IncomeBy County

Braxton County, West Virginia

Income Data

-19% vs. West Virginia average
$44,449
Median Household Income
$23,349
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$44,449
-19% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$23,349
-41% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
41.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in West Virginia
#48 / 55
by median household income

How Braxton County Compares

Braxton County$44,449
West Virginia Average$54,746
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$44,449
Median Household Income
$23,349
Per Capita Income
$106,400
Median Home Value
41.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Braxton County, West Virginia

Braxton struggles far below national income

Braxton County's median household income of $44,449 ranks 41% below the U.S. median of $74,755, marking it among the lowest-income counties in America. This severe gap reflects limited job diversity and the structural decline of coal and timber industries in rural West Virginia.

Among West Virginia's poorest counties

Braxton County's $44,449 median household income falls significantly below the state average of $54,746, ranking in the bottom tier of West Virginia's 55 counties. Per capita income of $23,349 trails the state average of $30,335, indicating few high-earning residents.

Poorest among nearby counties

Braxton's median household income of $44,449 ranks lowest among its immediate peers: Boone ($56,152), Barbour ($48,347), and Clay ($42,790) are the closest comparables. Only Calhoun County ($41,421) and Clay approach Braxton's income levels in the surrounding area.

Low rent burden masks income challenges

Braxton's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% is the healthiest in this profile, partly because low rents reflect depressed property values rather than affordable housing. The median home value of $106,400 is modest, but low household incomes make even this price challenging for first-time buyers.

Start small, build consistent habits

In communities with lower median incomes like Braxton, focus on high-impact, low-cost strategies: keep an emergency fund of just $500–$1,000 to avoid debt spirals, use free retirement accounts, and seek employer matches. Even modest contributions to savings accumulate when compound interest works over decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Braxton County, West Virginia?
The median household income in Braxton County, West Virginia is $44,449, 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 Braxton County?
The per capita income in Braxton County is $23,349, 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 $44,449.
How does Braxton County compare to the West Virginia average?
Braxton County's median household income of $44,449 is lower than the West Virginia state average of $54,746. The per capita income is $23,349, compared to the state average of $30,335.
What is the per capita income in Braxton County, West Virginia?
The per capita income in Braxton County, West Virginia is $23,349, 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 Braxton County a low-income area in West Virginia?
Braxton County's median household income of $44,449 is below the West Virginia average of $54,746. The per capita income of $23,349 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 Braxton County rank for income in West Virginia?
Braxton County ranks #48 out of 55 counties in West Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $44,449 and per capita income of $23,349, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Braxton County

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Your income is above the Braxton County median

County median: $44,449 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-19%

vs. National Median

-41%

vs. Braxton County MedianAbout equal
vs. West Virginia Average▼ 19% below
vs. National Median▼ 41% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.4x

Your monthly income ($3,704) vs. median rent ($578/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Escambia County
Alabama
$44,447
+0%
Ashley County
Arkansas
$44,481
+0%
Choctaw County
Alabama
$44,483
+0%
Howard County
Arkansas
$44,492
+0%
Baker County
Georgia
$44,405
+0%
McKinley County
New Mexico
$44,496
+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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