Parsons, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,448
-2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$40,547/yr
-8.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
693
4.8% year-over-year change

Parsons population

How many people live in Parsons

Parsons is home to 1,448 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Parsons locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
1,448
-2.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
718
Female
50.4%
730
Value Percent YoY change
Male 718 49.6% -5.9%
Female 730 50.4% 1.7%
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 Parsons is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.5% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.2% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.5%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
24.2%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
24.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 254 17.5% 3.2%
15 to 24 142 9.8% 36.5%
25 to 44 351 24.2% -2.8%
45 to 64 352 24.3% -15.8%
Over 65 349 24.1% -0.8%
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 Parsons, 99.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 7.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,444 99.7% -2.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4 0.3% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
92.2%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.6%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 1,335 92.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0.1%
Two or more races 110 7.6%
Other 1 0.1%

Households in Parsons

A peek inside Parsons households

Parsons has 561 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 51.3% are families, while the remaining 48.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
561
-0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
273
Family households
288
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 273 48.7% 8.8%
Family households 288 51.3% -8.0%
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 Parsons

The housing landscape of Parsons

Parsons's housing consists of 693 units, with 67.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% 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 15% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
693
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 470 67.8%
1 unit, attached 36 5.2%
2 units 10 1.4%
3 or 4 units 11 1.6%
5 to 9 units 6 0.9%
10 to 19 units 31 4.5%
20 to 49 units 25 3.6%
Mobile home 104 15%
Homes built since 2020
4
-20.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Parsons

In Parsons, the median construction year is 1970. About 23.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 160 23.1% -5.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 76 11% 26.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 81 11.7% 107.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 31 4.5% -45.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 88 12.7% -7.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 117 16.9% 0.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 80 11.5% 31.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 29 4.2% 26.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 27 3.9% -22.9%
Built in 2020 or later 4 0.6% -20.0%
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.

Parsons occupancy rates

Out of the 561 occupied housing units in Parsons, 68.1% are owner-occupied, while 31.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
561
-0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
179
Owner occupied
382
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 179 31.9% 15.5%
Owner occupied 382 68.1% -6.6%
Unoccupied housing units
19.0%
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.

Parsons housing costs

Housing costs in Parsons come to a median of $576 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $650.

Median housing costs per month
$576/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 Parsons
$650/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 Parsons

Parsons education at a glance

About 56.9% of the population in Parsons went to high school, while 18.4% pursued college studies. Another 5.6% earned an associate degree and 4.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 107 9.2% 28.9%
High school diploma 660 56.9% -4.6%
College diploma 213 18.4% 15.1%
Associate degree 65 5.6% 14.0%
Bachelor's degree 53 4.6% -43.6%
Graduate degree 62 5.3% -25.3%
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 Parsons

How much people earn in Parsons

The average annual household income in Parsons was $53,965 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -10.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $40,547, reflecting a -8.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Parsons
$53,965/year
-10.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Parsons
$40,547/year
-8.6% year-over-year change

Parsons income by age

In Parsons, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $47,604. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,750 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $22,283 in earnings. Overall, 77.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,250 N/A
25 - 44 $47,604 -14.7%
45 - 64 $63,750 16.4%
Over 65 $22,283 -23.0%
Above poverty level
1,073
Below poverty level
312
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,073 77.5% -5.6%
Below poverty level 312 22.5% 8.3%

Average renter income in Parsons

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Parsons, their median household income was $20,990 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$20,990
Rent-to-income ratio
37.2%
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 Parsons

Workforce and job types in Parsons

The job market in Parsons is powered by 484 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 62% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.9% run their own businesses, 56% are employed by private companies, and 20.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
484
-5.3% year-over-year change
White collar
300
Blue collar
184
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 300 62% -12.0%
Blue collar 184 38% 8.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.9%
Private companies
56%
Governmental workers
20.2%
Not for profit companies
13.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 48 9.9% 17.1%
Private companies 271 56% -1.8%
Governmental workers 98 20.2% -26.3%
Not for profit companies 67 13.8% 9.8%
Unemployment rate
15.2%
4.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Parsons stands at 15.2%, 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 Parsons

How people get around in Parsons

Commuting methods vary: 84.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.1% 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 397 84.6% -11.0%
Walk 24 5.1% 140.0%
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 Parsons by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
26287 3,034 1,192 $51,855 $67,347

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FAQs about Parsons demographics 

What is the total population of Parsons?

Parsons has a total population of 1,448 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 -2.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Parsons?

The gender ratio in Parsons is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (718 residents)
  • 50.4% females (730 residents)

What is the median age in Parsons?

The median age in Parsons is 43.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Parsons?

The age distribution in Parsons is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.5% (254 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (142 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.2% (351 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (352 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.1% (349 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Parsons?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Parsons is as follows:
  • White: 92.2% (1,335 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.6% (110 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (1 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.7% of the population in Parsons.

How many housing units are there in Parsons?

There are 693 housing units in Parsons, reflecting a +4.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Parsons has a total of 561 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Parsons?

Parsons has a median household income of $40,547, representing a -8.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 84.8% in Parsons, with a workforce of 484 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 62% (300 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38% (184 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.9% (48 residents)
  • Private companies: 56% (271 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.2% (98 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.8% (67 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