Smithers, WV
Population 891 · West Virginia
About Smithers, WV
Smithers is a small community located in West Virginia with a population of 891 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $32,237 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.5 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 Smithers features a median home value of $72,800, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Smithers one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $496, 57% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 436 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (225 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (149 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Smithers shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 35.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Smithers have an average one-way commute time of 15.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.6% of Smithers 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 1.5% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 11.3% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Smithers Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Smithers, WV
Compared to national averages, Smithers has a median household income of $32,237 (57% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $72,800, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $496 is 57% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Smithers's income is 40% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 43% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Smithers, WV?
Smithers offers affordable housing with a median home value of $72,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $496/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($32,237) that falls below the national average. However, Smithers’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Smithers has a population of 891 with a median age of 52.5 years. Compare Smithers with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Smithers
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlebourne | 895 | $62,083 | $117,100 | Compare |
| Triadelphia | 885 | $55,208 | $91,000 | Compare |
| Bath (Berkeley Springs) | 899 | $36,250 | $185,400 | Compare |
| Cassville | 900 | $117,643 | $231,800 | Compare |
| Piedmont | 872 | $44,792 | $44,500 | Compare |
| Addison (Webster Springs) | 913 | $32,708 | $98,600 | Compare |
| Rand | 915 | $36,964 | $84,900 | Compare |
| Mason | 863 | $47,112 | $91,900 | 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 Smithers With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Smithers
What is the population of Smithers, WV?
The population of Smithers, WV is 891 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 Smithers?
The median household income in Smithers, WV is $32,237 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Smithers?
The median home value in Smithers, WV is $72,800, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Smithers?
The median monthly rent in Smithers, WV is $496, which is 57% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Smithers?
The unemployment rate in Smithers, WV is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Smithers, WV a good place to live?
Smithers offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 891 and a median age of 52.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Smithers, WV?
23.6% of residents in Smithers 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 Smithers?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Smithers, WV: median home value is $72,800 (70% below national), median rent is $496/month, and median household income is $32,237. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Smithers?
The poverty rate in Smithers, WV is 35.9%, 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 Smithers, WV?
Smithers's population is 1.5% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 11.3% Asian, and 5.7% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.