IncomeBy County

Wetzel County, West Virginia

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
+1% vs. West Virginia average
$56,836
Median Household Income
$31,337
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$56,836
+1% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$31,337
-21% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
52.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in West Virginia
#25 / 55
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Wetzel County Compares

Wetzel County$56,836
West Virginia Average$56,023
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$56,836
Median Household Income
$31,337
Per Capita Income
$107,900
Median Home Value
52.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Wetzel County

Income Verdict

Wetzel County has a median household income of $53,341 and per capita income of $28,398 — a gap of $24,943, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $703/month and a median household income of $53,341, rent consumes approximately 15.8% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $53,341, residents of Wetzel County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $28,398 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Wetzel County earns approximately 2.6% below the West Virginia state median household income of $54,746.

Data Story

About Household Income in Wetzel County, West Virginia

Wetzel closes the national income gap

Wetzel County's median household income of $53,341 trails the national median of $74,755 by $21,414—about 29% below the U.S. average. However, Wetzel exceeds West Virginia's state average of $54,746 by a small margin, making it a solid performer within its regional context.

Mid-to-upper ranking West Virginia county

Wetzel ranks in the upper middle of West Virginia's 55 counties, boosted by its per capita income of $28,398—close to the state average of $30,335. The county's relative stability suggests a reasonably balanced labor market with mixed employment across agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

Solid performer in northern cluster

Wetzel's $53,341 median ranks fourth among the seven-county group, outpacing Webster ($42,061) and Wyoming ($48,038) while falling short of Wood ($56,193) and Wayne ($55,539). The county's lower per capita income of $28,398 suggests more part-time work or smaller household earner pools than top performers, but overall economic health remains intact.

Lowest housing burden in the group

Wetzel's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% is the best among all seven counties examined, indicating housing costs consume the smallest percentage of household income. A median home value of $102,800 pairs with regional incomes to create genuine affordability and financial breathing room for residents.

Strong foundation for savings growth

Wetzel households earning $53,341 enjoy the lowest housing burden in the region, freeing up real money for retirement accounts, emergency funds, and investments. This structural advantage—low housing costs relative to income—positions Wetzel residents to accumulate wealth faster than peers in more expensive counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wetzel County, West Virginia?
The median household income in Wetzel County, West Virginia is $56,836, 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 Wetzel County?
The per capita income in Wetzel County is $31,337, 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 $56,836.
How does Wetzel County compare to the West Virginia average?
Wetzel County's median household income of $56,836 is higher than the West Virginia state average of $56,023. The per capita income is $31,337, compared to the state average of $31,486.
What is the per capita income in Wetzel County, West Virginia?
The per capita income in Wetzel County, West Virginia is $31,337, 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 Wetzel County income higher than the West Virginia average?
Wetzel County's median household income of $56,836 is higher than the West Virginia average of $56,023. This difference of $813 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 Wetzel County rank for income in West Virginia?
Wetzel County ranks #25 out of 55 counties in West Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $56,836 and per capita income of $31,337, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Wetzel County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Wetzel County median

County median: $56,836 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

+1%

vs. National Median

-24%

vs. Wetzel County MedianAbout equal
vs. West Virginia Average▲ 1% above
vs. National Median▼ 24% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.9x

Your monthly income ($4,736) vs. median rent ($688/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Wetzel County, West Virginia? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

WealthfrontBetterment
Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Republic County
Kansas
$56,833
+0%
Gallia County
Ohio
$56,830
+0%
Doña Ana County
New Mexico
$56,848
+0%
Clay County
South Dakota
$56,850
+0%
Hopkins County
Kentucky
$56,815
+0%
Ashe County
North Carolina
$56,866
+0%
Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in West Virginia

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

Explore more data for this county

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateHealthSchoolsRiskWaterWeatherCounty Score