Metro areas in West Virginia: income, rent and home values
West Virginia has 10 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Washington, DC with 6.5 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Washington, DC ($131,346). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Weirton, WV (25.7%) and the largest in Wheeling, WV (35.5%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Winchester, VA (+6.9%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | 6,465,900 | $131,346 | $2,168 | $612,500 | 29.4% |
| Huntington, WV | 363,645 | $57,395 | $944 | $167,000 | 28.5% |
| Hagerstown, MD | 315,280 | $82,478 | $1,287 | $323,600 | 26.6% |
| Charleston, WV | 200,080 | $56,173 | $882 | $153,200 | 32.1% |
| Winchester, VA | 152,332 | $83,469 | $1,492 | $401,900 | 27.7% |
| Morgantown, WV | 141,995 | $64,391 | $1,020 | $257,400 | 30.7% |
| Wheeling, WV | 134,089 | $56,441 | $799 | $161,200 | 35.5% |
| Weirton, WV | 112,039 | $60,916 | $856 | $162,900 | 25.7% |
| Beckley, WV | 109,940 | $52,359 | $945 | $147,300 | 32.8% |
| Parkersburg, WV | 87,295 | $66,360 | $898 | $173,700 | 27.8% |
Includes 6 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
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West Virginia at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in West Virginia for renters?+
Weirton, WV, where renters spend a median 25.7% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in West Virginia has the highest income?+
Washington, DC, with a median household income of $131,346 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in West Virginia?+
10 metropolitan statistical areas in West Virginia have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.