Webster County, West Virginia

Income Data

-23% vs. West Virginia average
$42,061
Median Household Income
$23,343
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$42,061
-23% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$23,343
-41% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
53.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in West Virginia
#51 / 55
by median household income

How Webster County Compares

Webster County$42,061
West Virginia Average$54,746
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$42,061
Median Household Income
$23,343
Per Capita Income
$78,000
Median Home Value
53.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Webster County, West Virginia

Webster struggles with the widest gap

Webster County's median household income of $42,061 ranks as the lowest in this seven-county group and sits $32,694 below the national median of $74,755—a stark 44% shortfall. This income level reflects the economic challenges facing coal-dependent rural communities as regional industries decline.

Among West Virginia's lowest earners

Webster ranks in the bottom fifth of West Virginia's 55 counties for household income, with a per capita income of $23,343 that significantly lags the state average of $30,335. The county faces structural economic headwinds requiring targeted investment and workforce development to reverse long-term income decline.

Furthest behind regional peers

Webster's $42,061 median trails all six neighboring counties in this study, falling $9,000 behind Wyoming County and nearly $14,000 behind Wood County. The gap reflects Webster's heavier reliance on extractive industries and less economic diversification than counties with stronger service and manufacturing bases.

Housing affordable but income tight

Webster's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% is technically affordable, and the median home value of $78,000 is the lowest in the region—cheap by design, not by market strength. However, lower home prices often reflect limited demand and economic stagnation, which complicates long-term property value appreciation.

Small steps toward financial resilience

Webster households earning $42,061 face tighter budgets but can still build wealth through disciplined saving and skill investment. Even setting aside $50–100 monthly, combined with pursuit of higher-paying job training or education, compounds into meaningful financial security over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Webster County, West Virginia?
The median household income in Webster County, West Virginia is $42,061, 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 Webster County?
The per capita income in Webster County is $23,343, 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 $42,061.
How does Webster County compare to the West Virginia average?
Webster County's median household income of $42,061 is lower than the West Virginia state average of $54,746. The per capita income is $23,343, compared to the state average of $30,335.
What is the per capita income in Webster County, West Virginia?
The per capita income in Webster County, West Virginia is $23,343, 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 Webster County a low-income area in West Virginia?
Webster County's median household income of $42,061 is below the West Virginia average of $54,746. The per capita income of $23,343 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 Webster County rank for income in West Virginia?
Webster County ranks #51 out of 55 counties in West Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $42,061 and per capita income of $23,343, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Webster County

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County median: $42,061 per year

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vs. State Average

-23%

vs. National Median

-44%

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vs. West Virginia Average23% below
vs. National Median44% below

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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.