| City: | Wheeling, West Virginia |
| City Alias: | Bethlehem, Elm Grove, Mozart, Overbrook, Warwood |
| Counties: | Ohio County[Primary] Brooke County Marshall County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 7:39:13 PM |
| Population: | 40,591 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 304 / 681 |
| Classification: | Standard [Normal Street Delivery] |
| Coordinates: | 40.0688, -80.6463 |
| Land Area: | 91.1 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
ZIP Code 26003 has 40,591 residents and 17,984 households (average 2.19 persons per household). The median age is 44.5 years, slightly older than the state (42.9) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.5% male and 51.5% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.6%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (88.9%, much higher than the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (3.9%, much lower than the national average of 12.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.5%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 40,591Source: Census DHC |
| 2023 ACS Population Estimate: | 40,445Source: Census ACS |
| 2025 ZC Population Estimate: | 42,481Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 445.6 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $58,625Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 17,984Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $164,500Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.19Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.18Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 43,694 | 43,671 | 43,424 | 42,994 | 42,573 | 42,074 | 41,802 | 41,053 | 41,198 | 41,196 | 40,984 | 40,714 | 40,445 |
| Decennial Census | 43,002 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 40,591 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 44.5
Male Median Age: 42.7
Female Median Age: 46.5
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,003 | 1,081 | 1,185 | 1,199 | 1,207 | 1,150 | 1,243 | 1,187 | 1,122 | 1,174 | 1,185 | 1,326 | 1,555 | 1,427 | 1,117 | 675 | 436 | 402 |
| Female | 918 | 1,091 | 1,132 | 1,107 | 1,174 | 1,159 | 1,182 | 1,203 | 1,155 | 1,150 | 1,242 | 1,486 | 1,696 | 1,634 | 1,226 | 823 | 683 | 856 |
| Total | 1,921 | 2,172 | 2,317 | 2,306 | 2,381 | 2,309 | 2,425 | 2,390 | 2,277 | 2,324 | 2,427 | 2,812 | 3,251 | 3,061 | 2,343 | 1,498 | 1,119 | 1,258 |
| White: | 36,089 | 92.55% |
| Black: | 1,594 | 4.09% |
| Hispanic:* | 609 | 1.56% |
| Asian: | 360 | 0.92% |
| American Indian: | 65 | 0.17% |
| Hawaiian: | 19 | 0.05% |
| Other: | 260 | 0.67% |
| Total: | 38,996 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 19,674 | 48.47% | 42.7 years |
| Females: | 20,917 | 51.53% | 46.5 years |
| Total: | 40,591 | 100% | 44.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 39,253 | 97.05% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 137 | 0.34% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 603 | 1.49% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 452 | 2.61% |
| Total Population: | 40,445 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 39,390 | 97.39% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 1,055 | 2.61% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $58,625, which is far less than the national median ($78,538), is up $18,419 (45.8%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $8,158. Family households earn a median of $86,903 versus $32,884 for nonfamily households (a difference of $54,019). By gender, male median income is $57,859 and female is $48,119, which is much lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $9,740 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 56.2%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 5.5%, which is slightly higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (39.4%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $40,206 | $40,504 | $41,248 | $41,205 | $41,423 | $42,695 | $46,717 | $48,810 | $50,467 | $49,178 | $51,887 | $56,662 | $58,625 |
| Median Family Income | $56,930 | $55,934 | $57,414 | $58,811 | $60,738 | $61,948 | $67,950 | $69,279 | $72,526 | $71,575 | $76,236 | $85,985 | $86,903 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $21,195 | $21,835 | $22,600 | $23,445 | $22,428 | $22,605 | $24,807 | $26,074 | $26,595 | $26,613 | $28,303 | $29,762 | $32,884 |
| Median Male Income | $43,652 | $42,454 | $43,474 | $42,410 | $42,840 | $45,383 | $47,040 | $49,202 | $50,737 | $50,809 | $50,455 | $55,100 | $57,859 |
| Median Female Income | $29,293 | $30,829 | $33,968 | $33,443 | $33,323 | $32,653 | $34,327 | $34,093 | $37,823 | $39,852 | $41,791 | $44,164 | $48,119 |
| Employed: | 17,831 | 53.09% |
| Unemployed: | 1,046 | 3.11% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 14,710 | 43.80% |
| Total: | 33,587 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 7,021 | 39.38% |
| Service: | 3,190 | 17.89% |
| Sales and Office: | 3,848 | 21.58% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 1,493 | 8.37% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 2,279 | 12.78% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 17,831 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $164,500, which is well under the national median ($303,400), is up $66,700 (68.20%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $39,600. The median gross rent is $823, which is far less than the national median ($1,348), is up $299 (57.06%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $154. Of occupied housing, owners make up 68.35% (46.55% with a mortgage, 53.45% free-and-clear) and renters 31.65% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 12.76%, which is much lower than the state rate (16.08%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $97,800 | $98,200 | $102,000 | $106,000 | $109,300 | $111,500 | $116,000 | $119,900 | $124,900 | $132,500 | $137,900 | $156,500 | $164,500 |
