Wheeling, WV
Population 26,670 · West Virginia
About Wheeling, WV
Wheeling is a mid-sized city located in West Virginia with a population of 26,670 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,498 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.8 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 Wheeling features a median home value of $142,500, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wheeling one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $795, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,560 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (7,343 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (4,981 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wheeling shows an unemployment rate of 6.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wheeling have an average one-way commute time of 20.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
32.4% of Wheeling 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 0.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wheeling Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Wheeling, WV
Compared to national averages, Wheeling has a median household income of $48,498 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $142,500, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $795 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Wheeling's income is 10% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 11% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Wheeling, WV?
Wheeling offers affordable housing with a median home value of $142,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $795/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,498) that falls below the national average. However, Wheeling’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wheeling has a population of 26,670 with a median age of 44.8 years. Compare Wheeling with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Wheeling
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parkersburg | 29,461 | $44,675 | $113,900 | Compare |
| Morgantown | 30,273 | $42,245 | $238,200 | Compare |
| Martinsburg | 18,805 | $54,590 | $231,900 | Compare |
| Weirton | 18,785 | $56,699 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Fairmont | 18,303 | $60,791 | $159,100 | Compare |
| Beckley | 16,977 | $39,939 | $148,800 | Compare |
| Clarksburg | 15,829 | $46,859 | $114,600 | Compare |
| Teays Valley | 13,961 | $106,798 | $271,900 | 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 Wheeling With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wheeling
What is the population of Wheeling, WV?
The population of Wheeling, WV is 26,670 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Wheeling?
The median household income in Wheeling, WV is $48,498 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wheeling?
The median home value in Wheeling, WV is $142,500, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wheeling?
The median monthly rent in Wheeling, WV is $795, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wheeling?
The unemployment rate in Wheeling, WV is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wheeling, WV a good place to live?
Wheeling offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,670 and a median age of 44.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wheeling, WV?
32.4% of residents in Wheeling 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 Wheeling?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wheeling, WV: median home value is $142,500 (42% below national), median rent is $795/month, and median household income is $48,498. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wheeling?
The poverty rate in Wheeling, WV is 19.3%, 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 Wheeling, WV?
Wheeling's population is 0.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 4.4% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.