White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Geography White Sulphur Springs is located at 37°47'38" North, 80°18'13" West (37.793975, -80.303538)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.1 km² (2.0 mi²). 5.1 km² (2.0 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 2,315 people, 1,127 households, and 648 families residing in the city. The population density is 456.0/km² (1,179.5/mi²). There are 1,354 housing units at an average density of 266.7/km² (689.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 82.55% White, 14.95% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 1.90% from two or more races. 1.04% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 1,127 households out of which 21.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.7% are married couples living together, 12.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 42.5% are non-families. 38.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 17.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.05 and the average family size is 2.72.

In the city the population is spread out with 19.0% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 20.8% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 44 years. For every 100 females there are 82.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 81.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $26,694, and the median income for a family is $35,450. Males have a median income of $28,566 versus $19,868 for females. The per capita income for the city is $14,822. 17.6% of the population and 15.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 23.9% are under the age of 18 and 8.5% are 65 or older.

History White Sulphur Springs grew in the first half of the nineteenth century as the southern “Queen of the Watering Places.” The hot springs resort first became the standard summer destination for wealthy low-country residents seeking reprieve from heat, humidity, and disease. As its popularity increased and it gained status as a socially exclusive site, the spring attracted elite guests from all areas of the South.