City profile · West Virginia · Census ACS 2023

Marlinton, WV

Population, income, housing, safety, climate and schools for Marlinton - drawn straight from Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA, NCES, HUD and FEMA, refreshed on the 2024–2025 release cycle.

1,050
Residents
$42,386
Median income
$90,500
Median home
$869
Median rent (state)

Marlinton - the verdict

Measured against every US city with at least 1,000 residents, Marlinton lands in the 10th percentile for household income. Source: Census ACS.

10th
percentile, household income
6th
percentile, home value
2nd
percentile, median rent
📝 How we sourced this

Population, income, and housing-cost figures come from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates (B-series tables). Crime data uses FBI UCR; climate uses NOAA Climate Normals; school counts come from NCES Common Core of Data; permits use the Census Building Permits Survey (BPS). See our methodology page for the full ETL pipeline and OMB / FIPS join keys.

Data Snapshot: Marlinton, WV

West Virginia's Marlinton is a small town, with 1,050 residents per the latest Census Bureau ACS figures. The typical household in Marlinton brings in $42,386 a year, in the lower quartile of U.S. cities for household income, with a poverty rate of 12.3%. Typical homes in Marlinton are valued around $90,500, and the median resident age is 47.9 years. Educational attainment runs 21.2% of adults with a bachelor's degree or higher. Separately, 41.5% of working-age residents are in the labor force.

The Census Building Permit Survey recorded 5 residential units authorized here in 2024 (Building Boom), up 150% from five years earlier. NOAA puts Marlinton's yearly average temperature at 47.2°F with 44.9 inches of precipitation per year and 42.5 inches of snowfall.

Living costs in West Virginia run below the national norm: the state registers 89.5 on a 100-equals-national-average index (Well Below Average) per BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. HUD Fair Market Rent for a typical two-bedroom in this state is $869 per month. EIA 2023 residential energy data puts West Virginia's average monthly utility costs around $220 (state average). Natural-hazard exposure scores 27.5 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (Very Low).

Population

1,050 residents

Census ACS 2023 - West Virginia

Median Household Income

$42,386 /yr

Poverty 12.3%

Cost of Living Index (state)

89.5 (US=100)

Well Below Average - BEA RPP 2024, West Virginia average

How does Marlinton compare to other US cities?

Where Marlinton sits among all US cities (population 1,000+) on each measure, computed live from Census and FBI data.

Household income 10% higher than other cities
Home value 6% pricier than other cities
Median rent 2% pricier than other cities

"Safer than" reflects total crime rate from FBI UCR; the others use Census ACS estimates.

How we calculate these percentiles & ranks

Each percentile compares Marlinton against every qualifying US city; each in-state rank narrows that to West Virginia only. Full formula and direction notes: methodology.

West Virginia-relative analysis

Median Gross Rent places Marlinton near the bottom of West Virginia's cities

Among the 390 West Virginia cities PlainCities tracks with reported median gross rent data, Marlinton ranks #253 - the 0th percentile within the state. This is a different, narrower cut than the nationwide percentiles above: it compares Marlinton only against its own state's cities, not the full US field.

Median Household Income
#237 of 330
28th percentile in West Virginia
Median Gross Rent
#253 of 390
0th percentile in West Virginia
Median Home Value
#227 of 337
33rd percentile in West Virginia
Poverty Rate
#173 of 389
54th percentile in West Virginia
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
#125 of 390
68th percentile in West Virginia

Ranked by raw value (highest first); a higher rank is not automatically "better" for every measure, see each metric's own context above. This is a comparison within West Virginia only, not a livability score. See the methodology for the source and calculation.

10thIncome percentile

10th percentile nationally for median household income. Source: Census ACS 2023 / FBI UCR 2023.

