Richwood ZIP Code List — Nicholas County, WV

There is one unique ZIP code in Richwood, West Virginia and it is 26261. Area code: 304/681.

ZIP codes

165.25

sq mi land

0.73

sq mi water

304/681

area code

Richwood, WV ZIP code map

About Richwood, WV

Richwood, West Virginia, is a charming city nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, known for its picturesque scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities. As the only city in Nicholas County, it serves as a hub for nearby rural communities, offering a blend of local culture and history. Richwood is recognized for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community.

Location & geography

Richwood is located in Nicholas County, West Virginia, and boasts a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills and dense forests. The city is approximately 30 miles southeast of the larger city of Charleston, making it relatively accessible for visitors seeking a quieter retreat. Covering a land area of 165.25 square miles, Richwood also includes a water area of 0.73 square miles, contributing to its natural charm.

Community & economy

The community in Richwood is vibrant and close-knit, with residents who take pride in their heritage and local traditions. The economy is bolstered by industries such as timber and tourism, as the area's natural beauty attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Daily life in Richwood is marked by local events and festivals, fostering a strong community spirit.

Transportation

Richwood is conveniently served by U.S. Route 219, providing access to neighboring regions and facilitating travel. For air travel, the nearest airport is the Greenbrier Valley Airport, located roughly 60 miles to the southwest. Public transit options are limited, but residents often rely on personal vehicles for transportation.

History

Richwood was founded in the late 19th century and has since been shaped by the logging and coal industries that fueled its early growth. Over the years, the city has experienced various events that have contributed to its unique character, including economic booms and hardships associated with these key industries. Today, Richwood continues to honor its historical roots while adapting to the needs of modern residents.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Richwood is its annual Pepperoni Roll Festival, which celebrates a beloved local delicacy that originated in the region. Additionally, the city is surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest, offering spectacular hiking and outdoor activities for nature lovers.

ZIP codes for Richwood, WV (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
26261	Richwood	Nicholas	View map

Demographics & statistics

3,088

Population

46.7

Median age

$31,788

Median household income

$22,089

Per capita income

$59,600

Median home value

$616

Median monthly rent

78.6%

Home ownership

29.1%

Poverty rate

18.6%

Unemployment

1,478

Housing units

11.2%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

131

5–9

158

10–14

15–19

20–24

153

25–34

186

192

35–44

233

166

45–54

201

55–59

134

60–64

162

243

65–74

294

75–84

115

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	560	18.1%
18 and over	2,528	81.9%
65 and over	845	27.4%
Median age	46.7 years

Race & ethnicity

White 99.1%

Two or more races 0.5%

Asian 0.2%

Black or African American 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	3,061	99.1%
Two or more races	16	0.5%
Asian	7	0.2%
Black or African American	4	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 8.1%

$10k–$15k 8.4%

$15k–$25k 12.5%

$25k–$35k 26.4%

$35k–$50k 12.5%

$50k–$75k 12.6%

$75k–$100k 12.9%

$100k–$150k 3.9%

$150k–$200k 1.7%

$200k+ 1.1%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	8.1%
$10k–$15k	8.4%
$15k–$25k	12.5%
$25k–$35k	26.4%
$35k–$50k	12.5%
$50k–$75k	12.6%
$75k–$100k	12.9%
$100k–$150k	3.9%
$150k–$200k	1.7%
$200k+	1.1%
Median income	$31,788

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 37.0%

$50k–$100k 29.6%

$100k–$150k 19.3%

$150k–$200k 4.7%

$200k–$300k 4.2%

$300k–$500k 1.9%

$500k–$1M 3.3%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$59,600
Median rent / month	$616
Owner occupied	78.6%
Renter occupied	21.4%
Vacant	30.7%
Single-family detached	82.1%
Large apartment buildings	0.9%
Mobile homes	10.5%
Median rooms	6.0
Avg household size (owned)	2.56

