Matewan town, West Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Matewan town, West Virginia has a total population of 521, the 224th largest city in West Virginia, with a median household income of $15,378, which is 73% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 44.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 73% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (44.1%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Only 5.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.0%.
- Unemployment rate of 28.9% is notably above the national average.
Matewan town Quick Facts
How Matewan town 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+)
Matewan town Rankings in West Virginia
Explore West Virginia Rankings
Cities Similar to Matewan town
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Carbon CDP | 519 | N/A | $275,000 | 35.2% | 0.0% |
| Powellton CDP | 518 | N/A | $68,300 | 0.0% | 37.8% |
| Red Jacket CDP | 539 | N/A | $209,600 | 14.9% | 54.5% |
| Montcalm CDP | 541 | N/A | $39,600 | 15.9% | 16.1% |
| Clay town | 485 | N/A | $58,800 | 8.0% | 75.7% |
Population Overview
Matewan town is a small community located in West Virginia. The total population is 521. It ranks as the 224th most populous out of 430 cities and towns in West Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Matewan town is 52.6 years. This is 23% higher than the state median of 42.7 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Matewan town is $15,378. This is 73% lower than the state median of $57,917. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 80% lower. The poverty rate stands at 44.1%. This is 165% 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 28.9%. This is 404% higher than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $102,100. Housing costs are 34% lower than the state median of $155,600. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.6x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 47.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 36% lower than the state average of 74.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Matewan town is White (non-Hispanic), making up 82.3% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 11.5%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (11.5% vs 3.2%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (4.2% vs 2.0%).
Education
5.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 77% 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 71.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Matewan town, 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 Matewan town, West Virginia?
Matewan town, West Virginia has a population of 521 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Matewan town, WV?
The median household income in Matewan town is $15,378, which is 80% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Matewan town, WV?
The poverty rate in Matewan town is 44.1%. This means approximately 230 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Matewan town, West Virginia?
Matewan town's population is 82.3% White, 11.5% Black, 4.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Matewan town, WV?
The median home value in Matewan town is $102,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x.
How educated is Matewan town, West Virginia?
5.3% of adults (25+) in Matewan town hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 0.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.