Kanawha County, West Virginia

Income Data

+8% vs. West Virginia average
$58,887
Median Household Income
$36,168
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$58,887
+8% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$36,168
-8% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
43.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in West Virginia
#16 / 55
by median household income

How Kanawha County Compares

Kanawha County$58,887
West Virginia Average$54,746
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$58,887
Median Household Income
$36,168
Per Capita Income
$135,000
Median Home Value
43.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Kanawha County, West Virginia

Kanawha's income slightly outpaces state

Kanawha County's median household income of $58,887 sits 21% below the national median of $74,755, ranking it in the lower third nationally. Yet the county exceeds West Virginia's state average of $54,746, making it one of the state's stronger earners.

Strong performer among West Virginia counties

Kanawha County ranks in the upper-middle tier of West Virginia's 55 counties for median household income. At $58,887, it exceeds the state average by $4,141, benefiting from Charleston's regional economic center and diverse employment base.

Kanawha leads many nearby counties

Kanawha's $58,887 median surpasses Lewis ($52,279), Lincoln ($48,593), and Logan ($47,237), placing it among the region's stronger economies. As home to West Virginia's capital, the county attracts government and service sector employment.

Rent costs press tightly on budgets

At 17.9% of household income, Kanawha's rent-to-income ratio edges toward the threshold of affordability stress. With median home values at $135,000, purchasing power exists, but renters face noticeable cost pressure relative to income.

Kanawha households can invest smartly

With incomes above state average, Kanawha residents have opportunity to redirect surplus earnings toward wealth-building. Consider employer-sponsored retirement plans, automatic savings transfers, and low-fee index funds to compound long-term growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Kanawha County, West Virginia?
The median household income in Kanawha County, West Virginia is $58,887, 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 Kanawha County?
The per capita income in Kanawha County is $36,168, 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 $58,887.
How does Kanawha County compare to the West Virginia average?
Kanawha County's median household income of $58,887 is higher than the West Virginia state average of $54,746. The per capita income is $36,168, compared to the state average of $30,335.
What is the per capita income in Kanawha County, West Virginia?
The per capita income in Kanawha County, West Virginia is $36,168, 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.
Why is Kanawha County income higher than the West Virginia average?
Kanawha County's median household income of $58,887 is higher than the West Virginia average of $54,746. This difference of $4,141 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Kanawha County rank for income in West Virginia?
Kanawha County ranks #16 out of 55 counties in West Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $58,887 and per capita income of $36,168, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Kanawha County

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Your income is above the Kanawha County median

County median: $58,887 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+8%

vs. National Median

-21%

vs. Kanawha County MedianAbout equal
vs. West Virginia Average8% above
vs. National Median21% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.6x

Your monthly income ($4,907) vs. median rent ($879/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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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.