West Union, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,039
10.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,417/yr
-13.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
449
2.5% year-over-year change

West Union population

How many people live in West Union

West Union is home to 1,039 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.6% of West Union locals are male, and 48.4% are female.

Total population
1,039
10.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.6%
536
Female
48.4%
503
Value Percent YoY change
Male 536 51.6% 14.8%
Female 503 48.4% 6.3%
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 West Union is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 9% are children under 15, then 20.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.3% of the population, while another 28.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
9%
15 to 24
20.6%
25 to 44
26.3%
45 to 64
28.2%
Over 65
16%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 93 9% -26.8%
15 to 24 214 20.6% 81.4%
25 to 44 273 26.3% 21.9%
45 to 64 293 28.2% 9.7%
Over 65 166 16% -18.6%
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 West Union, 97.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,013 97.5% 10.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10 1% -23.1%
Non-citizens 16 1.5% 14.3%
Racial breakdown
White
91.2%
Black or African American
5.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.1%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 948 91.2%
Black or African American 58 5.6%
Two or more races 32 3.1%
Other 1 0.1%

Households in West Union

A peek inside West Union households

West Union has 361 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.8% are families, while the remaining 28.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
361
7.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
102
Family households
259
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 102 28.2% 24.4%
Family households 259 71.8% 1.6%
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 West Union

The housing landscape of West Union

West Union's housing consists of 449 units, with 78% 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 7.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
449
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 350 78%
3 or 4 units 11 2.4%
5 to 9 units 37 8.2%
10 to 19 units 8 1.8%
20 to 49 units 10 2.2%
Mobile home 33 7.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Union

In West Union, the median construction year is 1941. About 48.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.4% 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 217 48.3% -2.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 60 13.4% 39.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 50 11.1% 56.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 9 2% -47.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 29 6.5% 3.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 15 3.3% -11.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 31 6.9% -39.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 35 7.8% 59.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3 0.7% -50.0%
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.

West Union occupancy rates

Out of the 361 occupied housing units in West Union, 80.3% are owner-occupied, while 19.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
361
7.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
71
Owner occupied
290
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 71 19.7% -2.7%
Owner occupied 290 80.3% 9.8%
Unoccupied housing units
19.6%
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.

West Union housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$526/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 West Union

West Union education at a glance

About 48.6% of the population in West Union went to high school, while 22% pursued college studies. Another 1.3% earned an associate degree and 12.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 61 6.8% 3.4%
High school diploma 436 48.6% 17.8%
College diploma 198 22% 20.0%
Associate degree 12 1.3% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 113 12.6% -3.4%
Graduate degree 78 8.7% 14.7%
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 West Union

How much people earn in West Union

The average annual household income in West Union was $105,898 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,417, reflecting a -13.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Union
$105,898/year
-3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Union
$60,417/year
-13.6% year-over-year change

West Union income by age

In West Union, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $98,125. Overall, 81.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $98,125 -13.3%
Over 65 $41,354 -5.5%
Above poverty level
843
Below poverty level
193
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 843 81.4% 3.8%
Below poverty level 193 18.6% 53.2%

Employment in West Union

Workforce and job types in West Union

The job market in West Union is powered by 538 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 53.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 46.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3% run their own businesses, 77% are employed by private companies, and 14.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
538
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
287
Blue collar
251
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 287 53.4% -4.3%
Blue collar 251 46.6% 7.7%
Employer type
Self employees
3%
Private companies
77%
Governmental workers
14.5%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 16 3% -15.8%
Private companies 414 77% 2.0%
Governmental workers 78 14.5% 0.0%
Not for profit companies 30 5.6% 0.0%
Unemployment rate
2.9%
100.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in West Union stands at 2.9%, 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 West Union

How people get around in West Union

Commuting methods vary: 82.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% 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 443 82.3% -2.4%
Walk 8 1.5% 0.0%
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 West Union by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
26456 2,998 1,132 $58,000 $80,933

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FAQs about West Union demographics 

What is the total population of West Union?

West Union has a total population of 1,039 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 +10.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Union?

The gender ratio in West Union is as follows:
  • 51.6% males (536 residents)
  • 48.4% females (503 residents)

What is the median age in West Union?

The median age in West Union is 41.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in West Union?

The age distribution in West Union is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9% (93 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 20.6% (214 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.3% (273 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.2% (293 residents)
  • Over 65: 16% (166 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Union?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Union is as follows:
  • White: 91.2% (948 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.6% (58 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: 3.1% (32 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (1 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.5% of the population in West Union.

How many housing units are there in West Union?

There are 449 housing units in West Union, reflecting a +2.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

West Union has a total of 361 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Union?

West Union has a median household income of $60,417, representing a -13.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for West Union?

The employment rate is 97.1% in West Union, with a workforce of 538 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 53.4% (287 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 46.6% (251 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3% (16 residents)
  • Private companies: 77% (414 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.5% (78 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (30 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