Shinnston, WV
Population 2,198 · West Virginia
About Shinnston, WV
Shinnston is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 2,198 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,750 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.6 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 Shinnston features a median home value of $135,500, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Shinnston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $940, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,046 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (662 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (212 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shinnston shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shinnston have an average one-way commute time of 22.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.3% of Shinnston 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 1.9% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 3.6% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shinnston Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Shinnston, WV
Compared to national averages, Shinnston has a median household income of $63,750 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $135,500, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $940 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Shinnston's income is 18% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 6% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Shinnston, WV?
Shinnston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $135,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $940/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,750) that falls below the national average. However, Shinnston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shinnston has a population of 2,198 with a median age of 43.6 years. Compare Shinnston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Shinnston
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Marys | 2,178 | $59,315 | $129,400 | Compare |
| Hooverson Heights | 2,156 | $58,681 | $140,700 | Compare |
| Spencer | 2,137 | $25,897 | $108,700 | Compare |
| Mullens | 2,267 | $65,625 | $77,900 | Compare |
| Stonewood | 2,273 | $44,967 | $149,400 | Compare |
| Bluewell | 2,281 | $35,599 | $137,800 | Compare |
| Chester | 2,302 | $63,750 | $110,600 | Compare |
| Wellsburg | 2,364 | $40,948 | $97,200 | 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 Shinnston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shinnston
What is the population of Shinnston, WV?
The population of Shinnston, WV is 2,198 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 Shinnston?
The median household income in Shinnston, WV is $63,750 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shinnston?
The median home value in Shinnston, WV is $135,500, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shinnston?
The median monthly rent in Shinnston, WV is $940, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shinnston?
The unemployment rate in Shinnston, WV is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Shinnston, WV a good place to live?
Shinnston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,198 and a median age of 43.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shinnston, WV?
21.3% of residents in Shinnston 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 Shinnston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shinnston, WV: median home value is $135,500 (45% below national), median rent is $940/month, and median household income is $63,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shinnston?
The poverty rate in Shinnston, WV is 15.2%, 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 Shinnston, WV?
Shinnston's population is 1.9% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 3.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.