IncomeBy County

McDowell County, West Virginia

Income Data

-45% vs. West Virginia average
$29,980
Median Household Income
$16,599
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$29,980
-45% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$16,599
-58% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
60.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in West Virginia
#55 / 55
by median household income

How McDowell County Compares

McDowell County$29,980
West Virginia Average$54,746
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$29,980
Median Household Income
$16,599
Per Capita Income
$49,200
Median Home Value
60.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in McDowell County, West Virginia

McDowell faces severe income gap

McDowell County's median household income of $29,980 represents just 40% of the national median of $74,755—a $44,775 shortfall that places the county among the poorest in America. This dramatic gap reflects decades of economic contraction following the decline of coal mining.

Lowest income in West Virginia

At $29,980, McDowell County's median household income ranks dead last among West Virginia's 55 counties, falling $24,766 below the state average of $54,746. This profound disparity underscores McDowell's exceptional economic struggle within an already economically challenged state.

Significantly behind regional peers

McDowell County's $29,980 median income trails all neighboring counties dramatically: Mercer County ($47,799), Mingo County ($39,527), and Wyoming County are substantially ahead. The county's isolation at the income bottom reflects concentrated economic distress not seen in surrounding areas.

Housing costs consume household income

McDowell County's 27.5% rent-to-income ratio approaches the danger threshold of 30%, meaning housing consumes more than one-quarter of median earnings. Even at bargain median home values of $49,200, homeownership stretches household finances dangerously thin.

Urgent need for economic intervention

McDowell County households face immediate financial precarity, with median incomes barely covering basic needs before wealth-building is possible. Residents should prioritize accessing job training, education programs, and community economic development initiatives designed to raise earning potential and break cycles of poverty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in McDowell County, West Virginia?
The median household income in McDowell County, West Virginia is $29,980, 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 McDowell County?
The per capita income in McDowell County is $16,599, 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 $29,980.
How does McDowell County compare to the West Virginia average?
McDowell County's median household income of $29,980 is lower than the West Virginia state average of $54,746. The per capita income is $16,599, compared to the state average of $30,335.
What is the per capita income in McDowell County, West Virginia?
The per capita income in McDowell County, West Virginia is $16,599, 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 McDowell County a low-income area in West Virginia?
McDowell County's median household income of $29,980 is below the West Virginia average of $54,746. The per capita income of $16,599 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 McDowell County rank for income in West Virginia?
McDowell County ranks #55 out of 55 counties in West Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $29,980 and per capita income of $16,599, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in McDowell County

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Your income is above the McDowell County median

County median: $29,980 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-45%

vs. National Median

-60%

vs. McDowell County MedianAbout equal
vs. West Virginia Average▼ 45% below
vs. National Median▼ 60% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent3.6x

Your monthly income ($2,498) vs. median rent ($686/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Lake County
Tennessee
$30,500
+2%
Holmes County
Mississippi
$29,434
-2%
Issaquena County
Mississippi
$29,271
-2%
Wolfe County
Kentucky
$29,052
-3%
Presidio County
Texas
$29,014
-3%
Owsley County
Kentucky
$31,064
+4%
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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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