Sophia, WV
Population 1,654 · West Virginia
About Sophia, WV
Sophia is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,654 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,498 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.6 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 Sophia features a median home value of $112,900, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sophia one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $782, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 788 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (456 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (259 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sophia shows an unemployment rate of 11.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sophia have an average one-way commute time of 27.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.2% of Sophia 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 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sophia, WV
Compared to national averages, Sophia has a median household income of $34,498 (54% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $112,900, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $782 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Sophia's income is 36% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 12% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Sophia, WV?
Sophia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $112,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $782/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,498) that falls below the national average. However, Sophia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sophia has a population of 1,654 with a median age of 45.6 years. Compare Sophia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Sophia
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eleanor | 1,655 | $74,211 | $236,400 | Compare |
| Montgomery | 1,635 | $26,797 | $117,300 | Compare |
| Mannington | 1,679 | $48,750 | $92,100 | Compare |
| Chesapeake | 1,615 | $60,526 | $83,100 | Compare |
| Romney | 1,714 | $39,118 | $150,000 | Compare |
| Craigsville | 1,584 | $28,718 | $95,300 | Compare |
| Prosperity | 1,575 | $82,637 | $115,700 | Compare |
| McMechen | 1,735 | $42,863 | $89,500 | 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 Sophia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sophia
What is the population of Sophia, WV?
The population of Sophia, WV is 1,654 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 Sophia?
The median household income in Sophia, WV is $34,498 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sophia?
The median home value in Sophia, WV is $112,900, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sophia?
The median monthly rent in Sophia, WV is $782, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sophia?
The unemployment rate in Sophia, WV is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sophia, WV a good place to live?
Sophia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,654 and a median age of 45.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Sophia, WV?
8.2% of residents in Sophia 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 Sophia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sophia, WV: median home value is $112,900 (54% below national), median rent is $782/month, and median household income is $34,498. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sophia?
The poverty rate in Sophia, WV is 25.6%, 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 Sophia, WV?
Sophia's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 4.2% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.