Despard CDP, West Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Despard CDP, West Virginia has a total population of 1,038, the 148th largest city in West Virginia, with a median household income of $33,929, which is 41% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 26.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 41% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (26.1%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x.
- Unemployment rate of 25.8% is notably above the national average.
Despard CDP Quick Facts
How Despard CDP Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 18 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Despard CDP Rankings in West Virginia
Explore West Virginia Rankings
Cities Similar to Despard CDP
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Ashby CDP | 1,011 | N/A | $215,400 | 12.3% | 20.4% |
| Chapmanville town | 1,005 | $35,655 | $216,700 | 19.2% | 25.1% |
| Gilbert Creek CDP | 1,119 | N/A | $92,700 | 14.2% | 15.3% |
| Rupert town | 977 | $31,875 | $98,100 | 5.9% | 49.1% |
| Marlinton town | 1,050 | $42,386 | $90,500 | 21.2% | 26.4% |
Population Overview
Despard CDP is a small community located in West Virginia. The total population is 1,038. It ranks as the 148th most populous out of 430 cities and towns in West Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Despard CDP is 33.4 years. This is 22% lower than the state median of 42.7 years. 10.2% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Despard CDP is $33,929. This is 41% lower than the state median of $57,917. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 57% lower. The poverty rate stands at 26.1%. This is 57% 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 25.8%. This is 350% higher than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $82,100. Housing costs are 47% lower than the state median of $155,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Despard CDP is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 56.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 25% lower than the state average of 74.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
Despard CDP has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 97.9% of all residents.
Education
12.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 45% lower 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 87.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Despard CDP, 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.
Free data download: Get all West Virginia city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Despard CDP, West Virginia?
Despard CDP, West Virginia has a population of 1,038 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Despard CDP, WV?
The median household income in Despard CDP is $33,929, which is 57% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Despard CDP, WV?
The poverty rate in Despard CDP is 26.1%. This means approximately 271 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Despard CDP, West Virginia?
Despard CDP's population is 97.9% White, 0.0% Black, 0.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Despard CDP, WV?
The median home value in Despard CDP is $82,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x.
How educated is Despard CDP, West Virginia?
12.7% of adults (25+) in Despard CDP hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.