West Virginia
Alderson is a small town in West Virginia with a population of 1,182. Residents earn $33,794 per year, which is 55% below the national average.
Based on current data, Alderson receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. Alderson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Alderson is $33,794, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. The poverty rate of 31.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 62 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
The median home value in Alderson is $119,200, 58% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $724 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Alderson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
12.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Alderson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.7 inches, including 12.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
| English Only | 100.0% |
| 27% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $33,794 |
| 55% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $20,197 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $817 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,857 |
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 31.8% |
| 156% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 269 |
| County GDP | $271M |
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 28 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,167 |
| 67% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.98% |
| Commute Time | 62.3 min |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
| Census Median | $119,200 |
| 58% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $175,240 |
| Census Median Rent | $724 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.6% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,167 |
| 67% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 0.98% |
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 12.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.1% |
| Asthma | 12.9% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.7% |
| Depression | 31.9% |
| Mental Distress | 24.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.9% |
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Premature Death | 18,193/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg | |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 40.7 inches |
| 7% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 12.2 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,596 ft (486 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,328/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.7297°N, 80.6420°W |
| County FIPS | 54089 |
Winner: Republican by 51.4 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 12.3% |
| 64% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 74.8% |
| School Test Score | 4.81 |
| RUCC Code 8 | Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent |
| Population Density | 1,328/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.9 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 1 |
| Public Libraries | 2 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Retail Stores | 28 |
| Avg Commute | 62.3 min |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |