Sophia, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,528
-7.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$36,080/yr
4.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
753
-4.4% year-over-year change

Sophia population

How many people live in Sophia

Sophia is home to 1,528 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.3% of Sophia locals are male, and 53.7% are female.

Total population
1,528
-7.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.3%
707
Female
53.7%
821
Value Percent YoY change
Male 707 46.3% -13.9%
Female 821 53.7% -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 Sophia is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.5% are children under 15, then 19% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17% of the population, while another 31.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.5%
15 to 24
19%
25 to 44
17%
45 to 64
31.4%
Over 65
20.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 191 12.5% -25.4%
15 to 24 290 19% 21.3%
25 to 44 260 17% -14.5%
45 to 64 480 31.4% -2.4%
Over 65 307 20.1% -15.4%
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

At the same time, 6.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91% of locals are Caucasian, 8.7% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,431 93.6% -11.1%
Non-citizens 97 6.4% 120.5%
Racial breakdown
White
91%
Black or African American
8.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,391 91%
Black or African American 133 8.7%
Asian 4 0.3%

Households in Sophia

A peek inside Sophia households

Sophia has 695 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 71.2% are families, while the remaining 28.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
695
-2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
200
Family households
495
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 200 28.8% -7.0%
Family households 495 71.2% -1.0%
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 Sophia

The housing landscape of Sophia

Sophia's housing consists of 753 units, with 83.4% 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 2.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
753
-4.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 628 83.4%
3 or 4 units 35 4.6%
5 to 9 units 38 5%
20 to 49 units 13 1.7%
50 or more units 23 3%
Mobile home 16 2.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sophia

In Sophia, the median construction year is 1973. About 5.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 23.8% 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 42 5.6% -58.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 179 23.8% 46.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 61 8.1% -59.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 42 5.6% 75.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 199 26.4% 3.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 55 7.3% 19.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 47 6.2% 30.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 115 15.3% 6.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 13 1.7% 44.4%
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.

Sophia occupancy rates

Out of the 695 occupied housing units in Sophia, 58.1% are owner-occupied, while 41.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
695
-2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
291
Owner occupied
404
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 291 41.9% 12.4%
Owner occupied 404 58.1% -11.4%
Unoccupied housing units
7.7%
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.

Sophia housing costs

Housing costs in Sophia come to a median of $792 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $870.

Median housing costs per month
$792/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 Sophia
$870/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 Sophia

Sophia education at a glance

About 52.1% of the population in Sophia went to high school, while 27.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 4.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 78 6% 4.0%
High school diploma 677 52.1% -1.2%
College diploma 361 27.8% -12.8%
Associate degree 115 8.8% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 58 4.5% -19.4%
Graduate degree 11 0.8% -52.2%
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 Sophia

How much people earn in Sophia

The average annual household income in Sophia was $74,858 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $36,080, reflecting a +4.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sophia
$74,858/year
5.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sophia
$36,080/year
4.6% year-over-year change

Sophia income by age

Overall, 62% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Over 65 $35,549 30.0%
Above poverty level
942
Below poverty level
578
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 942 62% -21.4%
Below poverty level 578 38% 40.0%

Average renter income in Sophia

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sophia, their median household income was $32,712 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,712
Rent-to-income ratio
31.9%
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 Sophia

Workforce and job types in Sophia

The job market in Sophia is powered by 510 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.2% run their own businesses, 79.4% are employed by private companies, and 9.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
510
-3.0% year-over-year change
White collar
382
Blue collar
128
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 382 74.9% 7.3%
Blue collar 128 25.1% -24.7%
Employer type
Self employees
9.2%
Private companies
79.4%
Governmental workers
9.8%
Not for profit companies
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 47 9.2% 56.7%
Private companies 405 79.4% -14.6%
Governmental workers 50 9.8% 233.3%
Not for profit companies 8 1.6% 14.3%
Unemployment rate
12.4%
10.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sophia stands at 12.4%, 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 Sophia

How people get around in Sophia

In Sophia, the average commute time is 27 minutes.

Commute time
27 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 459 91.4% -4.0%
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 Sophia by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
25921 1,989 897 $35,451 $64,733

Explore more communities

FAQs about Sophia demographics 

What is the total population of Sophia?

Sophia has a total population of 1,528 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 -7.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sophia?

The gender ratio in Sophia is as follows:
  • 46.3% males (707 residents)
  • 53.7% females (821 residents)

What is the median age in Sophia?

The median age in Sophia is 45.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sophia?

The age distribution in Sophia is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.5% (191 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 19% (290 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17% (260 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.4% (480 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.1% (307 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sophia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sophia is as follows:
  • White: 91% (1,391 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.7% (133 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0% (0 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.6% of the population in Sophia.

How many housing units are there in Sophia?

There are 753 housing units in Sophia, reflecting a -4.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sophia has a total of 695 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sophia?

Sophia has a median household income of $36,080, representing a +4.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 87.6% in Sophia, with a workforce of 510 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.9% (382 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.1% (128 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.2% (47 residents)
  • Private companies: 79.4% (405 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.8% (50 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.6% (8 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