Wheeling city, West Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Wheeling city, West Virginia has a total population of 26,670, the 5th largest city in West Virginia, with a median household income of $48,498, which is 16% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 19.4%.
Key Takeaways
- Wheeling city is the 5th largest city in West Virginia with a population of 26,670.
Wheeling city Quick Facts
How Wheeling 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+)
Wheeling city Rankings in West Virginia
Explore West Virginia Rankings
Cities Similar to Wheeling city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parkersburg city | 29,461 | $44,675 | $113,900 | 18.5% | 23.0% |
| Morgantown city | 30,273 | $42,245 | $238,200 | 58.1% | 33.6% |
| Martinsburg city | 18,805 | $54,590 | $231,900 | 23.1% | 23.0% |
| Weirton city | 18,785 | $56,699 | $122,800 | 22.8% | 14.3% |
| Fairmont city | 18,303 | $60,791 | $159,100 | 31.1% | 17.0% |
Population Overview
Wheeling city is a mid-sized community located in West Virginia. The total population is 26,670. It ranks as the 5th most populous out of 430 cities and towns in West Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Wheeling city is 44.8 years. This is 5% higher than the state median of 42.7 years. 10.4% 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 Wheeling city is $48,498. This is 16% lower than the state median of $57,917. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 38% lower. The poverty rate stands at 19.4%. This is 16% higher than the state poverty rate of 16.6%. The unemployment rate is 6.6%. This is 15% higher than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $142,500. Housing costs are 8% lower than the state median of $155,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Wheeling city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 59.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 20% lower than the state average of 74.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
Wheeling city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 88.6% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 4.4%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 0.8%.
Education
32.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 39% higher 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 92.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Wheeling 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 Wheeling city, West Virginia?
Wheeling city, West Virginia has a population of 26,670 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Wheeling city, WV?
The median household income in Wheeling city is $48,498, which is 38% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Wheeling city, WV?
The poverty rate in Wheeling city is 19.4%. This means approximately 4,949 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Wheeling city, West Virginia?
Wheeling city's population is 88.6% White, 4.4% Black, 1.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Wheeling city, WV?
The median home value in Wheeling city is $142,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Wheeling city, West Virginia?
32.5% of adults (25+) in Wheeling city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.