Benwood, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,230
4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$43,636/yr
10.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
762
7.5% year-over-year change

Benwood population

How many people live in Benwood

Benwood is home to 1,230 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.2% of Benwood locals are male, and 48.8% are female.

Total population
1,230
4.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.2%
630
Female
48.8%
600
Value Percent YoY change
Male 630 51.2% 15.6%
Female 600 48.8% -4.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Benwood is 52, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.6% are children under 15, then 8.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.3% of the population, while another 31% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.6%
15 to 24
8.5%
25 to 44
23.3%
45 to 64
31%
Over 65
26.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 130 10.6% -28.6%
15 to 24 104 8.5% 18.2%
25 to 44 287 23.3% 0.0%
45 to 64 381 31% 3.2%
Over 65 328 26.7% 32.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Benwood, 97.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.8% of locals are Caucasian, 1.3% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,200 97.6% 5.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 24 2% 0.0%
Non-citizens 6 0.5% -14.3%
Racial breakdown
White
91.8%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.7%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,129 91.8%
Black or African American 16 1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 13 1.1%
Asian 2 0.2%
Two or more races 70 5.7%

Households in Benwood

A peek inside Benwood households

Benwood has 640 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.1% are families, while the remaining 40.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
640
13.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
262
Family households
378
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 262 40.9% 30.4%
Family households 378 59.1% 4.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Benwood

The housing landscape of Benwood

Benwood's housing consists of 762 units, with 65.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
762
7.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 497 65.2%
1 unit, attached 79 10.4%
2 units 50 6.6%
3 or 4 units 59 7.7%
5 to 9 units 24 3.2%
10 to 19 units 5 0.7%
20 to 49 units 26 3.4%
50 or more units 4 0.5%
Mobile home 14 1.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Benwood

In Benwood, the median construction year is 1945. About 40.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 21.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 308 40.4% 10.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 161 21.1% 8.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 101 13.2% -1.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 73 9.6% 87.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 50 6.6% -25.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 28 3.7% -24.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 30 3.9% 20.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1 0.1% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 10 1.3% 0.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Benwood occupancy rates

Out of the 640 occupied housing units in Benwood, 63.3% are owner-occupied, while 36.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
640
13.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
235
Owner occupied
405
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 235 36.7% 27.7%
Owner occupied 405 63.3% 6.6%
Unoccupied housing units
16.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Benwood housing costs

Housing costs in Benwood come to a median of $584 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $677.

Median housing costs per month
$584/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Benwood
$677/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Benwood

Benwood education at a glance

About 62.6% of the population in Benwood went to high school, while 23.4% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 5.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9 0.8% 50.0%
High school diploma 680 62.6% 20.6%
College diploma 254 23.4% 0.8%
Associate degree 76 7% -3.8%
Bachelor's degree 59 5.4% 7.3%
Graduate degree 9 0.8% -66.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Benwood

How much people earn in Benwood

The average annual household income in Benwood was $51,862 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $43,636, reflecting a +10.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Benwood
$51,862/year
-5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Benwood
$43,636/year
10.5% year-over-year change

Benwood income by age

In Benwood, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $51,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,824 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,667, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $21,625 in earnings. Overall, 70.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,667 -20.6%
25 - 44 $51,250 N/A
45 - 64 $58,824 20.7%
Over 65 $21,625 -35.7%
Above poverty level
854
Below poverty level
357
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 854 70.5% -0.3%
Below poverty level 357 29.5% 24.4%

Average renter income in Benwood

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Benwood, their median household income was $25,278 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$25,278
Rent-to-income ratio
32.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Benwood

Workforce and job types in Benwood

The job market in Benwood is powered by 659 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 54.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 45.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.7% run their own businesses, 74.2% are employed by private companies, and 16.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
659
2.6% year-over-year change
White collar
359
Blue collar
300
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 359 54.5% -9.1%
Blue collar 300 45.5% 21.5%
Employer type
Self employees
4.7%
Private companies
74.2%
Governmental workers
16.5%
Not for profit companies
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 31 4.7% 10.7%
Private companies 489 74.2% 7.2%
Governmental workers 109 16.5% -1.8%
Not for profit companies 30 4.6% -36.2%
Unemployment rate
3.1%
-4.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Benwood stands at 3.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Benwood

How people get around in Benwood

Commuting methods vary: 91.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 587 91.9% 1.4%
Bus or trolleybus 4 0.6% 300.0%
Walk 36 5.6% 16.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Benwood by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
26031 1,770 806 $46,797 $56,662

Explore more communities

FAQs about Benwood demographics 

What is the total population of Benwood?

Benwood has a total population of 1,230 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +4.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Benwood?

The gender ratio in Benwood is as follows:
  • 51.2% males (630 residents)
  • 48.8% females (600 residents)

What is the median age in Benwood?

The median age in Benwood is 51.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Benwood?

The age distribution in Benwood is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.6% (130 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.5% (104 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.3% (287 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31% (381 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.7% (328 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Benwood?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Benwood is as follows:
  • White: 91.8% (1,129 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (16 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (13 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (2 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.7% (70 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Benwood are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.6% of the population in Benwood.

How many housing units are there in Benwood?

There are 762 housing units in Benwood, reflecting a +7.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Benwood and what is the average household size?

Benwood has a total of 640 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Benwood?

Benwood has a median household income of $43,636, representing a +10.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Benwood?

The employment rate is 96.9% in Benwood, with a workforce of 659 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 54.5% (359 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 45.5% (300 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.7% (31 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.2% (489 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.5% (109 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.6% (30 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025