Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 38.1 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.16 |
| Below Poverty | 28.1% ▲ 181% above avg |
| College Grads | 11.6% ▼ 70% below avg |
| Unemployment | 13.6% ▲ 178% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 134 (1.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 6,379 (57.3%) |
| Some College | 2,002 (18%) |
| Associates | 1,291 (11.6%) |
| Bachelors | 518 (4.7%) |
| Graduate Degree | 800 (7.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $30,662 ▼ 60% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $51,297 ▼ 82% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $732/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 9,604 |
| Vacant Units | 2,985 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
McDowell County is located in West Virginia and encompasses 36 ZIP codes spanning 36 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 18,761 residents. With a median age of 38.07, it is a middle-aged county.
McDowell County has a lower-income economic profile. The median household income of $30,662 is well below the national average. Unemployment stands at 13.6%, more than double the national average. The poverty rate of 28.1% is significantly above the national average, indicating economic challenges.
Housing in McDowell County is one of the more affordable housing markets in the country, with a median home value of $51,297 — well below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $731. Homeownership rates are high at 76.4%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of McDowell County are primarily White (87.08%). Educational attainment is less-educated — 11.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well below the national average.
McDowell County, WV is a lower-income area in West Virginia. The 36 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24808 | Anawalt | 645 | $40,000 | $29,400 | — | 1.0% | 17.6% |
| 24811 | Avondale | 310 | $61,895 | $164,300 | — | 0.0% | 31.6% |
| 24817 | Bradshaw | 1,825 | $26,295 | $50,100 | $538 | 33.6% | 5.4% |
| 24828 | Davy | 642 | $21,840 | $44,600 | — | 15.7% | 0.9% |
| 24830 | Elbert | 71 | $39,038 | — | — | 0.0% | 26.8% |
| 24831 | Elkhorn | 409 | $60,074 | $45,800 | — | 0.0% | 12.6% |
| 24836 | Gary | 662 | $42,361 | $58,900 | — | 5.5% | 14.0% |
| 24844 | Iaeger | 1,070 | $25,344 | $65,700 | — | 1.7% | 8.3% |
| 24848 | Jenkinjones | 101 | $24,444 | — | — | — | 0.0% |
| 24853 | Kimball | 442 | $14,722 | — | $605 | 18.2% | 1.9% |
| 24861 | Maybeury | 87 | $33,690 | — | — | 16.0% | 0.0% |
| 24862 | Mohawk | 602 | $30,520 | — | $666 | 10.8% | 2.7% |
| 24866 | Newhall | 639 | $39,263 | $17,300 | — | 0.0% | 5.1% |
| 24868 | Northfork | 1,070 | $22,060 | $39,200 | $685 | 19.2% | 21.7% |
| 24871 | Pageton | 592 | $57,688 | $39,200 | — | 38.0% | 8.8% |
| 24872 | Panther | 576 | $33,285 | — | — | 11.9% | 5.9% |
| 24888 | Thorpe | 111 | $34,408 | $61,900 | — | 0.0% | 9.6% |
| 24892 | War | 1,636 | $21,349 | $37,600 | $723 | 37.9% | 9.3% |
| 24894 | Warriormine | 260 | $21,964 | $29,400 | — | 15.2% | 0.9% |
| 24801 | Welch | 5,107 | $29,492 | $52,100 | $832 | 5.8% | 13.4% |