Barbour County, West Virginia
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Barbour County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Barbour County
Income Verdict
Barbour County has a median household income of $48,347 and per capita income of $26,055 — a gap of $22,292, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $803/month and a median household income of $48,347, rent consumes approximately 19.9% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
With a median household income of $48,347, residents of Barbour County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $26,055 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.
Neighbor Context
Barbour County earns approximately 11.7% below the West Virginia state median household income of $54,746.
Data Story
About Household Income in Barbour County, West Virginia
Barbour trails the nation on income
Barbour County's median household income of $48,347 falls 35% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the lower-income counties nationally. This gap reflects broader economic challenges facing rural Appalachia as manufacturing and resource-based jobs have declined over the past two decades.
Below average for West Virginia
At $48,347, Barbour's median household income ranks below the state average of $54,746, positioning it in the lower half of West Virginia's 55 counties. The county's per capita income of $26,055 also lags the state average of $30,335, indicating fewer earners per household.
Similar struggles in nearby counties
Barbour's income profile mirrors struggling neighbors Braxton County ($44,449) and Clay County ($42,790), but outpaces Calhoun County ($41,421). Only Berkeley County ($77,329) in the region breaks significantly above state and national averages, showing stark contrasts within West Virginia.
Rent remains manageable despite low wages
Barbour County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% means renters spend roughly one-fifth of household income on rent—slightly above the sustainable 15-20% threshold. With a median home value of $126,000, homeownership is more accessible here than statewide, though low median incomes still limit down payment capacity.
Build financial resilience in Barbour
With median household income below $50,000, Barbour residents should prioritize emergency savings and low-cost investing through employer retirement plans and IRAs. Even small, consistent contributions compound significantly over time—consider consulting a local financial advisor about first-time homebuyer programs that could build equity.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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County median: $48,347 per year
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vs. National Median
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Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($4,029) vs. median rent ($803/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.