Sylvester, WV
Population 192 · West Virginia
About Sylvester, WV
Sylvester is a small community located in West Virginia with a population of 192 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,156 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sylvester features a median home value of $79,000, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sylvester 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 101 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (55 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (10 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sylvester shows an unemployment rate of 15.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 1.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sylvester have an average one-way commute time of 42.9 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
23.9% of Sylvester 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 0.0% White, 0.0% 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 Sylvester, WV
Compared to national averages, Sylvester has a median household income of $70,156 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $79,000, which is 68% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Sylvester's income is 30% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 38% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Sylvester, WV?
Sylvester offers affordable housing with a median home value of $79,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a low poverty rate of 1.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,156) that falls below the national average. However, Sylvester’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sylvester has a population of 192 with a median age of 40.7 years. Compare Sylvester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in West Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sylvester
What is the population of Sylvester, WV?
The population of Sylvester, WV is 192 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 Sylvester?
The median household income in Sylvester, WV is $70,156 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sylvester?
The median home value in Sylvester, WV is $79,000, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sylvester?
The median monthly rent in Sylvester, WV is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sylvester?
The unemployment rate in Sylvester, WV is 15.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sylvester, WV a good place to live?
Sylvester offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 192 and a median age of 40.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sylvester, WV?
23.9% of residents in Sylvester 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 Sylvester?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sylvester, WV: median home value is $79,000 (68% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $70,156. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sylvester?
The poverty rate in Sylvester, WV is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sylvester, WV?
Sylvester's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.