IncomeBy County

Barbour County, West Virginia

Income Data

-12% vs. West Virginia average
$48,347
Median Household Income
$26,055
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$48,347
-12% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$26,055
-34% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
38.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in West Virginia
#43 / 55
by median household income

How Barbour County Compares

Barbour County$48,347
West Virginia Average$54,746
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$48,347
Median Household Income
$26,055
Per Capita Income
$126,000
Median Home Value
38.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Barbour County, West Virginia?
The median household income in Barbour County, West Virginia is $48,347, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Barbour County?
The per capita income in Barbour County is $26,055, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $48,347.
How does Barbour County compare to the West Virginia average?
Barbour County's median household income of $48,347 is lower than the West Virginia state average of $54,746. The per capita income is $26,055, compared to the state average of $30,335.
What is the per capita income in Barbour County, West Virginia?
The per capita income in Barbour County, West Virginia is $26,055, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Barbour County a low-income area in West Virginia?
Barbour County's median household income of $48,347 is below the West Virginia average of $54,746. The per capita income of $26,055 is also lower than the state average of $30,335. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Barbour County rank for income in West Virginia?
Barbour County ranks #43 out of 55 counties in West Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $48,347 and per capita income of $26,055, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Barbour County

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Your income is above the Barbour County median

County median: $48,347 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-12%

vs. National Median

-35%

vs. Barbour County MedianAbout equal
vs. West Virginia Average▼ 12% below
vs. National Median▼ 35% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.0x

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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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Harney County
Oregon
$48,338
+0%
Rockcastle County
Kentucky
$48,367
+0%
Choctaw County
Mississippi
$48,321
+0%
Lincoln County
Mississippi
$48,316
+0%
Monroe County
Missouri
$48,299
+0%
Cocke County
Tennessee
$48,416
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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