How Marlinton's home value compares nationally

Median home value vs. every US city (population 1,000+)

$90,500 Among the most affordable more affordable than 94% of 15,600 US cities

$0–$25,000: 5 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $25,000–$50,000: 54 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $50,000–$75,000: 352 US cities (2%). Below this entry. $75,000–$100,000: 1,086 US cities (7%). This entry sits in this band. $100,000–$125,000: 1,516 US cities (10%). Above this entry. $125,000–$150,000: 1,170 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $150,000–$175,000: 1,278 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $175,000–$200,000: 1,229 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $200,000–$225,000: 1,035 US cities (7%). Above this entry. $225,000–$250,000: 976 US cities (6%). Above this entry. $250,000–$275,000: 754 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $275,000–$300,000: 712 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $300,000–$325,000: 521 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $325,000–$350,000: 526 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $350,000–$375,000: 465 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $375,000–$400,000: 393 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $400,000–$425,000: 317 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $425,000–$450,000: 300 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $450,000–$475,000: 307 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $475,000–$500,000: 250 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $500,000–$525,000: 160 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $525,000–$550,000: 156 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $550,000–$575,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $575,000–$600,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $600,000–$625,000: 163 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $625,000–$650,000: 167 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $650,000–$675,000: 135 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $675,000–$700,000: 101 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $700,000–$725,000: 95 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $725,000–$750,000: 71 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $750,000–$775,000: 65 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $775,000–$800,000: 70 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $800,000–$825,000: 57 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $825,000–$850,000: 67 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $850,000–$875,000: 60 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $875,000–$900,000: 58 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $900,000–$925,000: 47 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $925,000–$950,000: 37 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $950,000–$975,000: 31 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $975,000–$1,000,000: 470 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $1,000,000–$1,025,000: 0 US cities (0%). Above this entry. Marlinton $0 $1,025,000 every US city, bucketed by value

Each bar is a $25K-wide band; taller bars hold more US cities. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates · 2023

Income distribution context

Household income distribution - Marlinton, WV Marlinton, WV's reported median household income shown against the U.S. national quintile-share pattern (not Marlinton, WV-specific quintile data). The Lorenz curve traces the national cumulative income share against cumulative population share, perfect equality is the diagonal; observed inequality bows below. $ Household Income Distribution Marlinton, WV median $42,386/yr, vs. U.S. national quintile pattern QUINTILE SHARE OF AGGREGATE INCOME Lowest 20% 3.4% Second 20% 9.2% Middle 20% 15.1% Fourth 20% 23.2% Top 20% 49.1% LORENZ CURVE cumulative income vs. population 100% 0% 100% pop. 0%
Marlinton, WV's median household income (Census ACS 5-year estimate) plotted against the U.S. national income-quintile distribution pattern for context; the quintile shares and Lorenz curve are national figures, not computed specifically for Marlinton, WV. Diagonal = perfect equality.

Key socioeconomic indicators

Bachelor's degree or higher (adults 25+) 21.2%

Census ACS S1501, educational attainment

Poverty rate (households below FPL) 12.3%

Census ACS S1701, poverty status

Labor force participation (adults 16+) 41.5%

Census ACS S2301, share of working-age residents in the labor force

Population
1,050
Median Income
$42,386
Median Home Value
$90,500
Median Age
47.9
Poverty Rate
12.3%
Labor force participation
41.5%
Bachelor's Degree+
21.2%

Climate

Avg Temperature
47.2°F
Annual Precipitation
44.9"
Annual Snowfall
42.5"

Schools

Total Schools
1
Public schools in this city

Population Change

Annual U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP) estimates, 2020–2025

See the fastest-growing cities →
940 residents960 residents980 residents1,000 residents 202020212022202320242025 980 residents 945 residents ▼ -3.6%
Marlinton's Census PEP population estimates, 2020–2025.

Housing Supply

Census Bureau Building Permits Survey (BPS) - annual residential permits authorized

📈 Building Boom
Total Permits (2024)
5
housing units authorized
Single-Family
5
detached homes
Multifamily
0
apartments & condos
Supply Intensity
4.8
permits per 1,000 residents

5-Year Permit Trend (2019–2024)

Year Total
2019 2
2020 1
2021 1
2022 1
2023 0
2024 5

Permit volume increased 150% from 2019 to 2024.

Commute Patterns

How workers travel to work, Census ACS 2023

Drive Alone
60.0%
Carpool
31.2%
Public Transit
0.0%
Walk
2.9%
Work from Home
4.3%
Other
1.6%

Based on 375 workers 16 and over.

Monthly Utility Costs

State-average estimates for West Virginia - EIA 2023 residential energy data

Electricity
$110
avg/month
Natural Gas
$72
avg/month
Water & Sewer
$38
avg/month
Total Utilities
$220
estimated/month

Estimates reflect West Virginia state averages. Actual costs vary by home size, usage, and local rates. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023.

