West Dunbar, WV
Population 385 · West Virginia
About West Dunbar, WV
West Dunbar is a small community located in West Virginia with a population of 385 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,188 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West Dunbar features a median home value of $83,300, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes West Dunbar one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $905, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 373 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (130 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (131 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 West Dunbar shows an unemployment rate of 23.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Dunbar have an average one-way commute time of 15.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
6.9% of West Dunbar 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 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West Dunbar, WV
Compared to national averages, West Dunbar has a median household income of $37,188 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $83,300, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $905 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, West Dunbar's income is 31% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 35% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in West Dunbar, WV?
West Dunbar offers affordable housing with a median home value of $83,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $905/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,188) that falls below the national average. However, West Dunbar’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Dunbar has a population of 385 with a median age of 38.7 years. Compare West Dunbar with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
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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 West Dunbar
What is the population of West Dunbar, WV?
The population of West Dunbar, WV is 385 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 West Dunbar?
The median household income in West Dunbar, WV is $37,188 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Dunbar?
The median home value in West Dunbar, WV is $83,300, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in West Dunbar?
The median monthly rent in West Dunbar, WV is $905, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Dunbar?
The unemployment rate in West Dunbar, WV is 23.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Dunbar, WV a good place to live?
West Dunbar offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 385 and a median age of 38.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West Dunbar, WV?
6.9% of residents in West Dunbar 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 West Dunbar?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Dunbar, WV: median home value is $83,300 (66% below national), median rent is $905/month, and median household income is $37,188. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in West Dunbar?
The poverty rate in West Dunbar, WV is 22.1%, 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 West Dunbar, WV?
West Dunbar's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 55.8% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.