District 3
RANK #458 / 996 NAT · #6 / 11 WV · POP 93,965
1YR FORECAST: +3.9%
5YR OUTLOOK: +25%
Cabell County, West Virginia, is distinguished by Huntington, its county seat and home to Marshall University. The city, nicknamed "The Jewel City," sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Guyandotte rivers, offering riverfront parks and a blend of historic architecture with a college-town atmosphere. Located in southwestern West Virginia, Cabell County is part of the Huntington-Ashland metropolitan area, which extends into Kentucky and Ohio. Interstate 64 provides a direct commute to Charleston, about 50 miles east. The region's natural setting in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking and water activities on the Ohio River.
Life in Cabell County offers a mix of urban amenities and access to natural spaces. Public transportation is available through the Tri-State Transit Authority, serving Huntington and surrounding areas. The Cabell County Schools district is an above-average public school system. Marshall University recently partnered with Cabell County Schools to guarantee admission for local high school graduates with a 2.5 GPA or higher, simplifying the path to higher education. The economy is supported by institutions like Marshall University and the Marshall Health Network, major employers in the region. Recent economic developments include a significant expansion by Alcon, an eye care leader, representing a multi-million dollar investment and job retention in the county.
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.5x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Cabell County scores 54/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#458). Median household income is $48,944 and job growth is running at +1.7%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Cabell County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $144,200 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.34, with rents averaging $857/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
It's a mixed picture in Cabell County. The population is declining (-0.7% YoY), but employers are actually hiring — job growth is at +1.7%. Home values moved +5.1% in the last year. That tension between shrinking population and expanding employment often signals a county in transition.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.88% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Cabell County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +5.1% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Cabell County is now valued at $144,200. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.