Shanks, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
425
-17.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$25,139/yr
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
371
-9.9% year-over-year change

Shanks population

How many people live in Shanks

Shanks is home to 425 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 65.9% of Shanks locals are male, and 34.1% are female.

Total population
425
-17.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
65.9%
280
Female
34.1%
145
Value Percent YoY change
Male 280 65.9% -15.9%
Female 145 34.1% -19.4%
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

Finally, around 91.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
70.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
0%
15 to 24
0%
25 to 44
0%
45 to 64
8.2%
Over 65
91.8%
Value Percent YoY change
45 to 64 35 8.2% -70.6%
Over 65 390 91.8% -1.0%
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

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 425 100% -17.1%
Racial breakdown
White
98.4%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 418 98.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 7 1.6%

Households in Shanks

A peek inside Shanks households

Shanks has 305 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 26.9% are families, while the remaining 73.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
305
-7.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
223
Family households
82
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 223 73.1% -0.5%
Family households 82 26.9% -22.6%
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 Shanks

The housing landscape of Shanks

Shanks's housing consists of 371 units, with 77.1% 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 22.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
371
-9.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 286 77.1%
Mobile home 85 22.9%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shanks

In Shanks, the median construction year is 1977. 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 59 15.9% -16.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 46 12.4% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 120 32.4% -22.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 109 29.4% -4.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 12 3.2% 9.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 25 6.7% 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.

Shanks occupancy rates

Out of the 305 occupied housing units in Shanks, 75.7% are owner-occupied, while 24.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
305
-7.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
74
Owner occupied
231
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 74 24.3% 1.4%
Owner occupied 231 75.7% -10.1%
Unoccupied housing units
17.8%
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.

Shanks housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$405/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.

Education in Shanks

Shanks education at a glance

About 36.9% of the population in Shanks went to high school, while 6.4% pursued college studies. Another 25.9% earned an associate degree and 12.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 18 4.2% 20.0%
High school diploma 157 36.9% -35.4%
College diploma 27 6.4% 17.4%
Associate degree 110 25.9% -9.1%
Bachelor's degree 52 12.2% -18.8%
Graduate degree 61 14.4% 29.8%
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 Shanks

How much people earn in Shanks

The average annual household income in Shanks was $38,991 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $25,139, reflecting a -0.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shanks
$38,991/year
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shanks
$25,139/year
-0.9% year-over-year change

Shanks income by age

Overall, 90.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Over 65 $25,159 -0.0%
Above poverty level
386
Below poverty level
39
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 386 90.8% -19.4%
Below poverty level 39 9.2% 14.7%

Employment in Shanks

Workforce and job types in Shanks

Also, 58% run their own businesses, 13.6% are employed by private companies, and 13.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
81
Blue collar
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 81 100% -1.2%
Employer type
Self employees
58%
Private companies
13.6%
Governmental workers
13.6%
Not for profit companies
14.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 47 58% -6.0%
Private companies 11 13.6% -75.0%
Governmental workers 11 13.6% 10.0%
Not for profit companies 12 14.8% 20.0%

Transportation in Shanks

How people get around in Shanks

In Shanks, the average commute time is 48 minutes.

Commute time
48 min
118.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 30 100% -57.1%
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 Shanks by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
26761 425 305 $25,139 $38,991

Explore more communities

FAQs about Shanks demographics 

What is the total population of Shanks?

Shanks has a total population of 425 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 -17.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shanks?

The gender ratio in Shanks is as follows:
  • 65.9% males (280 residents)
  • 34.1% females (145 residents)

What is the median age in Shanks?

The median age in Shanks is 70.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shanks?

The age distribution in Shanks is as follows:
  • Under 15: 0% ( residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 0% ( residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 0% ( residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 8.2% (35 residents)
  • Over 65: 91.8% (390 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shanks?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shanks is as follows:
  • White: 98.4% (418 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.6% (7 residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0% ( residents)
  • Other: 0% ( residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Shanks.

How many housing units are there in Shanks?

There are 371 housing units in Shanks, reflecting a -9.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Shanks has a total of 305 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shanks?

Shanks has a median household income of $25,139, representing a -0.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Shanks?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 100% (81 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 0% ( residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 58% (47 residents)
  • Private companies: 13.6% (11 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.6% (11 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.8% (12 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