| Less than $500: | 1,138 | 19.76% |
| $500 to $999: | 2,635 | 45.76% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 1,275 | 22.14% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 174 | 3.02% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 57 | 0.99% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 57 | 0.99% |
| No Rent: | 422 | 7.33% |
| Total: | 5,758 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $524 | $542 | $533 | $559 | $573 | $593 | $627 | $658 | $669 | $661 | $725 | $772 | $823 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 5,788 | 31.81% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 6,647 | 36.54% |
| Renter Occupied: | 5,758 | 31.65% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 18,193 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 18,193 | 87.24% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 2,660 | 12.76% |
| Total Housing Units: | 20,853 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 15,177 | 72.78% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 5,288 | 25.36% |
| Other Units: | 388 | 1.86% |
| Total Housing Units: | 20,853 | 100% |
In 2023, 32.60% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly above the state rate (23.30%). High school or higher is 93.80%, which is markedly above the state rate (88.60%). The uninsured rate is 4.30%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 48.40%, which is well above the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 9.90%, which is on par with the state rate (11.90%), down 0.90 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.90 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (38.92%). College enrollment is 24.90%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 469 | 1.58% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 1,373 | 4.63% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 9,329 | 31.48% |
| Some college, no degree: | 5,659 | 19.10% |
| Associate's degree: | 3,133 | 10.57% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 5,638 | 19.03% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 4,033 | 13.61% |
| Total: | 29,634 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 27,792 | 93.78% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 9,671 | 32.63% |
| Private Insurance: | 27,049 | 56.22% |
| Public Insurance: | 19,332 | 40.18% |
| No Insurance: | 1,734 | 3.60% |
| Total: | 48,115 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 46,381 | 96.40% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 10.8% | 9.8% | 10.7% | 11.2% | 9.6% | 9.7% | 7.7% | 7.0% | 6.0% | 8.3% | 7.2% | 8.5% | 9.9% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 701 | 8.68% |
| Kindergarten: | 408 | 5.05% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 3,143 | 38.92% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 1,812 | 22.44% |
| College or graduate school: | 2,011 | 24.90% |
| Total: | 8,075 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 1,109 | 13.73% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 5,363 | 66.41% |
ZIP Code 26003 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 1,181 business establishments, employing about 19,157 people with an annual payroll of $1,033,460,000. USPS data shows 19,398 residential mailboxes and 1,466 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 19,398Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 1,466Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 21,492Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 16,427Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 2,258Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 1,181Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $248,583,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,033,460,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 19,157Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 26003 is located in Ohio County, West Virginia, within the Wheeling, WV-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 48540) and West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 138,015 people, about 29.41% of whom live in ZIP Code 26003. It covers 91.1 sq mi of land and a water area of 3.401 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Wheeling, WV-OHSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 48540Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 138,015Source: Census |
| MSA: | Wheeling, WV-OH MSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 91.1 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 3.401 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 02Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 8017.31 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | --Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 5486452Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Wheeling city; West VirginiaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 26003 is part of 2 school districts, including: Ohio County School District (Grades PK thru 12) and Marshall County School District (Grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th). There are 14 public schools and 8 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on October 1, 2025.