Wellsburg, WV
Population 2,364 · West Virginia
About Wellsburg, WV
Wellsburg is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 2,364 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,948 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58 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 Wellsburg features a median home value of $97,200, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wellsburg one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $569, 51% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,268 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (907 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (193 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wellsburg shows an unemployment rate of 13.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wellsburg have an average one-way commute time of 18 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.1% of Wellsburg 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 2.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wellsburg Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Wellsburg, WV
Compared to national averages, Wellsburg has a median household income of $40,948 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $97,200, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $569 is 51% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Wellsburg's income is 24% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 24% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Wellsburg, WV?
Wellsburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $97,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $569/month, and short commute times averaging just 18 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,948) that falls below the national average. However, Wellsburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wellsburg has a population of 2,364 with a median age of 58 years. Compare Wellsburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Wellsburg
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falling Waters | 2,384 | $87,632 | $207,200 | Compare |
| Hinton | 2,413 | $42,852 | $92,400 | Compare |
| Chester | 2,302 | $63,750 | $110,600 | Compare |
| Bluewell | 2,281 | $35,599 | $137,800 | Compare |
| Stonewood | 2,273 | $44,967 | $149,400 | Compare |
| Mullens | 2,267 | $65,625 | $77,900 | Compare |
| Mineralwells | 2,489 | $68,940 | $156,400 | Compare |
| Paden City | 2,529 | $53,871 | $102,100 | 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 Wellsburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wellsburg
What is the population of Wellsburg, WV?
The population of Wellsburg, WV is 2,364 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 Wellsburg?
The median household income in Wellsburg, WV is $40,948 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wellsburg?
The median home value in Wellsburg, WV is $97,200, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wellsburg?
The median monthly rent in Wellsburg, WV is $569, which is 51% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wellsburg?
The unemployment rate in Wellsburg, WV is 13.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wellsburg, WV a good place to live?
Wellsburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,364 and a median age of 58, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wellsburg, WV?
17.1% of residents in Wellsburg 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 Wellsburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wellsburg, WV: median home value is $97,200 (60% below national), median rent is $569/month, and median household income is $40,948. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wellsburg?
The poverty rate in Wellsburg, WV is 17.3%, 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 Wellsburg, WV?
Wellsburg's population is 2.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.