Living in Benwood, West Virginia
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Benwood · Census data 2020–2024
Benwood has 1,230 residents with a median age of 51.6. The median household income is $43,636 (27% lower than the West Virginia median), the median home value is $74,900, the median rent is $677/month.
Benwood is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Benwood at a glance
- Population
- 1,230
- Median age
- 51.6State: 42.7
- Median household income
- $43,636State: $59,608
- Median home value
- $74,900State: $162,600
- Median rent
- $677/moState: $872
- Homeowners
- 63.3%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 6.4%
- Average commute
- 21 min
Is Benwood a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 54% lower than the state median; an average commute of 21 minutes; unemployment of 3.1%.
Cons: Median household income 27% lower than the West Virginia median; a poverty rate of 29.3%.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in Benwood
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Benwood the median home value is $74,900, 77% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $677 per month, which is 27.1% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $937 a month in housing costs.
Benwood median household income
The median household income in Benwood is $43,636 and the income per person is $24,737. 29.3% of residents live below the poverty line (West Virginia: 16.7%).
Housing in Benwood: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 762
- Owner-occupied
- 63.3%
- Renter-occupied
- 36.7%
- Vacant
- 16%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1945
- Average household size
- 1.92
Benwood demographics
- Population
- 1,230
- Median age
- 51.6
- Under 18
- 11.6%
- 65 and older
- 26.7%
- Households
- 640
- Foreign-born
- 0.9%
- Veterans
- 12.6%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Benwood ›
Education in Benwood
6.4% of adults 25 and older in Benwood have a bachelor's degree or higher (West Virginia: 24.1%), and 0.9% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Benwood
- Unemployment rate
- 3.1%State: 5.4%
- Average commute
- 21 minState: 27 min
- Work from home
- 1.3%
- Drive alone
- 77.5%
- Public transit
- 0.6%
- Walk to work
- 5.6%
- Homes with broadband
- 85.5%
Benwood vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benwood | 1,230 | $43,636 | $74,900 | $677 |
| McMechen | 1,826 | $40,446 | $96,900 | $625 |
| Bellaire | 3,800 | $38,205 | $85,400 | $759 |
| Shadyside | 3,387 | $54,153 | $143,100 | $815 |
| Bethlehem | 2,592 | $83,409 | $200,000 | $1,339 |
| Glen Dale | 1,461 | $82,308 | $208,800 | $839 |
| Bridgeport | 1,453 | $54,125 | $94,200 | $689 |
| Brookside | 610 | $72,917 | $117,000 | $817 |
| Neffs | 921 | $31,250 | $84,500 | — |
More for people moving to Benwood
Benwood ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Benwood: FAQ
What is the median household income in Benwood, WV?
The median household income in Benwood is $43,636, 27% lower than the West Virginia median of $59,608 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Benwood?
The median home value in Benwood is $74,900, compared with $162,600 in West Virginia.
How much is rent in Benwood?
The median gross rent in Benwood is $677 per month, about 27.1% of household income.
Is Benwood, WV a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 54% lower than the state median; an average commute of 21 minutes; unemployment of 3.1%. Minuses: median household income 27% lower than the West Virginia median; a poverty rate of 29.3%.
What is the median age in Benwood?
The median age in Benwood is 51.6 years (West Virginia: 42.7).
How long is the commute in Benwood?
The average commute to work in Benwood is 21 minutes; 1.3% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Benwood?
The unemployment rate in Benwood is 3.1% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Benwood?
6.4% of adults in Benwood have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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