Spencer, WV
Population 2,137 · West Virginia
About Spencer, WV
Spencer is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 2,137 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $25,897 per year, which is 66% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 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 Spencer features a median home value of $108,700, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Spencer one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $658, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,032 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (396 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (468 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Spencer shows an unemployment rate of 18.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 41.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Spencer have an average one-way commute time of 22.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.3% of Spencer 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, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Spencer, WV
Compared to national averages, Spencer has a median household income of $25,897 (66% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $108,700, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $658 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Spencer's income is 52% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 15% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Spencer, WV?
Spencer offers affordable housing with a median home value of $108,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $658/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($25,897) that falls below the national average. However, Spencer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Spencer has a population of 2,137 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Spencer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Spencer
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hooverson Heights | 2,156 | $58,681 | $140,700 | Compare |
| St. Marys | 2,178 | $59,315 | $129,400 | Compare |
| Shinnston | 2,198 | $63,750 | $135,500 | 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 |
| Terra Alta | 1,992 | $50,035 | $95,900 | Compare |
| Chester | 2,302 | $63,750 | $110,600 | 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 Spencer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Spencer
What is the population of Spencer, WV?
The population of Spencer, WV is 2,137 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 Spencer?
The median household income in Spencer, WV is $25,897 per year, which is 66% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Spencer?
The median home value in Spencer, WV is $108,700, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Spencer?
The median monthly rent in Spencer, WV is $658, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Spencer?
The unemployment rate in Spencer, WV is 18.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Spencer, WV a good place to live?
Spencer offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,137 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Spencer, WV?
7.3% of residents in Spencer 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 Spencer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Spencer, WV: median home value is $108,700 (56% below national), median rent is $658/month, and median household income is $25,897. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Spencer?
The poverty rate in Spencer, WV is 41.5%, 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 Spencer, WV?
Spencer's population is 0.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.