Summers County, West Virginia

Income Data

-22% vs. West Virginia average
$42,544
Median Household Income
$25,384
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$42,544
-22% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$25,384
-36% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
33.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in West Virginia
#50 / 55
by median household income

How Summers County Compares

Summers County$42,544
West Virginia Average$54,746
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$42,544
Median Household Income
$25,384
Per Capita Income
$126,100
Median Home Value
33.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Summers County, West Virginia

Summers County earns 43% below nation

Summers County's median household income of $42,544 represents one of the lowest in the nation, falling over $32,000 below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county faces substantial economic headwinds and limited high-wage employment opportunities.

West Virginia's lowest-income county

At $42,544, Summers County ranks as the lowest-income county among the eight profiled, trailing West Virginia's median of $54,746 by over $12,000. The county's economy reflects severe dependence on declining industries without sufficient economic diversification.

Lowest income among regional peers

Summers County's income of $42,544 ranks lowest in this group, trailing nearest peer Roane County ($45,194) by $2,650. The county's isolation from higher-wage regional centers compounds income challenges.

Rent burden reaches 26% threshold

Summers County's rent-to-income ratio of 26% approaches the affordability danger zone, meaning housing costs consume over one-quarter of median earnings. This elevated burden constrains household savings capacity despite a median home value of $126,100.

Prioritize debt reduction and stability

With a median household income of $42,544 and a rent-to-income ratio of 26%, Summers County residents should focus on eliminating high-interest debt before attempting investment. Building even a modest emergency fund of $1,000–$2,000 provides critical financial protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Summers County, West Virginia?
The median household income in Summers County, West Virginia is $42,544, 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 Summers County?
The per capita income in Summers County is $25,384, 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 $42,544.
How does Summers County compare to the West Virginia average?
Summers County's median household income of $42,544 is lower than the West Virginia state average of $54,746. The per capita income is $25,384, compared to the state average of $30,335.
What is the per capita income in Summers County, West Virginia?
The per capita income in Summers County, West Virginia is $25,384, 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 Summers County a low-income area in West Virginia?
Summers County's median household income of $42,544 is below the West Virginia average of $54,746. The per capita income of $25,384 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 Summers County rank for income in West Virginia?
Summers County ranks #50 out of 55 counties in West Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $42,544 and per capita income of $25,384, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Summers County

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Your income is above the Summers County median

County median: $42,544 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-22%

vs. National Median

-43%

vs. Summers County MedianAbout equal
vs. West Virginia Average22% below
vs. National Median43% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent3.8x

Your monthly income ($3,545) vs. median rent ($922/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.