Ranson, West Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Ranson, West Virginia had a total population of 5,729, the 29th largest community in West Virginia, with a median household income of $89,523, which is 50% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 12.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 50% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in West Virginia.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%.
Ranson Quick Facts
How Ranson Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,588 | 5,729 | +2.5% |
| Median household income | $86,378 | $89,523 | +3.6% |
| Median home value | $220,700 | $242,700 | +10.0% |
How Ranson Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 19 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Ranson Rankings in West Virginia
Explore West Virginia Rankings
Other Cities in Jefferson County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Town | 7,337 | $89,263 | 6.5% | $377,700 |
| Shannondale | 3,465 | $80,000 | 13.3% | $293,600 |
| Shepherdstown | 1,460 | $63,750 | 6.2% | $485,200 |
| Bolivar | 1,215 | $83,068 | 10.5% | $251,600 |
| Shenandoah Junction | 1,141 | $94,821 | 8.2% | $192,900 |
| Middleway | 479 | $123,917 | 4.8% | $298,800 |
| Harpers Ferry | 350 | $116,587 | 2.3% | $529,100 |
Cities Similar to Ranson
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookhaven | 6,212 | $88,438 | $261,000 | 40.5% | 10.5% |
| Charles Town | 7,337 | $89,263 | $377,700 | 36.1% | 6.5% |
| Hurricane | 6,855 | $71,167 | $210,500 | 37.5% | 8.5% |
| New Martinsville | 5,133 | $60,946 | $128,300 | 23.8% | 15.5% |
| Pea Ridge | 6,988 | $65,811 | $188,500 | 47.6% | 9.8% |
Population Overview
Ranson is a small city located in West Virginia, within Jefferson County. The total population is 5,729. It ranks as the 29th most populous out of 429 Census-designated places in West Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ranson is 39.3 years. This is 8% lower than the state median of 42.7 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Ranson is $89,523. This is 50% higher than the state median of $59,608. It is also 11% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 12.0%. This is 28% lower than the state poverty rate of 16.7%. The unemployment rate is 2.5%. This is 54% lower than the state rate of 5.4%. The median home value is $242,700. Housing costs are 49% higher than the state median of $162,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Ranson is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 72.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% lower than the state average of 74.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Ranson is White (non-Hispanic), making up 71.4% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 13.3%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (6.1% vs 3.1%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (13.3% vs 2.1%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (4.4% vs 0.8%).
Education
18.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 22% lower 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 87.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ranson, 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 Ranson, West Virginia?
Ranson, West Virginia has a population of 5,729 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ranson, WV?
The median household income in Ranson is $89,523, which is 11% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Ranson, WV?
The poverty rate in Ranson is 12.0%. This means approximately 684 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ranson, West Virginia?
Ranson's population is 71.4% White, 6.1% Black, 13.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ranson, WV?
The median home value in Ranson is $242,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x.
How educated is Ranson, West Virginia?
18.9% of adults (25+) in Ranson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.