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Wardensville, WV

West Virginia · Hardy County

Wardensville is a small town in West Virginia with a population of 346. Residents earn $38,889 per year, which is 48% below the national average.

3.1 /5.0
B Good
346 Population 1,081/sq mi density
$38,889 Median Income $25,988 per capita
$184,400 Home Value $224,403 Zillow
$538 Median Rent 27.7% income on rent
52°F Avg Temperature 302 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.1 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.3 / 5.0
$38,889 median income, 5.0% unemployment
A
Affordability
4.0 / 5.0
$184,400 home value, $538/mo rent
D
Education
2.0 / 5.0
12.2% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $38,889
48% lower than US avg
Home Value $184,400
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 12.2%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent $538
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment 5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 3.9%
69% lower than US avg

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

People

Population346
Median Age46.5 yrs
Density1,081/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans10.7%

Economy

B
Median Income$38,889
Per Capita$25,988
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$1,030M
Commute32 min

Housing

A
Home Value$184,400
Rent$538
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$224,403
Housing Units189
Rent Burden27.7%

Health

Obesity40.2%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking20.3%
Depression32.9%
Heart Disease6.6%

Climate

Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,018 ft (310 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+12.2%
High School+84.4%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score4.59

Community

2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute32 min
Broadband85.0%
Libraries1

Is Wardensville a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Wardensville receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Wardensville offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Wardensville is $38,889, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Wardensville is $184,400, 35% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $538 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Education

12.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.

Climate & Weather

Wardensville experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.

Wardensville has a population of 346 with a density of 1,081 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 46.5 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male. The city is predominantly White (98.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 10.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 34.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.8% have health insurance coverage.

Population

346
Total Population
1,081
People / sq mi
46.5yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
0.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 44.8%
Female 55.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Wardensville vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish1.6%
88% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Wardensville vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Wardensville is $38,889, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,988 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $924, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 456 business establishments, including 30 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Wardensville vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$38,889
48% below US avg
Per Capita Income$25,988
Avg Weekly Wage$924
IRS Avg AGI$53,350

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.0%
39% above US avg
Poverty Rate3.9%
69% below US avg
Establishments (County)456
County GDP$1,030M

Business (County)

Restaurants30
Healthcare34
Retail54
Manufacturing11

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$1,881
46% below US avg
Cost of Living89.50 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate1.02%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time32.2 min
Drive Alone81.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home1.4%

Walkability

The median home value in Wardensville is $184,400, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,403, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $538 (54% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 189 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $1,881 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$184,400
35% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$224,403

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$538
54% below US avg
Rent Burden27.7%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied63.8%
Renter-Occupied36.2%
Housing Units189
Median Year Built1968

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$1,881
46% below US avg
Effective Rate1.02%
In Wardensville, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 37.9% have high blood pressure. 20.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.0% report binge drinking. 31.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 32.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,080. The dentist ratio is 1:2,838. 67.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity40.2%
25% above US avg
Diabetes12.8%
Heart Disease6.6%
High Blood Pressure37.9%
Asthma12.8%
COPD8.7%
Cancer7.3%
Stroke3.3%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking20.3%
45% above US avg
Binge Drinking16.0%
Physical Inactivity31.3%
Depression32.9%
Mental Distress23.8%
Physical Distress16.5%
Short Sleep42.2%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate90.8%
Uninsured9.4%
9% above US avg
Primary Care1:7,080
Dentists1:2,838
Mental Health1:1,296
Checkup Rate78.5%
Dental Visits55.6%
Premature Death13,700/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment7.8/10
Exercise Access67.5%
Healthcare Facilities34
Wardensville experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 302 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,018 feet.

Temperature

31°F Jan (-1°C) 72°F Jul (22°C)
Annual Average51.6°F
4% below US avg
January Average31°F (-1°C)
July Average72°F (22°C)
Sunny Days302 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall37.4 inches
2% below US avg

Air Quality

AQI Median39.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,018 ft (310 m)
Area0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²)
Population Density1,081/sq mi
Coordinates39.0788°N, 78.5903°W
TimezoneAmerica/New_York
CountyHardy County County
County FIPS54031

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 31°F (-1°C) 2.5 in Coldest
February 33°F (0°C) 2.4 in Driest
March 41°F (5°C) 3.1 in
April 50°F (10°C) 3.0 in
May 60°F (15°C) 3.8 in Wettest
June 67°F (20°C) 3.5 in
July 72°F (22°C) 3.8 in Warmest
August 70°F (21°C) 3.5 in
September 64°F (18°C) 3.4 in
October 53°F (12°C) 3.2 in
November 44°F (6°C) 3.2 in
December 34°F (1°C) 2.6 in

Wardensville has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F — from 31°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (2.4").

Wardensville is located in Hardy County. It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent, a rural community. 12.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 64% below the national average of 33.7%. 84.4% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 77.9% of the vote, a 57.7-point margin. 85.0% of households have broadband internet access. There are 1 public libraries serving the community. 34 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 81.2% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 77.9%
D 20.2%

Winner: Republican by 57.7 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+12.2%
64% below US avg
High School+84.4%
Graduate Degree+3.7%
School Test Score4.59
D Education Grade (2.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 8Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent
Population Density1,081/sq mi
Total Area0.3 sq mi
CountyHardy County County

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access85.0%
Public Libraries1
Healthcare Facilities34
Restaurants30
Retail Stores54

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)3

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute32.2 min
Drive Alone81.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home1.4%

Frequently Asked Questions About Wardensville

What is the population of Wardensville?

Wardensville has a population of 346 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,081 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.

Is Wardensville expensive to live in?

Wardensville is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $38,889, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $184,400 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $538 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Wardensville?

Wardensville has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.

How is the job market in Wardensville?

The unemployment rate in Wardensville is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $924. There are 456 business establishments in the area, including 30 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Wardensville?

The median home value in Wardensville is $184,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,403. For renters, the median monthly rent is $538. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The average annual property tax is $1,881.

How are the schools in Wardensville?

Schools in Wardensville have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.2% of adults in Wardensville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.4% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Wardensville?

The obesity rate in Wardensville is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.3% of adults are smokers. 31.3% are physically inactive. 32.9% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 67.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,080.

What is transportation like in Wardensville?

The average commute in Wardensville is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.4% work from home.

What are the demographics of Wardensville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wardensville is 98.6% White. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 10.7% of the population are military veterans. 34.0% of residents have a disability. 90.8% have health insurance coverage.

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