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Kingwood, West Virginia Demographics & Population 2026

Very AffordableHome value to income ratio of 2.3x is exceptionally low

During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Kingwood, West Virginia had a total population of 2,973, the 51st largest city in West Virginia, with a median household income of $71,154, which is 19% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 16.2%.

Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes

Key Takeaways

Kingwood Quick Facts

Population 2,973
Median Household Income $71,154
Median Home Value $162,000
Poverty Rate 16.2%
Unemployment Rate 4.4%
Median Age 41.5 years
Homeownership Rate 67.8%
Affordability Ratio 2.3x
Bachelor's Degree or Higher 30.4%
High School Graduation Rate 93.3%
Diversity Index 12/100
Population 2,973 51st of 429
Median Income $71,154 top 20%
Poverty Rate 16.2% 30% higher than national
Median Home Value $162,000 top 30%

How Kingwood Changed

Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.

Metric2019–20232020–2024Change
Population2,9802,973-0.2%
Median household income$67,411$71,154+5.6%
Median home value$162,700$162,000-0.4%

How Kingwood Compares

Economy & Housing

Household Income Distribution

Under $25K 17.5%
$25K-$50K 23.5%
$50K-$100K 24.4%
$100K+ 34.6%
Detailed income brackets
Under $10K
11.2%
$10K-$15K
2.1%
$15K-$20K
2.3%
$20K-$25K
1.9%
$25K-$30K
6.2%
$30K-$35K
7.2%
$35K-$40K
1.8%
$40K-$45K
2.1%
$45K-$50K
6.1%
$50K-$60K
0.9%
$60K-$75K
9.8%
$75K-$100K
13.7%
$100K-$125K
13.5%
$125K-$150K
8.7%
$150K-$200K
11.5%
$200K+
0.9%

Employment

4.4% Unemployment Rate State: 5.4%|National: 5.2%
58.8% Labor Force Participation

Housing Overview

Owner 67.8%
Renter 32.1%
Affordability Index Very Affordable
2.3x home value to income ratio
Median gross rent $664/mo 11.2% of median household income annually

People & Demographics

Diversity Index

12out of 100
Very Low Diversity

A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.

State average: 19 | National average: 61

Education

Kingwood Rankings in West Virginia

#51 Population of 429
#68 Median Income of 337
#80 Education of 429
#79 Home Value of 331

Other Cities in Preston County

CityPopulationMedian IncomePovertyHome Value
Terra Alta 1,841 $50,536 29.1% $95,200
Arthurdale 982 $81,285 7.2% $153,900
Rowlesburg 773 $61,964 19.0% $99,800
Masontown 518 $54,643 9.3% $120,500
Reedsville 504 $66,125 3.7% $182,400
Tunnelton 404 $65,565 7.9% N/A
Aurora 284 $55,444 22.9% N/A
Albright 254 $60,000 22.4% $39,000
Newburg 226 $51,821 11.1% $46,100
Brandonville 166 $76,250 10.8% $181,300

Cities Similar to Kingwood

These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome ValueBachelor's+Poverty
Culloden3,040$73,318$197,80032.9%11.8%
Fayetteville2,817$67,623$184,00028.3%10.3%
Williamstown2,980$89,013$182,50044.3%5.2%
Inwood2,794$84,286$268,40027.4%14.5%
Kenova2,944$53,683$109,00014.3%9.0%

Population Overview

Kingwood is a small community located in West Virginia, within Preston County. The total population is 2,973. It ranks as the 51st most populous out of 429 Census-designated places in West Virginia.

Age Demographics

The median age in Kingwood is 41.5 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 42.7 years. 12.0% 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 Kingwood is $71,154. This is 19% higher than the state median of $59,608. It is also 12% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 16.2%. This is 3% lower than the state poverty rate of 16.7%. The unemployment rate is 4.4%. This is 18% lower than the state rate of 5.4%. The median home value is $162,000. Housing costs are about the same as the state median of $162,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.3x, Kingwood is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 67.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% lower than the state average of 74.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Kingwood has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.0% of all residents. Asian residents account for 1.8%. The Black or African American population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 3.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 2.1%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (1.8% vs 0.8%).

Education

30.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 26% higher than the state rate of 24.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.3%. Notably, 19.7% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Kingwood, West Virginia is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against West Virginia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 429 Census-designated places in West Virginia. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Kingwood, West Virginia?

Kingwood, West Virginia has a population of 2,973 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.

What is the median household income in Kingwood, WV?

The median household income in Kingwood is $71,154, which is 12% lower than the national median of $80,734.

What is the poverty rate in Kingwood, WV?

The poverty rate in Kingwood is 16.2%. This means approximately 464 residents live below the federal poverty line.

What is the racial makeup of Kingwood, West Virginia?

Kingwood's population is 94.0% White, 0.2% Black, 0.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.8% Asian.

What is the median home value in Kingwood, WV?

The median home value in Kingwood is $162,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x.

How educated is Kingwood, West Virginia?

30.4% of adults (25+) in Kingwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 19.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.