| ZIP Code | 26206 |
|---|---|
| City | Cowen |
| State | West Virginia (WV) |
| County | Webster County |
| Area Code | 304/681 |
| Elevation | 2,534 ft |
| Latitude | 38.320088 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -80.413219 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 54101 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 42.9 yrs ↑ 9% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.99 |
| Below Poverty | 26.0% ▲ 160% above avg |
| College Grads | 12.2% ▼ 69% below avg |
| Unemployment | 9.8% ▲ 99% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 16 (1%) |
| HS Graduate | 778 (47%) |
| Some College | 362 (21.8%) |
| Associates | 299 (18%) |
| Bachelors | 34 (2.1%) |
| Graduate Degree | 168 (10.1%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $39,955 ▼ 48% below avg ↑ 36% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $74,600 ▼ 73% below avg ↑ 22% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.9x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $675/mo ↑ 41% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,211 |
| Vacant Units | 295 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.99 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,211 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 295 |
| Owner Occupied | 77.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 22.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.99 |
ZIP code 26206 is located in Cowen, West Virginia, within Webster County. With a population of 2,797, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 42.9 years. Economically, 26206 is a lower-income ZIP code: the median household income of $39,955 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 26206 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $74,600 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $675 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 77.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 22% since 2019.
The population of 26206 is primarily White (90.67%). Residents are less-educated — 12.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is well below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 26.0%. Household income has grown by 36% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 26206 stands at 9.8%, which is significantly above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 78%.
Overall, ZIP code 26206 in Cowen, WV is characterized as lower-income, less-educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 2,797 residents, a median household income of $39,955, and a median home value of $74,600, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of West Virginia.