV is 1,399 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 Shepherdstown?
The median household income in Shepherdstown, WV is $62,500 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shepherdstown?
The median home value in Shepherdstown, WV is $474,500, which is 94% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shepherdstown?
The median monthly rent in Shepherdstown, WV is $1,152, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shepherdstown?
The unemployment rate in Shepherdstown, WV is 13.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shepherdstown, WV a good place to live?
Shepherdstown offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,399 and a median age of 21.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Shepherdstown, WV?
71.4% of residents in Shepherdstown aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Shepherdstown?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shepherdstown, WV: median home value is $474,500 (94% above national), median rent is $1,152/month, and median household income is $62,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Shepherdstown?
The poverty rate in Shepherdstown, WV is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Shepherdstown, WV?
Shepherdstown's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 11.4% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.