Wyoming County households have a median income of $48,440 and median rent of $650 a month (ACS 2020 to 2024). Whatever your own numbers, compare written offers on APR, fees and total cost, and verify the lender is licensed in West Virginia before sharing details.
On this page
- Wyoming County at a glance
- Paychecks and income spread in Wyoming County
- What it costs to live in Wyoming County
- Jobs and commutes in Wyoming County
- Cities, towns and CDPs in Wyoming County
- How Wyoming County compares with nearby counties
- Wyoming County residents: age, schooling, coverage
- Borrowing situations common in Wyoming County
- A Wyoming County household budget, worked through
- Checking a lender's license in West Virginia
- Before you sign
- Nearby and statewide guides
- Frequently asked questions
Wyoming County at a glance
With an estimated 20,629 residents (ACS 2020 to 2024), Wyoming County ranks 30th of 55 in West Virginia for population. Spread over 499 square miles, that works out to roughly 41.3 residents per square mile. It sits outside every metropolitan statistical area in the July 2023 OMB delineation. Of the 12 Census places inside Wyoming County, Mullens leads by population with about 2,034; 3 of the 12 are incorporated.
Paychecks and income spread in Wyoming County
Half of Wyoming County households take in less than $48,440 a year and half take in more, 19% below the West Virginia median of $59,608. In the state ranking that is 44th of 55.
| Household income | Wyoming County | vs West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 36.6% | +6.2 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 45.6% | +3.2 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 16.4% | -5.0 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 1.5% | -4.4 pts |
About 37% of households earn under $35,000, while 18% clear $100,000. 22.6% of residents fall below the federal poverty line (statewide: 16.7%). Income from any regular source can count, including Social Security, pensions and disability benefits, as long as you can document it.
What it costs to live in Wyoming County
A typical Wyoming County rental runs $650 a month including utilities, which is 25% below West Virginia. By the Census definition, 54% of Wyoming County renters are cost-burdened. Home values center on $82,900, or 1.7 years of median income. 82% of Wyoming County households own their home and 18% rent. The median home was built in 1974, so roofs, wiring and heating systems are a common source of repair bills.
| Measure | Wyoming County | West Virginia | Median U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $650/mo | $872/mo | $877/mo |
| Median home value | $82,900 | $162,600 | $185,300 |
| Owners | 82% | 75% | 75% |
| Rent-burdened renters | 54% | 49% | 45% |
| Burdened owners | 27% | 20% | n/a |
| Vacant units | 19% | 15% | n/a |
Owners with equity have a second option. Weigh a secured line against an unsecured loan by risk as well as cost before you choose (how they compare). Rent pressure is real here, so run any payment through the debt-to-income calculator before you apply.
Jobs and commutes in Wyoming County
By the Census industry count, 30% of employed Wyoming County residents work in education and health care and 13% in agriculture, forestry and mining. The sharpest difference from the state is in agriculture, forestry and mining, at 13% locally and 3% for West Virginia. Averaged over the five survey years, 5.7% of the labor force was out of work and looking. 30% of commuters travel 45 minutes or more each way, and 2% work from home. Only 6.8% of homes here go without a vehicle.
| Industry | Share of Wyoming County workers | vs West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 29.8% | +1.7 pts |
| Agriculture, forestry and mining | 12.5% | +9.4 pts |
| Retail trade | 12.1% | +0.1 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 10.3% | +2.2 pts |
| Construction | 9.4% | +2.8 pts |
| Public administration | 6.1% | -1.0 pts |
Where long drives are the norm, a car repair is one of the most common surprise bills. A small repair fund can keep a breakdown from turning into a loan.
Cities, towns and CDPs in Wyoming County
Here are the 12 most populous of the county's 12 Census places, with income and rent from the same 2020 to 2024 survey. About 35% of Wyoming County residents live in one of the 12. Incomes vary by place: $61,563 at the median in Mullens, $25,548 in Bud. Live in one of these Wyoming County communities, or between them? This is your local guide.
| Name | Kind | Pop. | Income | Rent | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullens | city | 2,034 | $61,563 | n/a | 9 mi |
| Oceana | town | 1,203 | $32,875 | $884 | 8 mi |
| Corinne | CDP | 809 | n/a | n/a | 10 mi |
| Kopperston | CDP | 706 | n/a | n/a | 10 mi |
| Bud | CDP | 644 | $25,548 | n/a | 11 mi |
| Matheny | CDP | 586 | n/a | n/a | 5 mi |
| Pineville | town | 468 | $56,528 | n/a | 1 mi |
| Glen Fork | CDP | 411 | n/a | n/a | 7 mi |
| Covel | CDP | 90 | n/a | n/a | 15 mi |
| Itmann | CDP | 80 | $61,875 | n/a | 8 mi |
| Brenton | CDP | 71 | n/a | n/a | 5 mi |
| New Richmond | CDP | 23 | n/a | n/a | 4 mi |
CDP: census-designated place, an unincorporated community mapped for statistics.
