Northfork ZIP Codes — Mcdowell County, WV

There is one unique ZIP code in Northfork, West Virginia and it is 24868. Area code: 304/681.

ZIP codes

33.64

sq mi land

0.02

sq mi water

304/681

area code

Northfork, WV ZIP code map

About Northfork, WV

Northfork is a small town located in Mcdowell County, West Virginia. Known for its rich history and scenic landscapes, it offers a quiet lifestyle surrounded by the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. The community is tightly knit, making it a lovely place for both residents and visitors to experience local charm.

Location & geography

Northfork is situated in the southern part of West Virginia, approximately 9 miles northeast of the town of Welch, 14 miles from Bluefield, and about 20 miles from Pineville. The area is characterized by hilly terrain typical of the Appalachians, which provides stunning views and opportunities for outdoor activities. The total land area of Northfork is 33.64 square miles, complemented by a minimal water area of 0.02 square miles.

Community & economy

The character of Northfork is influenced by its history in coal mining and other local industries that have shaped its development. Daily life in Northfork revolves around community activities, local schools, and small businesses that serve the residents and visitors alike. The close-knit atmosphere fosters a strong sense of belonging, with many families rooted in the area for generations.

Transportation

Northfork is accessible via U.S. Route 52, which provides connections to neighboring towns and cities. The closest major airport is Mercer County Airport, located approximately 25 miles to the south in Bluefield. Public transit options are limited, so having a personal vehicle is essential for residents and visitors traveling in and out of the area.

History

Northfork was founded during the coal boom in the late 19th century, serving as a hub for the coal mining industry in Mcdowell County. The town has experienced significant changes over the years, particularly with the decline of coal mining, which has influenced its economic landscape. Notable events in the town's history include the establishment of local schools and community organizations that remain an integral part of life in Northfork.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Northfork is that it was once home to a thriving railroad system, which played a crucial role in transporting coal and goods in and out of the region. Today, remnants of this history can still be seen in the town's infrastructure, adding to its historical charm.

ZIP codes for Northfork, WV (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
24868	Northfork	Mcdowell	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,345

Population

56.2

Median age

$22,167

Median household income

$13,227

Per capita income

$29,400

Median home value

$629

Median monthly rent

89.8%

Home ownership

50.4%

Poverty rate

11.2%

Unemployment

863

Housing units

15.5%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

147

45–54

159

55–59

60–64

145

65–74

155

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	149	11.1%
18 and over	1,196	88.9%
65 and over	483	35.9%
Median age	56.2 years

Race & ethnicity

White 61%

Black or African American 34.1%

Two or more races 4.9%

Group	Count	%
White	821	61%
Black or African American	458	34.1%
Two or more races	66	4.9%

Household income

Under $10k 21.5%

$10k–$15k 14.2%

$15k–$25k 17.9%

$25k–$35k 8.7%

$35k–$50k 19.9%

$50k–$75k 10.8%

$75k–$100k 0.4%

$100k–$150k 6.7%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	21.5%
$10k–$15k	14.2%
$15k–$25k	17.9%
$25k–$35k	8.7%
$35k–$50k	19.9%
$50k–$75k	10.8%
$75k–$100k	0.4%
$100k–$150k	6.7%
Median income	$22,167

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 59.9%

$50k–$100k 34.6%

$100k–$150k 3.5%

$150k–$200k 1.5%

$300k–$500k 0.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$29,400
Median rent / month	$629
Owner occupied	89.8%
Renter occupied	10.2%
Vacant	44.5%
Single-family detached	76.5%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	18.5%
Median rooms	5.5
Avg household size (owned)	2.52

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	1.7%
2000–2009	12.0%
1990–1999	0.7%
1980–1989	5.1%
1970–1979	15.7%
1960–1969	2.2%
1950–1959	12.9%
1940–1949	11.3%
1939 or earlier	38.4%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.2%
1 bedroom	0.5%
2 bedrooms	36.2%
3 bedrooms	45.8%
4 bedrooms	14.8%
5+ bedrooms	1.5%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	16.5%
1 vehicle	36.6%
2 vehicles	40.6%
3 or more	6.3%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	2.0%
Electricity	86.8%
Propane / LP gas	1.6%
Fuel oil	2.8%
Wood	2.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	198	39.0%
Cohabiting couple	0	0.0%
Male householder, no spouse	90	17.7%
Female householder, no spouse	220	43.3%
Households with children under 18	46	9.1%
Households with seniors (65+)	302	59.4%
Average household size	2.65

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	35.3%	27.0%
Married	48.2%	34.4%
Separated	2.0%	0.0%
Widowed	11.0%	34.4%
Divorced	3.4%	4.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.2%

Some HS, no diploma 4.7%

HS graduate 58.4%

Some college, no degree 18.1%

Associate's degree 1.0%

Bachelor's degree 14.9%

Graduate / professional 0.6%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	93.1%
Bachelor's or higher	15.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	14	10.1%
Kindergarten	6	4.3%
Elementary school	66	47.5%
High school	32	23.0%
College / grad school	21	15.1%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 44.5%

Other services 15.2%

Public administration 15.2%

Retail trade 11.0%

Arts, food & hospitality 4.2%

Manufacturing 3.7%

Professional & management 2.6%

Information 2.1%

Agriculture & mining 1.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	42.4%
Service	20.4%
Sales & office	25.1%
Natural resources & construction	5.2%
Production & transportation	6.8%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	73.3%
Government	24.6%
Self-employed	2.1%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	79.6%
Carpool	3.7%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	3.7%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	27.8

Poverty

All people 50.4%

Under 18 years 55.3%

18 and over 49.8%

Married-couple families 32.8%

Female-led households 65.7%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	69.1%
Retirement income	36.4%
Supplemental Security	14.2%
Cash public assistance	1.8%
Food stamps / SNAP	14.8%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	51.8%
High cholesterol	39.8%
Heart disease	11.0%
Stroke	6.4%
Asthma	14.3%
Arthritis	42.3%
Kidney disease	5.0%
Pulmonary disease	15.8%
Cancer	7.0%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	9.4%
No physical activity	43.3%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	47.2%
Fair or poor health	34.1%
Poor mental health	20.6%
Poor physical health	20.6%
No health insurance	16.2%
Visited doctor (checkup)	83.7%
Visited dentist	39.0%
Cholesterol screening	89.2%
Teeth loss	34.8%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	125	10.5%

Disability	%
Any disability	36.6%
Under 18	10.1%
18–64 years	37.6%
65 and over	43.3%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	35.9%
Public insurance	78.9%
Uninsured under 19	26.6%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,302	96.8%
Spanish	0	0.0%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,338	99.5%
Born in same state	1,338	99.5%
Born in different state	1,083	80.5%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	7	0.5%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	266	19.8%

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	170	12.6%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	37.8%
Internet access	80.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Northfork, WV have?

Northfork, WV has one ZIP code: 24868. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.