Sprague, WV
Population 971 · West Virginia
About Sprague, WV
Sprague is a small community located in West Virginia with a population of 971 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,643 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.7 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 Sprague features a median home value of $108,900, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sprague one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 416 total housing units, 93% are owner-occupied (372 units) and 7% are renter-occupied (30 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sprague shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 26.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sprague have an average one-way commute time of 13.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
10.4% of Sprague 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, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sprague, WV
Compared to national averages, Sprague has a median household income of $59,643 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $108,900, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Sprague's income is 10% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 15% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Sprague, WV?
Sprague offers affordable housing with a median home value of $108,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 13.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,643) that falls below the national average. However, Sprague’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sprague has a population of 971 with a median age of 54.7 years. Compare Sprague with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Sprague
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Hills | 971 | $143,125 | $254,700 | Compare |
| Rupert | 977 | $31,875 | $98,100 | Compare |
| New Cumberland | 949 | $39,412 | $88,600 | Compare |
| Clendenin | 994 | $49,423 | $81,700 | Compare |
| Monongah | 944 | $54,412 | $86,400 | Compare |
| West Union | 940 | $69,911 | $108,300 | Compare |
| Chapmanville | 1,005 | $35,655 | $216,700 | Compare |
| Fort Ashby | 1,011 | $0 | $215,400 | 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 Sprague With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sprague
What is the population of Sprague, WV?
The population of Sprague, WV is 971 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 Sprague?
The median household income in Sprague, WV is $59,643 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sprague?
The median home value in Sprague, WV is $108,900, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sprague?
The median monthly rent in Sprague, WV is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sprague?
The unemployment rate in Sprague, WV is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sprague, WV a good place to live?
Sprague offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 971 and a median age of 54.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Sprague, WV?
10.4% of residents in Sprague 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 Sprague?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sprague, WV: median home value is $108,900 (56% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $59,643. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sprague?
The poverty rate in Sprague, WV is 26.8%, 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 Sprague, WV?
Sprague's population is 0.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 10.4% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.