RANK #49 / 1001 NAT · #2 / 11 WV · POP 92,739
1YR FORECAST: +2.4%
5YR OUTLOOK: +26%
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.
Cabell County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +3.3% runs below the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Below national median (11.3x)
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.0x 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: Homicide rates from CDC/NCHS vital-statistics mortality data — a multi-year average that stabilizes counts in smaller counties — compiled in the County Health Rankings 2025 release. Rates per 100,000 population; U.S. average ≈ 6.5. Grade reflects homicide rate relative to the national average. Learn more →
See where Cabell County stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties.
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Cabell County ranks #49 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 95/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $55,832 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
Housing in Cabell County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $164,400 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.34, with rents averaging $923/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Cabell County is losing population (-0.6% YoY) while the job market is essentially flat (-0.5% employment change). Home values are +3.3% over the past 12 months. A slow-bleed pattern — not a collapse, but residents are leaving faster than employers are hiring.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.57% 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.