McMechen city, West Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, McMechen city, West Virginia has a total population of 1,735, the 86th largest city in West Virginia, with a median household income of $42,863, which is 26% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 26.7%.
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (26.7%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x.
McMechen city Quick Facts
How McMechen city 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+)
McMechen city Rankings in West Virginia
Explore West Virginia Rankings
Cities Similar to McMechen city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem city | 1,812 | $43,690 | $77,200 | 18.2% | 16.6% |
| Romney city | 1,714 | $39,118 | $150,000 | 14.7% | 33.0% |
| Mannington city | 1,679 | $48,750 | $92,100 | 17.7% | 14.2% |
| West Liberty town | 1,568 | $43,333 | $120,000 | 38.3% | 39.1% |
| Belington town | 1,843 | $47,361 | $95,200 | 11.7% | 25.2% |
Population Overview
McMechen city is a small community located in West Virginia. The total population is 1,735. It ranks as the 86th most populous out of 430 cities and towns in West Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in McMechen city is 33.4 years. This is 22% lower than the state median of 42.7 years. With 30.4% of the population under 18, McMechen city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in McMechen city is $42,863. This is 26% lower than the state median of $57,917. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 45% lower. The poverty rate stands at 26.7%. This is 61% 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 7.4%. This is 28% higher than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $89,500. Housing costs are 42% lower than the state median of $155,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, McMechen city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 63.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% lower than the state average of 74.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
McMechen city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 86.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 0.3%. The Black or African American population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 3.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 2.0%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 0.8%.
Education
14.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 38% 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 90.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for McMechen 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 McMechen city, West Virginia?
McMechen city, West Virginia has a population of 1,735 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in McMechen city, WV?
The median household income in McMechen city is $42,863, which is 45% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in McMechen city, WV?
The poverty rate in McMechen city is 26.7%. This means approximately 442 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of McMechen city, West Virginia?
McMechen city's population is 86.3% White, 0.1% Black, 0.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in McMechen city, WV?
The median home value in McMechen city is $89,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x.
How educated is McMechen city, West Virginia?
14.5% of adults (25+) in McMechen city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.