| ZIP Code | 26161 |
|---|---|
| City | Petroleum |
| State | West Virginia (WV) |
| County | Ritchie County |
| Area Code | 304/681 |
| Elevation | 920 ft |
| Latitude | 39.159713 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.246033 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 54085 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 60.3 yrs ↑ 28% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.32 |
| Below Poverty | 23.1% ▲ 131% above avg |
| College Grads | 15.4% ▼ 60% below avg |
| Unemployment | 0.0% ▼ 100% below avg |
| HS Graduate | 222 (61.2%) |
| Associates | 85 (23.4%) |
| Bachelors | 8 (2.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 48 (13.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $50,568 ▼ 34% below avg ↓ 6% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $176,500 ▼ 37% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.5x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Total Units | 243 |
| Vacant Units | 32 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.32 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 243 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 32 |
| Owner Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter Occupied | 0.0% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.32 |
ZIP code 26161 is located in Petroleum, West Virginia, within Ritchie County. With a population of 490, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with an older community — the median age is 60.3 years. Economically, 26161 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $50,568 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 26161 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $176,500 is below the national average.
The population of 26161 is primarily White (100.00%). Residents are less-educated — 15.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is well below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 23.1%. Household income has declined by 6% since 2019.
As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 95%.
Overall, ZIP code 26161 in Petroleum, WV is characterized as working-class, less-educated, an older community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 490 residents, a median household income of $50,568, and a median home value of $176,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of West Virginia.