Moving to Alderson, West Virginia

The current estimated population of Alderson, West Virginia is 1,158, with 48.5% male and 51.5% female. The town has experienced stable population trends, reflecting its role as a small community with a rich history in southern West Virginia.

City Facts

  • Year founded: 1881
  • County: Greenbrier and Monroe
  • Land area: 0.9 square miles
  • Population density: Approximately 1,287 people per square mile
  • Area code: 304
  • Zip code: 24910

Geography and Location

Alderson, West Virginia is located in southern West Virginia, along the Greenbrier River, spanning both Greenbrier and Monroe counties. The town is known for its historic district, with buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Alderson is situated along State Route 3, providing access to nearby towns and cities like Lewisburg and Hinton. The Greenbrier River offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, kayaking, and hiking along the Greenbrier River Trail. Alderson’s scenic setting in the Appalachian Mountains makes it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle with access to nature.

Demographics

Median resident age: 41.3 years
Median household income: $23,043
Median house value: $63,300

Population by Race

Races in Alderson:

  • White Non-Hispanic (89.7%)
  • Black (6.6%)
  • Two or more races (2.1%)
  • American Indian (1.3%)
  • Hispanic (1.1%)

Ancestries: United States (26.9%), English (11.8%), Irish (11.7%), German (9.9%), Scotch-Irish (5.0%), Scottish (2.7%).

Elevation: 1552 feet

Land area: 0.9 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Alderson

  • High school or higher: 72.5%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.7%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 5.2%
  • Unemployed: 7.9%
  • Mean travel time to work: 29.3 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Alderson town

  • Never married: 20.4%
  • Now married: 51.1%
  • Separated: 2.1%
  • Widowed: 13.3%
  • Divorced: 13.1%

0.5% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -118 (-9.8%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Alderson:

  • GREENBRIER VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER (about 12 miles; RONCEVERTE, WV)
  • SUMMERS COUNTY ARH HOSPITAL (about 17 miles; HINTON, WV)
  • CARILION GILES MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 31 miles; PEARISBURG, VA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Alderson:

  • GREENBRIER VALLEY (about 20 miles; LEWISBURG, WV; Abbreviation: LWB)
  • RALEIGH COUNTY MEMORIAL (about 34 miles; BECKLEY, WV; Abbreviation: BKW)
  • ROANOKE REGIONAL/WOODRUM FIELD (about 55 miles; ROANOKE, VA; Abbreviation: ROA)

Other public-use airports nearest to Alderson:

Amtrak station:
ALDERSON (1 C&O PLAZA AT RAILROAD AVE.). Services: enclosed waiting area, public payphones, free short-term parking, free long-term parking.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Alderson:

  • CONCORD COLLEGE (about 32 miles; ATHENS, WV; Full-time enrollment: 2,723)
  • RADFORD UNIVERSITY (about 41 miles; RADFORD, VA; Full-time enrollment: 8,034)
  • NEW RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 43 miles; DUBLIN, VA; Full-time enrollment: 2,262)
  • VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIV (about 43 miles; BLACKSBURG, VA; Full-time enrollment: 25,754)
  • NATIONAL BUSINESS COLLEGE (about 50 miles; SALEM, VA; Full-time enrollment: 2,382)
  • BLUEFIELD STATE COLLEGE (about 51 miles; BLUEFIELD, WV; Full-time enrollment: 2,096)
  • VIRGINIA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 57 miles; ROANOKE, VA; Full-time enrollment: 3,535)

Public primary/middle school in Alderson:

  • ALDERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 307; Location: ELMWOOD AVE & CHASE STREET; Grades: PK – 06)

Libraries

Library in Alderson:

  • ALDERSON PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $29,432; Location: 308 WALNUT AVE.; 11,844 books; 41 audio materials; 62 video materials; 11 serial subscriptions)