Keyser, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,857
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,955/yr
-2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,540
-6.5% year-over-year change

Keyser population

How many people live in Keyser

Keyser is home to 4,857 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Keyser locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
4,857
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
2,300
Female
52.6%
2,557
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,300 47.4% -0.2%
Female 2,557 52.6% -0.3%
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 Keyser is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 15% are children under 15, then 15.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.3% of the population, while another 22.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
15%
15 to 24
15.5%
25 to 44
24.3%
45 to 64
22.5%
Over 65
22.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 728 15% 29.3%
15 to 24 754 15.5% 6.2%
25 to 44 1,179 24.3% -14.9%
45 to 64 1,092 22.5% 1.1%
Over 65 1,104 22.7% -2.5%
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 Keyser, 99.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. Another 1.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,819 99.2% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 14 0.3% 0.0%
Non-citizens 24 0.5% 700.0%
Racial breakdown
White
87.5%
Black or African American
4.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
1.8%
Value Percent
White 4,250 87.5%
Black or African American 197 4.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 62 1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 12 0.2%
Two or more races 249 5.1%
Other 87 1.8%

Households in Keyser

A peek inside Keyser households

Keyser has 2,069 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.7% are families, while the remaining 43.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,069
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
895
Family households
1,174
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 895 43.3% -11.2%
Family households 1,174 56.7% 11.8%
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 Keyser

The housing landscape of Keyser

Keyser's housing consists of 2,540 units, with 57.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.7% 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 3.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,540
-6.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,463 57.6%
1 unit, attached 221 8.7%
2 units 275 10.8%
3 or 4 units 233 9.2%
5 to 9 units 174 6.8%
10 to 19 units 24 0.9%
50 or more units 65 2.6%
Mobile home 85 3.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Keyser

In Keyser, the median construction year is 1964. About 33.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.9% 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 853 33.6% -17.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 175 6.9% 25.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 25 1% -19.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 610 24% -8.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 431 17% -2.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 338 13.3% -6.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 15 0.6% -46.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 16 0.6% N/A
Built between 2010 and 2019 77 3% 670.0%
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.

Keyser occupancy rates

Out of the 2,069 occupied housing units in Keyser, 51.4% are owner-occupied, while 48.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,069
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,006
Owner occupied
1,063
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,006 48.6% -2.2%
Owner occupied 1,063 51.4% 3.3%
Unoccupied housing units
18.5%
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.

Keyser housing costs

Housing costs in Keyser come to a median of $629 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $648.

Median housing costs per month
$629/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 Keyser
$648/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 Keyser

Keyser education at a glance

About 46.4% of the population in Keyser went to high school, while 23.6% pursued college studies. Another 11.3% earned an associate degree and 7.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 140 3.5% 7.7%
High school diploma 1,853 46.4% 17.1%
College diploma 942 23.6% -11.5%
Associate degree 452 11.3% -26.7%
Bachelor's degree 310 7.8% -10.1%
Graduate degree 298 7.5% -27.9%
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 Keyser

How much people earn in Keyser

The average annual household income in Keyser was $71,649 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,955, reflecting a -2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Keyser
$71,649/year
8.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Keyser
$46,955/year
-2.2% year-over-year change

Keyser income by age

In Keyser, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $46,550. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $59,773 overall. Overall, 68.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $46,550 -3.7%
45 - 64 $59,773 1.7%
Over 65 $43,920 -0.5%
Above poverty level
3,010
Below poverty level
1,401
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,010 68.2% -6.0%
Below poverty level 1,401 31.8% 16.3%

Average renter income in Keyser

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Keyser, their median household income was $30,246 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,246
Rent-to-income ratio
25.7%
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 Keyser

Workforce and job types in Keyser

The job market in Keyser is powered by 1,650 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 63.3% are employed by private companies, and 20.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,650
-19.5% year-over-year change
White collar
1,187
Blue collar
463
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,187 71.9% -23.3%
Blue collar 463 28.1% -7.6%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
63.3%
Governmental workers
20.4%
Not for profit companies
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 142 8.6% -8.4%
Private companies 1,044 63.3% -28.7%
Governmental workers 337 20.4% 3.4%
Not for profit companies 127 7.7% 22.1%
Unemployment rate
12.9%
71.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Keyser stands at 12.9%, 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 Keyser

How people get around in Keyser

Commuting methods vary: 75.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% 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 1,240 75.2% -26.8%
Bus or trolleybus 42 2.6% -40.0%
Bicycle 50 3% 21.9%
Walk 52 3.2% 271.4%
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 Keyser by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
26726 12,629 5,134 $70,944 $88,078

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FAQs about Keyser demographics 

What is the total population of Keyser?

Keyser has a total population of 4,857 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Keyser?

The gender ratio in Keyser is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (2,300 residents)
  • 52.6% females (2,557 residents)

What is the median age in Keyser?

The median age in Keyser is 38.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Keyser?

The age distribution in Keyser is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15% (728 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.5% (754 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.3% (1,179 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.5% (1,092 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.7% (1,104 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Keyser?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Keyser is as follows:
  • White: 87.5% (4,250 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.1% (197 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (62 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (12 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (249 residents)
  • Other: 1.8% (87 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.2% of the population in Keyser.

How many housing units are there in Keyser?

There are 2,540 housing units in Keyser, reflecting a -6.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Keyser has a total of 2,069 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Keyser?

Keyser has a median household income of $46,955, representing a -2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 87.1% in Keyser, with a workforce of 1,650 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.9% (1,187 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.1% (463 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (142 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.3% (1,044 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.4% (337 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.7% (127 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