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	2.1%
2010–2019	3.2%
2000–2009	3.5%
1990–1999	6.6%
1980–1989	7.8%
1970–1979	12.6%
1960–1969	17.3%
1950–1959	10.9%
1940–1949	7.8%
1939 or earlier	28.1%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	6.5%
2 bedrooms	19.0%
3 bedrooms	61.1%
4 bedrooms	8.1%
5+ bedrooms	5.3%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	13.9%
1 vehicle	50.6%
2 vehicles	24.1%
3 or more	11.4%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	66.5%
Electricity	22.3%
Propane / LP gas	4.8%
Wood	6.0%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	484	40.2%
Cohabiting couple	49	4.1%
Male householder, no spouse	179	14.9%
Female householder, no spouse	491	40.8%
Households with children under 18	229	19.0%
Households with seniors (65+)	548	45.6%
Average household size	2.50

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	26.2%	13.9%
Married	47.7%	37.2%
Separated	1.1%	2.3%
Widowed	5.6%	18.7%
Divorced	19.4%	28.0%

Education

Less than 9th grade 5.1%

Some HS, no diploma 5.4%

HS graduate 47.2%

Some college, no degree 28.0%

Associate's degree 3.1%

Bachelor's degree 10.2%

Graduate / professional 1.0%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	89.5%
Bachelor's or higher	11.2%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	43	8.9%
Kindergarten	42	8.7%
Elementary school	336	69.3%
High school	48	9.9%
College / grad school	16	3.3%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 25.5%

Retail trade 22.9%

Manufacturing 13.3%

Arts, food & hospitality 8.7%

Construction 7.2%

Finance & real estate 6.5%

Public administration 5.2%

Professional & management 3.3%

Other services 3.3%

Agriculture & mining 2.8%

Information 1.4%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	26.7%
Service	27.2%
Sales & office	22.0%
Natural resources & construction	5.5%
Production & transportation	18.6%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	90.1%
Government	8.6%
Self-employed	1.3%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	76.0%
Carpool	6.9%
Public transit	9.9%
Walk	1.5%
Other means	3.6%
Avg commute (minutes)	37.7

Poverty

All people 29.1%

Under 18 years 32.1%

18 and over 28.4%

Married-couple families 13.8%

Female-led households 15.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	53.0%
Retirement income	28.3%
Supplemental Security	6.2%
Cash public assistance	3.5%
Food stamps / SNAP	29.2%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	50.3%
High cholesterol	42.4%
Heart disease	12.0%
Stroke	5.4%
Asthma	11.8%
Arthritis	43.3%
Kidney disease	4.6%
Pulmonary disease	15.7%
Cancer	8.7%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	10.1%
No physical activity	36.7%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	39.9%
Fair or poor health	27.4%
Poor mental health	18.2%
Poor physical health	18.4%
No health insurance	11.8%
Visited doctor (checkup)	82.9%
Visited dentist	53.2%
Cholesterol screening	90.3%
Teeth loss	25.7%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	230	9.1%

Disability	%
Any disability	28.2%
Under 18	3.2%
18–64 years	29.9%
65 and over	42.5%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	42.6%
Public insurance	72.2%
Uninsured under 19	3.4%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,978	96.4%
Spanish	3	0.1%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	3	0.1%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,081	99.8%
Born in same state	3,062	99.2%
Born in different state	2,441	79.0%
Foreign born	19	0.6%
Naturalized citizen	7	0.2%
Not a US citizen	6	85.7%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	523	16.9%
French	398	12.9%
Arab	281	9.1%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	228	7.4%
German	5	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	39.0%
Internet access	83.2%

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Richwood, WV?

Richwood, WV has one ZIP code: 26261.

What is the main ZIP code for Richwood, WV?

The primary ZIP code for Richwood, WV is 26261. The city uses area code 304 or 681 for phone service.

What county is Richwood, WV in?

Richwood is located in Nicholas County, West Virginia.

How many ZIP codes are in Richwood, WV?

Richwood, WV has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for downtown Richwood and the surrounding Nicholas County area?

Downtown Richwood and the surrounding Nicholas County area are located in ZIP code 26261, which serves as the primary postal code for this small West Virginia city.

If I'm mailing something to a business in Richwood's historic downtown district, what ZIP code should I use?

You should use ZIP code 26261 for any mailing addressed to businesses or residences in Richwood's downtown district and throughout the city.