Beckley city, West Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Beckley city, West Virginia has a total population of 16,977, the 9th largest city in West Virginia, with a median household income of $39,939, which is 31% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 27.0%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 31% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (27.0%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Beckley city Quick Facts
How Beckley city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 18 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Beckley city Rankings in West Virginia
Explore West Virginia Rankings
Cities Similar to Beckley city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksburg city | 15,829 | $46,859 | $114,600 | 24.1% | 23.2% |
| Martinsburg city | 18,805 | $54,590 | $231,900 | 23.1% | 23.0% |
| Weirton city | 18,785 | $56,699 | $122,800 | 22.8% | 14.3% |
| Fairmont city | 18,303 | $60,791 | $159,100 | 31.1% | 17.0% |
| South Charleston city | 13,594 | $59,616 | $144,800 | 35.3% | 21.0% |
Population Overview
Beckley city is a small city located in West Virginia. The total population is 16,977. It ranks as the 9th most populous out of 430 cities and towns in West Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Beckley city is 39.0 years. This is 9% lower than the state median of 42.7 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Beckley city is $39,939. This is 31% lower than the state median of $57,917. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 49% lower. The poverty rate stands at 27.0%. This is 62% higher than the state poverty rate of 16.6%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 2.7%. This is 53% lower than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $148,800. Housing costs are 4% lower than the state median of $155,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 53.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 28% lower than the state average of 74.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Beckley city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 71.4% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 15.0%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (15.0% vs 3.2%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (2.9% vs 0.8%).
Education
25.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 11% higher than the state rate of 23.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Beckley city, West Virginia is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against West Virginia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 430 Census-designated places in West Virginia. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Beckley city, West Virginia?
Beckley city, West Virginia has a population of 16,977 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Beckley city, WV?
The median household income in Beckley city is $39,939, which is 49% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Beckley city, WV?
The poverty rate in Beckley city is 27.0%. This means approximately 4,377 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Beckley city, West Virginia?
Beckley city's population is 71.4% White, 15.0% Black, 2.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Beckley city, WV?
The median home value in Beckley city is $148,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
How educated is Beckley city, West Virginia?
25.9% of adults (25+) in Beckley city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.