Living Costs & Risk

Cost of living is a West Virginia state average from BEA; rent and hazard risk are county-level figures from HUD and FEMA for the county Marlinton sits in

Cost of Living Index
89.5
Well Below Average
US average = 100 · BEA RPP 2024
Typical 2-BR Rent
$869/mo
HUD Fair Market Rent
County-level FMR estimate
Natural Hazard Risk
27.5 / 100
Very Low
FEMA NRI composite score (county)

Similar Cities in West Virginia

Glenville
1,049 people
Carpendale
1,053 people
Poca
1,056 people
Despard
1,038 people
Bethany
1,066 people
Enterprise
1,084 people

Cities of a Similar Size Nationwide

Population-matched peers from other states, closest to Marlinton's 1,050 residents (Census ACS 5-Year 2023).

Wayne City, IL
1,050 people
Greensburg, LA
1,050 people
Norlina, NC
1,050 people
Laverne, OK
1,050 people
Clear Lake, WI
1,050 people
Mokelumne Hill, CA
1,049 people

Cities with a Similar Household Income Nationwide

Median-household-income-matched peers from other states, closest to Marlinton's $42,386 (Census ACS 5-Year 2023, table B19013).

Borup, MN
$42,386 median income
Sheldon, MO
$42,386 median income
Lake Delton, WI
$42,386 median income
Portola, CA
$42,385 median income
Cienegas Terrace, TX
$42,382 median income
Donalsonville, GA
$42,393 median income

Race & Ethnicity Composition

Race and ethnicity - Marlinton, WV Race categories sum to one hundred percent per Census methodology. Hispanic or Latino is shown separately as an ethnicity overlay; it cuts across all race categories per OMB Directive 15. Race & Ethnicity Composition Marlinton, WV - Census ACS, OMB race + ethnicity categories RACE, sums to 100% 94.5% ETHNICITY, Hispanic or Latino (any race) 2.6% White 94.5% Black or African American 1.6% Asian 0.8% American Indian 0.0% Native Hawaiian 0.0% Some other race 0.0% Two or more races 3.1% Per OMB Directive 15: Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is reported separately from the race categories.
Race categories sum to 100%. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity is reported separately and cuts across race per Census/OMB methodology.

City-level race and ethnicity, Census ACS 5-year 2023 (tables B02001, B03001), OMB Directive 15 categories.

How Marlinton compares to nearby West Virginia cities

Population + median household income, sourced from Census Bureau ACS 5-year B01001 (population) and B19013 (median household income).

City Population Median Household Income
Marlinton (this city) 1,050 $42,386
Glenville 1,049 $46,875
Carpendale 1,053 $59,679
Poca 1,056 $83,750
Census ACS 5-year FIPS WV NOAA Normals NCES CCD Census BPS 2024 OMB Bulletin 23-01

What do people ask about Marlinton, WV?

What is the population of Marlinton, WV? +

The population of Marlinton, WV stands at 1,050 according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023 estimates.

What is the median household income in Marlinton, WV? +

Median annual household income in Marlinton runs $42,386, based on Census ACS 2023 data.

What is the cost of living in Marlinton? +

BEA does not publish a city-level cost-of-living figure for Marlinton; the closest available measure is the West Virginia state average, a cost of living index of 89.5 (U.S. average = 100), rated "Well Below Average" based on BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 data. Costs within West Virginia vary by metro area.

What is the median home value in Marlinton, WV? +

The median home value in Marlinton is $90,500, according to Census ACS 2023 estimates.

What is the climate like in Marlinton? +

Climate normals put Marlinton's yearly average temperature at 47.2°F, 44.9 inches of precipitation, and 42.5 inches of snowfall per year. Source: NOAA Climate Normals.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2023, NOAA Climate Normals, NCES CCD, Census BPS 2024, Census ACS B08301/B08136, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023, BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, HUD Fair Market Rents 2026, FEMA National Risk Index.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Primary sources: Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA Climate Normals, NCES.

Citation & verification links Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainCities

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Every figure on PlainCities is rendered directly from Census ACS source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on Census ACS source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.