Matewan, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
505
-3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$16,105/yr
4.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
365
4.6% year-over-year change

Matewan population

How many people live in Matewan

Matewan is home to 505 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Matewan locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
505
-3.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
254
Female
49.7%
251
Value Percent YoY change
Male 254 50.3% 2.4%
Female 251 49.7% -8.1%
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 Matewan is 51, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.9% are children under 15, then 3.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.4% of the population, while another 34.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 30.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
50.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.9%
15 to 24
3.2%
25 to 44
17.4%
45 to 64
34.6%
Over 65
30.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 70 13.9% -4.1%
15 to 24 16 3.2% -52.9%
25 to 44 88 17.4% 23.9%
45 to 64 175 34.6% -12.1%
Over 65 156 30.9% 8.3%
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 Matewan, 97.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 1.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 491 97.2% -1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 14 2.8% -36.4%
Racial breakdown
White
87.5%
Black or African American
8.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.4%
Other
2.8%
Value Percent
White 442 87.5%
Black or African American 42 8.3%
Two or more races 7 1.4%
Other 14 2.8%

Households in Matewan

A peek inside Matewan households

Matewan has 276 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.1% are families, while the remaining 52.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
276
4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
146
Family households
130
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 146 52.9% 5.0%
Family households 130 47.1% 3.2%
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 Matewan

The housing landscape of Matewan

Matewan's housing consists of 365 units, with 43.3% 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 18.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
365
4.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 158 43.3%
2 units 4 1.1%
3 or 4 units 4 1.1%
5 to 9 units 7 1.9%
10 to 19 units 3 0.8%
50 or more units 123 33.7%
Mobile home 66 18.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Matewan

In Matewan, the median construction year is 1984. About 2.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.5% 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 10 2.7% 42.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 20 5.5% -13.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3 0.8% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 11 3% -62.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 90 24.7% 9.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 130 35.6% -7.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 61 16.7% 52.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 40 11% 66.7%
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.

Matewan occupancy rates

Out of the 276 occupied housing units in Matewan, 49.6% are owner-occupied, while 50.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 24.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
276
4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
139
Owner occupied
137
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 139 50.4% 0.0%
Owner occupied 137 49.6% 8.7%
Unoccupied housing units
24.4%
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.

Matewan housing costs

Housing costs in Matewan come to a median of $400 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $355.

Median housing costs per month
$400/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 Matewan
$355/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 Matewan

Matewan education at a glance

About 76.1% of the population in Matewan went to high school, while 13% pursued college studies. Another 0.7% earned an associate degree and 3.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 25 5.8% 38.9%
High school diploma 328 76.1% -9.6%
College diploma 56 13% 64.7%
Associate degree 3 0.7% N/A
Bachelor's degree 17 3.9% -15.0%
Graduate degree 2 0.5% 0.0%
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 Matewan

How much people earn in Matewan

The average annual household income in Matewan was $31,415 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +23.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $16,105, reflecting a +4.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Matewan
$31,415/year
23.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Matewan
$16,105/year
4.7% year-over-year change

Matewan income by age

In Matewan, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $43,021. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $14,348 overall. Overall, 58.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $43,021 5.1%
45 - 64 $14,348 -5.1%
Above poverty level
296
Below poverty level
209
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 296 58.6% 1.7%
Below poverty level 209 41.4% -9.1%

Average renter income in Matewan

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Matewan, their median household income was $16,838 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$16,838
Rent-to-income ratio
25.3%
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 Matewan

Workforce and job types in Matewan

The job market in Matewan is powered by 85 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
85
-15.8% year-over-year change
White collar
72
Blue collar
13
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 72 84.7% -20.9%
Blue collar 13 15.3% 30.0%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
85.9%
Governmental workers
8.2%
Not for profit companies
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 73 85.9% 4.3%
Governmental workers 7 8.2% -75.0%
Not for profit companies 5 5.9% 66.7%
Unemployment rate
22.0%
-41.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Matewan stands at 22%, 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 Matewan

How people get around in Matewan

In Matewan, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 22.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 66 77.6% -5.7%
Walk 19 22.4% -38.7%
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 Matewan by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
25678 1,336 612 $36,486 $45,370

Explore more communities

FAQs about Matewan demographics 

What is the total population of Matewan?

Matewan has a total population of 505 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 -3.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Matewan?

The gender ratio in Matewan is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (254 residents)
  • 49.7% females (251 residents)

What is the median age in Matewan?

The median age in Matewan is 50.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Matewan?

The age distribution in Matewan is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.9% (70 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 3.2% (16 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.4% (88 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 34.6% (175 residents)
  • Over 65: 30.9% (156 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Matewan?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Matewan is as follows:
  • White: 87.5% (442 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.3% (42 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.4% (7 residents)
  • Other: 2.8% (14 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.2% of the population in Matewan.

How many housing units are there in Matewan?

There are 365 housing units in Matewan, reflecting a +4.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Matewan has a total of 276 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Matewan?

Matewan has a median household income of $16,105, representing a +4.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 78% in Matewan, with a workforce of 85 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.7% (72 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.3% (13 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 85.9% (73 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.2% (7 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.9% (5 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