Tucker County, WV: borrowing basics and county figures

Who lives in Tucker County

The latest five-year Census estimate puts Tucker County's population at 6,654; only 51 of West Virginia's 55 county-level areas are larger. Tucker County spans 419 square miles; with 6,654 people, that is 15.9 per square mile. It sits outside every metropolitan statistical area in the July 2023 OMB delineation. Largest place: Parsons, about 1,448 residents (22% of Tucker County); 6 Census places in all. Small populations mean wide margins of error, so read every Tucker County figure on this page as a rough guide.

What stands out in Tucker County

Out of every West Virginia county, Tucker County is most unusual on these measures.

• Tucker County ranks the highest of 55 West Virginia counties for median age: 51.3, against 42.7 statewide. Retirement income counts when documented; favor loans with no prepayment penalty.
• The housing vacancy rate: 39% in Tucker County. Only 1 of 55 West Virginia counties are higher. Many empty units can point to seasonal housing.
• Households without a vehicle: 12.1% in Tucker County. Only 2 of 55 West Virginia counties are higher. Without a car, transit and ride costs belong in the budget before any payment.

Where Tucker County households live

$656 a month is the median gross rent in Tucker County, 25% below the state. 48% of renting households spend 30% or more of income on rent, and 19% spend half or more. Tucker County homes are worth $154,800 at the median, a 2.9-to-1 ratio to income. Homeowners 81%, renters 19%.

At a $154,800 median value, many Tucker County owners hold equity. Using it lowers cost only if you can carry the risk (equity vs. unsecured).

How much Tucker County households make

$53,358 is the median household income for Tucker County, set against $59,608 for West Virginia. Only 31 West Virginia counties post a higher median.

The spread is wide: 25% of Tucker County households make $100,000 or more, and 31% make less than $35,000. The poverty rate is 15.3%, 1 point lower than the state's 16.7%. Gini index for Tucker County: 0.465. A household earning below the $53,358 median should test any payment carefully; one earning above it should still pick the shortest term it can manage.

Labor force snapshot: Tucker County

Top Tucker County industry by residents employed: education and health care, 28%; second, construction, 11%. Compared with West Virginia, the county leans toward construction (11% against 7%). The survey's unemployment rate for Tucker County averages 6.1% over 2020 to 2024 (state: 5.4%). Commutes of 45 minutes-plus: 23%; under 15 minutes: 30%. 12.1% of households have no vehicle.

Self-employed in Tucker County? Two years of tax returns usually stand in for pay stubs.

The counties around Tucker County

The six counties whose centers lie closest to Tucker County's, from 20 to 32 miles away. Richest neighbor: Pendleton County, $64,931. Poorest: Barbour County, $51,394. Tucker County: $53,358.

Places inside Tucker County

6 Census places fall mainly inside Tucker County; the 6 biggest are below. They account for 3,430 residents, leaving about 48% of the county in unincorporated, unnamed areas. Thomas has the highest median household income on the list ($56,042) and Parsons the lowest ($40,547), counting places with at least 500 residents. Median rent ranges from $550 in Davis to $792 in Thomas. Parsons and every other Tucker County community use this county guide.

Tucker County demographics against West Virginia

College graduates make up 24% of the adult population. 5.3% of residents have no health coverage.

A Tucker County household budget, worked through

Lenders compare monthly debt payments with gross monthly income, the debt-to-income ratio. For a Tucker County household at the medians it works out like this; treat it as an illustration only.

• $53,358 a year is $4,446 of gross monthly income
• Rent at the median, $656, takes 15% of that
• 36% debt-to-income limit: $945 left for all other debt payments
• 43% debt-to-income limit: $1,256 left for all other debt payments

Homeowners in Tucker County should swap in their mortgage, taxes and insurance for rent.

Before borrowing in Tucker County

The county's numbers point to a few situations that come up often for Tucker County borrowers.

• Commuter costs. 23% drive 45 minutes or more. Compare shop financing with a loan, and keep a small repair fund.
• Older households. A 51.3 median age means fixed-income borrowing is common; a fixed payment and short term limit risk.
• Rent at $656. With 48% burdened, a short term and small amount keep risk down.

Lender oversight for Tucker County

The West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions is the place to verify any lender's West Virginia license. If a Tucker County lender ignores a dispute, the CFPB complaint portal is the federal backstop. The West Virginia page has statewide figures to set beside Tucker County's.

A Tucker County borrower's checklist

A short checklist for Tucker County borrowers:

• Know the exact dollar figure you need before talking to a lender.
• Compare the total repaid on every offer, not just the payment.
• Look the lender up with the state regulator first.
• Pick the shortest term whose payment still fits.

Nearby and statewide guides

For statewide rules and data, see the West Virginia guide.

• West Virginia state guide