Marlinton, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,201
14.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$37,273/yr
-12.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
653
17.4% year-over-year change

Marlinton population

How many people live in Marlinton

Marlinton is home to 1,201 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.3% of Marlinton locals are male, and 48.7% are female.

Total population
1,201
14.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.3%
616
Female
48.7%
585
Value Percent YoY change
Male 616 51.3% 22.7%
Female 585 48.7% 6.8%
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 Marlinton is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.1% are children under 15, then 22.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.2% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.1%
15 to 24
22.6%
25 to 44
18.2%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
24.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 121 10.1% 0.8%
15 to 24 272 22.6% 16.7%
25 to 44 218 18.2% 50.3%
45 to 64 296 24.6% 5.7%
Over 65 294 24.5% 8.1%
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 Marlinton, 97% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.8% of locals are Caucasian, 1.1% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.4%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,165 97% 14.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 29 2.4% 3.6%
Non-citizens 7 0.6% -12.5%
Racial breakdown
White
89.8%
Black or African American
1.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
5.8%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,078 89.8%
Black or African American 13 1.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 69 5.8%
Asian 7 0.6%
Two or more races 34 2.8%

Households in Marlinton

A peek inside Marlinton households

Marlinton has 500 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.6% are families, while the remaining 47.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
500
25.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
237
Family households
263
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 237 47.4% 11.8%
Family households 263 52.6% 40.6%
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 Marlinton

The housing landscape of Marlinton

Marlinton's housing consists of 653 units, with 71.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
653
17.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 466 71.4%
2 units 43 6.6%
3 or 4 units 39 6%
5 to 9 units 54 8.3%
20 to 49 units 16 2.4%
Mobile home 35 5.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Marlinton

In Marlinton, the median construction year is 1963. About 29.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.9% 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 192 29.4% 9.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 71 10.9% 61.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 39 6% -23.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 86 13.2% 8.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 84 12.9% 71.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 118 18.1% 13.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 36 5.5% 2.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 25 3.8% 38.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2 0.3% 100.0%
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.

Marlinton occupancy rates

Out of the 500 occupied housing units in Marlinton, 60% are owner-occupied, while 40% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 23.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
500
25.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
200
Owner occupied
300
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 200 40% 47.1%
Owner occupied 300 60% 14.1%
Unoccupied housing units
23.4%
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.

Marlinton housing costs

Housing costs in Marlinton come to a median of $710 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $722.

Median housing costs per month
$710/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 Marlinton
$722/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 Marlinton

Marlinton education at a glance

About 62.9% of the population in Marlinton went to high school, while 11.8% pursued college studies. Another 6% earned an associate degree and 10.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 19 1.9% -13.6%
High school diploma 617 62.9% 24.9%
College diploma 116 11.8% 9.4%
Associate degree 59 6% 11.3%
Bachelor's degree 100 10.2% 9.9%
Graduate degree 70 7.1% -2.8%
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 Marlinton

How much people earn in Marlinton

The average annual household income in Marlinton was $43,254 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -13.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $37,273, reflecting a -12.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Marlinton
$43,254/year
-13.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Marlinton
$37,273/year
-12.1% year-over-year change

Marlinton income by age

In Marlinton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $43,571. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,750 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $2,499, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,346 in earnings. Overall, 65.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $2,499 N/A
25 - 44 $43,571 -3.2%
45 - 64 $53,750 8.2%
Over 65 $41,346 -1.7%
Above poverty level
726
Below poverty level
389
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 726 65.1% 2.5%
Below poverty level 389 34.9% 53.1%

Average renter income in Marlinton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Marlinton, their median household income was $22,426 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$22,426
Rent-to-income ratio
38.6%
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 Marlinton

Workforce and job types in Marlinton

The job market in Marlinton is powered by 429 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.8% run their own businesses, 53.8% are employed by private companies, and 24% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
429
13.5% year-over-year change
White collar
316
Blue collar
113
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 316 73.7% 16.6%
Blue collar 113 26.3% 5.6%
Employer type
Self employees
15.8%
Private companies
53.8%
Governmental workers
24%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 68 15.8% 21.4%
Private companies 231 53.8% 1.3%
Governmental workers 103 24% 87.3%
Not for profit companies 27 6.3% -30.8%
Unemployment rate
21.9%
87.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Marlinton stands at 21.9%, 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 Marlinton

How people get around in Marlinton

Commuting methods vary: 81.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 11.8% 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 346 81.4% 1.2%
Walk 50 11.8% 354.6%
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 Marlinton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
24954 3,019 1,335 $37,899 $50,190

Explore more communities

FAQs about Marlinton demographics 

What is the total population of Marlinton?

Marlinton has a total population of 1,201 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 +14.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Marlinton?

The gender ratio in Marlinton is as follows:
  • 51.3% males (616 residents)
  • 48.7% females (585 residents)

What is the median age in Marlinton?

The median age in Marlinton is 42.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Marlinton?

The age distribution in Marlinton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.1% (121 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 22.6% (272 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.2% (218 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (296 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.5% (294 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Marlinton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Marlinton is as follows:
  • White: 89.8% (1,078 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.1% (13 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 5.8% (69 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (7 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.8% (34 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97% of the population in Marlinton.

How many housing units are there in Marlinton?

There are 653 housing units in Marlinton, reflecting a +17.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Marlinton has a total of 500 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Marlinton?

Marlinton has a median household income of $37,273, representing a -12.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 78.1% in Marlinton, with a workforce of 429 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.7% (316 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.3% (113 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.8% (68 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.8% (231 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24% (103 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (27 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