How Wyoming County compares with nearby counties
The six counties whose centers lie closest to Wyoming County's, from 16 to 33 miles away. Boone County leads the group on income ($57,093), McDowell County trails ($31,559), and Wyoming County out-earns 2 of the six. Some neighbors are in Virginia. Lender licensing is state by state, so a loan for a Wyoming County resident follows West Virginia rules.
| Adjacent area | How far | HH income (median) | Rent (median) | Owner share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming County | - | $48,440 | $650/mo | 82% |
| McDowell County, WV | 16 mi | $31,559 | $643/mo | 77% |
| Raleigh County, WV | 19 mi | $52,150 | $902/mo | 75% |
| Logan County, WV | 27 mi | $49,723 | $710/mo | 77% |
| Mercer County, WV | 28 mi | $53,210 | $810/mo | 73% |
| Boone County, WV | 30 mi | $57,093 | $837/mo | 81% |
| Tazewell County, VA | 33 mi | $47,313 | $795/mo | 74% |
Wyoming County residents: age, schooling, coverage
College graduates make up 13% of the adult population. 7.0% of residents have no health coverage.
| Residents | Wyoming County | West Virginia | Middle U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 45.5 | 42.7 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's or higher | 13.1% | 24.1% | 22.2% |
| No high school diploma | 22.1% | 10.7% | n/a |
| No health insurance | 7.0% | 6.0% | 7.8% |
| No vehicle | 6.8% | 8.0% | 5.4% |
| Work from home | 2.4% | 9.1% | 8.7% |
| Poverty rate | 22.6% | 16.7% | 13.2% |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 5.7% | 5.4% | 4.4% |
| Commute length | Wyoming County |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 27.0% |
| 15 to 29 min | 26.1% |
| 30 to 44 min | 17.1% |
| 45 to 59 min | 14.1% |
| 60+ min | 15.6% |
Borrowing situations common in Wyoming County
Where the Wyoming County numbers stand out, and why it matters for a loan:
- Vehicle repairs. 30% of Wyoming County workers commute 45+ minutes, so a breakdown can cost a paycheck. Get two written estimates.
- Manufactured homes. 25% of Wyoming County housing units are mobile homes, and their repairs are often paid with unsecured loans. Get the quote in writing.
- Fixed incomes. Wyoming County's median age is 45.5. Social Security and pensions count as income when documented.
- 23% below poverty. Emergency aid, payment plans and counseling (list) come first.
A Wyoming County household budget, worked through
Lenders compare monthly debt payments with gross monthly income, the debt-to-income ratio. For a Wyoming County household at the medians it works out like this; treat it as an illustration only.
- $48,440 a year is $4,037 of gross monthly income
- Housing at the median rent of $650 uses 16%
- With a 36% ceiling, about $803 remains for car, card, student and any new loan payments
Subtract what you already pay on other debts. A new payment should fit in what remains, with some to spare.
Checking a lender's license in West Virginia
Before sharing details with a lender, a Wyoming County resident can confirm its license with the West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions. Problems with a lender can also go to the CFPB. See the West Virginia state guide for the statewide picture.
Before you sign
Quick steps for Wyoming County:
- Know the exact dollar figure you need before talking to a lender.
- Line up offers side by side: APR, fees in dollars, total cost.
- Check the license, then the reviews, then the offer.
- Ask a Wyoming County credit union about member loans.
Nearby and statewide guides
For statewide rules and data, see the West Virginia guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much do households in Wyoming County earn?
The median is $48,440; 18% earn $100,000 or more and 37% under $35,000. A lender uses your own documented income, not this figure.
How much is rent in Wyoming County?
Median gross rent, utilities included, is $650 a month; 54% of renters spend 30% or more of income on it.
Should Wyoming County homeowners use home equity instead?
Maybe, but weigh the risk: 82% of Wyoming County homes are owner-occupied, and a home-equity loan or line is secured by the house while a personal loan usually is not.
What are the biggest places in Wyoming County?
By population: Mullens, Oceana, Corinne, Kopperston, Bud. The county has 12 Census places in all.
Can Wyoming County residents use the questionnaire?
Yes. It asks the same questions in every West Virginia county, lists every requirement up front and does not affect your credit score.