| ZIP Code | 26374 |
|---|---|
| City | Independence |
| State | West Virginia (WV) |
| County | Preston County |
| Area Code | 304 |
| Elevation | 1,828 ft |
| Latitude | 39.452313 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -79.875295 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 54077 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 42.6 yrs ↓ 7% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.62 |
| Below Poverty | 4.7% ▼ 53% below avg |
| College Grads | 27.6% ▼ 29% below avg |
| Unemployment | 0.0% ▼ 100% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 11 (1%) |
| HS Graduate | 637 (56.8%) |
| Some College | 57 (5.1%) |
| Associates | 107 (9.5%) |
| Bachelors | 57 (5.1%) |
| Graduate Degree | 252 (22.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $52,049 ▼ 32% below avg ↓ 9% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $142,600 ▼ 49% below avg ↑ 19% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Total Units | 735 |
| Vacant Units | 27 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.62 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 735 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 27 |
| Owner Occupied | 96.9% |
| Renter Occupied | 3.1% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.62 |
ZIP code 26374 is located in Independence, West Virginia, within Preston County. With a population of 1,858, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 42.6 years. Economically, 26374 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $52,049 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 26374 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $142,600 is below the national average. Homeownership is strong here — 96.9% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 19% since 2019.
The population of 26374 is primarily White (93.54%). Residents are moderately educated — 27.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 4.7%. Household income has declined by 9% since 2019.
As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 82%.
Overall, ZIP code 26374 in Independence, WV is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 1,858 residents, a median household income of $52,049, and a median home value of $142,600, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of West Virginia.