| ZIP Code | 26851 |
|---|---|
| City | Wardensville |
| State | West Virginia (WV) |
| County | Hardy County |
| Area Code | 304/681 |
| Elevation | 1,506 ft |
| Latitude | 39.047109 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -78.611022 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 54031 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 54.6 yrs ↑ 19% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 1.83 |
| Below Poverty | 22.4% ▲ 124% above avg |
| College Grads | 20.2% ▼ 48% below avg |
| Unemployment | 3.1% ▼ 37% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 8 (0.6%) |
| HS Graduate | 724 (55.3%) |
| Some College | 128 (9.8%) |
| Associates | 186 (14.2%) |
| Bachelors | 98 (7.5%) |
| Graduate Degree | 166 (12.7%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $50,179 ▼ 34% below avg ↓ 15% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $195,400 ▼ 30% below avg ↑ 30% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.9x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $846/mo ↑ 23% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,273 |
| Vacant Units | 406 |
| Avg HH Size | 1.83 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,273 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 406 |
| Owner Occupied | 85.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 14.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 1.83 |
ZIP code 26851 is located in Wardensville, West Virginia, within Hardy County. With a population of 1,612, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 54.6 years. Economically, 26851 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $50,179 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 26851 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $195,400 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $846 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 85.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 30% since 2019.
The population of 26851 is primarily White (88.03%). Residents are less-educated — 20.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 22.4%. Household income has declined by 15% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 26851 stands at 3.1%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 93%.
Overall, ZIP code 26851 in Wardensville, WV is characterized as working-class, less-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 1,612 residents, a median household income of $50,179, and a median home value of $195,400, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of West Virginia.