Shepherdstown, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,460
4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,750/yr
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
337
-3.7% year-over-year change

Shepherdstown population

How many people live in Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown is home to 1,460 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.6% of Shepherdstown locals are male, and 54.4% are female.

Total population
1,460
4.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.6%
666
Female
54.4%
794
Value Percent YoY change
Male 666 45.6% 12.1%
Female 794 54.4% -1.4%
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

The median age in Shepherdstown is 22, with the population distributed as follows: about 4.6% are children under 15, then 60.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 11.6% of the population, while another 9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
21.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
4.6%
15 to 24
60.2%
25 to 44
11.6%
45 to 64
9%
Over 65
14.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 67 4.6% 8.1%
15 to 24 879 60.2% -0.5%
25 to 44 170 11.6% -6.1%
45 to 64 132 9% 29.4%
Over 65 212 14.5% 24.0%
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

In Shepherdstown, 91% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 82.6% of locals are Caucasian, 12.4% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 1.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.8%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,329 91% 6.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 99 6.8% -1.0%
Non-citizens 32 2.2% -34.7%
Racial breakdown
White
82.6%
Black or African American
12.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.4%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 1,206 82.6%
Black or African American 181 12.4%
Asian 9 0.6%
Two or more races 20 1.4%
Other 44 3%

Households in Shepherdstown

A peek inside Shepherdstown households

Shepherdstown has 313 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.8% are families, while the remaining 50.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
313
5.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
157
Family households
156
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 157 50.2% -16.0%
Family households 156 49.8% 40.5%
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 Shepherdstown

The housing landscape of Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown's housing consists of 337 units, with 55.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 21.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
337
-3.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 186 55.2%
1 unit, attached 71 21.1%
2 units 16 4.8%
3 or 4 units 9 2.7%
5 to 9 units 23 6.8%
10 to 19 units 21 6.2%
50 or more units 11 3.3%
Homes built since 2020
19
533.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shepherdstown

In Shepherdstown, the median construction year is 1965. About 46.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 158 46.9% -23.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1 0.3% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 21 6.2% -4.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 25 7.4% -3.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 19 5.6% 72.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 26 7.7% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 37 11% 19.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 31 9.2% 34.8%
Built in 2020 or later 19 5.6% 533.3%
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.

Shepherdstown occupancy rates

Out of the 313 occupied housing units in Shepherdstown, 73.2% are owner-occupied, while 26.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
313
5.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
84
Owner occupied
229
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 84 26.8% -23.6%
Owner occupied 229 73.2% 21.8%
Unoccupied housing units
7.1%
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.

Shepherdstown housing costs

Housing costs in Shepherdstown come to a median of $1,104 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,201.

Median housing costs per month
$1,104/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 Shepherdstown
$1,201/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 Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown education at a glance

About 6.2% of the population in Shepherdstown went to high school, while 64.2% pursued college studies. Another 1.6% earned an associate degree and 13.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 85 6.2% 46.5%
College diploma 881 64.2% 3.2%
Associate degree 22 1.6% -61.4%
Bachelor's degree 188 13.7% 18.2%
Graduate degree 196 14.3% 3.2%
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 Shepherdstown

How much people earn in Shepherdstown

The average annual household income in Shepherdstown was $84,173 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -7.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,750, reflecting a +2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shepherdstown
$84,173/year
-7.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shepherdstown
$63,750/year
2.0% year-over-year change

Shepherdstown income by age

In Shepherdstown, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $99,659 overall. Overall, 93.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $61,250 2.2%
45 - 64 $99,659 2.6%
Over 65 $66,667 8.3%
Above poverty level
564
Below poverty level
37
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 564 93.8% 10.2%
Below poverty level 37 6.2% -13.9%

Average renter income in Shepherdstown

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Shepherdstown, their median household income was $48,309 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$48,309
Rent-to-income ratio
29.8%
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 Shepherdstown

Workforce and job types in Shepherdstown

The job market in Shepherdstown is powered by 649 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.7% run their own businesses, 57.9% are employed by private companies, and 26.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
649
-1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
552
Blue collar
97
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 552 85% -5.2%
Blue collar 97 15% 29.3%
Employer type
Self employees
11.7%
Private companies
57.9%
Governmental workers
26.4%
Not for profit companies
4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 76 11.7% -1.3%
Private companies 376 57.9% -5.0%
Governmental workers 171 26.4% 17.9%
Not for profit companies 26 4% -33.3%
Unemployment rate
11.9%
-12.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shepherdstown stands at 11.9%, 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 Shepherdstown

How people get around in Shepherdstown

Commuting methods vary: 51.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 27.4% 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 313 51.6% 7.6%
Bus or trolleybus 6 1% -33.3%
Walk 166 27.4% -13.1%
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 Shepherdstown by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
25443 7,496 2,674 $111,593 $145,968

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FAQs about Shepherdstown demographics 

What is the total population of Shepherdstown?

Shepherdstown has a total population of 1,460 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 +4.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shepherdstown?

The gender ratio in Shepherdstown is as follows:
  • 45.6% males (666 residents)
  • 54.4% females (794 residents)

What is the median age in Shepherdstown?

The median age in Shepherdstown is 21.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shepherdstown?

The age distribution in Shepherdstown is as follows:
  • Under 15: 4.6% (67 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 60.2% (879 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 11.6% (170 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 9% (132 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.5% (212 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shepherdstown?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shepherdstown is as follows:
  • White: 82.6% (1,206 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12.4% (181 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (9 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.4% (20 residents)
  • Other: 3% (44 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91% of the population in Shepherdstown.

How many housing units are there in Shepherdstown?

There are 337 housing units in Shepherdstown, reflecting a -3.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Shepherdstown has a total of 313 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shepherdstown?

Shepherdstown has a median household income of $63,750, representing a +2.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 88.1% in Shepherdstown, with a workforce of 649 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85% (552 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15% (97 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.7% (76 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.9% (376 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26.4% (171 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4% (26 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