Spencer city, West Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Spencer city, West Virginia has a total population of 2,137, the 78th largest city in West Virginia, with a median household income of $25,897, which is 55% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 41.5%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 55% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (41.5%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Only 7.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.0%.
- Unemployment rate of 18.3% is notably above the national average.
Spencer city Quick Facts
How Spencer 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+)
Spencer city Rankings in West Virginia
Explore West Virginia Rankings
Cities Similar to Spencer city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluewell CDP | 2,281 | $35,599 | $137,800 | 13.8% | 17.3% |
| Montgomery city | 1,635 | $26,797 | $117,300 | 23.1% | 29.8% |
| Logan city | 1,736 | $31,100 | $86,300 | 6.7% | 38.5% |
| Wellsburg city | 2,364 | $40,948 | $97,200 | 17.1% | 17.3% |
| Richwood city | 2,617 | $33,614 | $67,600 | 12.0% | 33.5% |
Population Overview
Spencer city is a small community located in West Virginia. The total population is 2,137. It ranks as the 78th most populous out of 430 cities and towns in West Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Spencer city is 43.5 years. This is 2% higher than the state median of 42.7 years. 11.1% 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 Spencer city is $25,897. This is 55% lower than the state median of $57,917. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 67% lower. The poverty rate stands at 41.5%. This is 149% 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 18.3%. This is 220% higher than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $108,700. Housing costs are 30% lower than the state median of $155,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x. 45.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 38% lower than the state average of 74.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
Spencer city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.8% of all residents. Asian residents account for 2.7%. The Black or African American population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 3.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.0%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (2.7% vs 0.8%).
Education
7.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 69% 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 77.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Spencer 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 Spencer city, West Virginia?
Spencer city, West Virginia has a population of 2,137 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Spencer city, WV?
The median household income in Spencer city is $25,897, which is 67% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Spencer city, WV?
The poverty rate in Spencer city is 41.5%. This means approximately 863 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Spencer city, West Virginia?
Spencer city's population is 95.8% White, 0.1% Black, 0.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Spencer city, WV?
The median home value in Spencer city is $108,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
How educated is Spencer city, West Virginia?
7.3% of adults (25+) in Spencer city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.