War, WV

West Virginia

War is a small town in West Virginia with a population of 593. Residents earn $20,852 per year, which is 72% below the national average.

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
593 Population 666/sq mi density
$20,852 Median Income $12,821 per capita
$28,800 Home Value $34,766 Zillow
$722 Median Rent
53°F Avg Temperature
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
D
Economy
1.6 / 5.0
$20,852 median income, 6.2% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$28,800 home value, $722/mo rent
D
Education
1.8 / 5.0
9.4% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $20,852
72% lower than US avg
Home Value $28,800
90% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 9.4%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent $722
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 44.9%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment 6.2%
72% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 36.6%
195% higher than US avg

How War Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population593
Median Age33.6 yrs
Density666/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 95%

Economy

D
Median Income$20,852
Per Capita$12,821
Unemployment6.2%
Poverty36.6%
County GDP$728M
Commute48 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$28,800
Rent$722
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$34,766

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

Obesity44.9%
UninsuredN/A
Depression34.2%
Heart Disease8.8%

Climate

Avg Temp53°F
AQI39 (Good)
Rain44.6 in/yr
Elevation2,069 ft

Education

D
Bachelor's+9.4%
High School+72.2%
School Score4.81

Community

2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute48 min
Libraries4

Is War a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, War receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. War has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in War is $20,852, 72% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 36.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 48 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in War is $28,800, 90% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $722 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

9.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.

Climate & Weather

War experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.6 inches, including 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.

War has a population of 593 with a density of 666 people per square mile. The median age is 33.6 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (95.1%).

Population

593
Total Population
666
People / sq mi
33.6yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
0.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 41.3%
Female 58.7%

Race & Ethnicity

War vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only93.0%
18% above US avg
Spanish7.0%
48% below US avg

Social Characteristics

War vs U.S. Average

The median household income in War is $20,852, which is 72% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 6.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 36.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 48 minutes.

Income: War vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$20,852
72% below US avg
Per Capita Income$12,821
Avg Weekly Wage$1,078
IRS Avg AGI$44,508

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment6.2%
72% above US avg
Poverty Rate36.6%
195% above US avg
Establishments (County)382
County GDP$728M

Business (County)

Restaurants14
Healthcare33
Retail44

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time48.0 min
Work from Home12.7%

Walkability

The median home value in War is $28,800, 90% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $722 (38% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $34,766.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$28,800
90% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$34,766

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$722
38% below US avg

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$714
1 Bedroom$766
2 Bedrooms$945
3 Bedrooms$1,231
4 Bedrooms$1,380

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied57.3%

Property Tax

In War, 44.9% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 34.2% report depression. 41.8% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: War vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity44.9%
40% above US avg
Diabetes16.4%
Heart Disease8.8%
High Blood Pressure43.1%
Asthma13.7%
COPD13.6%
Stroke4.6%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking14.4%
Physical Inactivity41.8%
Depression34.2%
Mental Distress26.7%
Physical Distress20.5%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate92.7%
Checkup Rate76.6%
Premature Death24,029/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment6.5/10
Exercise Access27.7%
Healthcare Facilities33

Crime Rates: War vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)3

Safety Score

War has an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation is 44.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.

Temperature

33°F Jan (1°C) 72°F Jul (22°C)
Annual Average53.4°F
1% below US avg
January Average33°F (1°C)
July Average72°F (22°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall44.6 inches
17% above US avg
Snowfall17.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median39.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation2,069 ft (631 m)
Area0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²)
Population Density666/sq mi
Coordinates37.3100°N, 81.6763°W
County FIPS54047
It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural. 9.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (72% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 60.4-point margin.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 79.5%
D 19.1%

Winner: Republican by 60.4 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+9.4%
72% below US avg
High School+72.2%
School Test Score4.81
D Education Grade (1.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro — Rural
Population Density666/sq mi
Total Area0.9 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Public Libraries4
Healthcare Facilities33
Restaurants14
Retail Stores44

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)3

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute48.0 min
Work from Home12.7%

Nearby Cities

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