Hartford City, West Virginia (WV), also known as "Hartford," is a community of some 600 residents on the Ohio River in Mason County in western West Virginia. It is known for its historic architecture, most evident along the river.
The community is located chiefly in a level upland along the river near the mouth of Sliding Hill Creek, a small tributary of the Ohio. Its elevation varies from approximately 540 feet above sea level along the river to 850 feet atop Sliding Hill.
History
Hartford City was platted on land first owned by Colonel Andrew Waggener, who in 1772 was awarded 4,000 acres in the region by King George III for his services in the French and Indian War.
It was established as a town in 1853, and a coal mine was opened there that same year. Salt extraction commenced in 1856, managed by Connecticut capitalists Morgan Buckley and William Healey, who named the town for Hartford, the capital of Connecticut.
The first post office at Hartford was opened in 1858, and the community was incorporated as the Town of Hartford in 1868.
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Lodging near Hartford City, West Virginia
Demographic Portrait
Demographically, the town is predominantly white, with non-Hispanic whites making up over 96% of the population according to the 2010 census. A later estimate in 2025 places that figure closer to 97.7%. Reflective of broader West Virginia trends, residents skew older; the median age hovers around 46–47 years.
Economy, Housing & Daily Life
Hartford City's economic and social landscape remains modest. Median household income ranges between $38,000 and $54,000, depending on the source, with one estimate at $54,063, roughly 90% of the West Virginia median. The poverty rate sits around 16%, mirroring the state average.
Housing is affordable, and the housing market is stable. The median home value ranges from $62,600 to $73,400—well below national norms. Renters typically pay around $663–666 monthly. Nearly 78% of households are owner-occupied, making Hartford City a strongly rooted community. In summary, homes here are both inexpensive and stable, an appealing draw in an increasingly unaffordable housing market.
Education & Infrastructure
Educational attainment in Hartford City reflects a rural America in microcosm. While nearly 90% of residents hold a high school diploma, fewer than 7% have a bachelor’s degree, well below national averages. This underscores both the rewards and challenges of living in small-town West Virginia. Commuting patterns indicate residents travel nearly 29 minutes to work—slightly above county and state averages—suggesting many work outside the town limits
Living life the Hartford City way
Quiet Heritage. Hartford City wears its modesty like a badge of honor. With its historic architecture lining the Ohio River and roots deep in early American industries (coal, salt), the town feels like a postcard from an earlier century.
Affordable and Anchored. Low housing costs, high homeownership, and slow but steady incomes define its economic rhythm. It's a town where you know your neighbors, and houses remain within families for generations.
A River Ties It All Together. The Ohio River is more than scenery—it’s lifeblood, linking Hartford City to broader currents of trade, tradition, and tranquility.
Hartford may not make headlines, but it holds its own story: of resilience, simplicity, and endurance. Its history—from colonial grants to industrial ventures—is etched into riverside streets and humble homes. In a nation sprinting forward, Hartford City stands softly, yet steadfast—a town that quietly persists.
Location
Hartford City is located on highway WV-22, approximately five miles east of Mason, West Virginia, and two miles northwest of New Haven, West Virginia.
Map of Hartford City, West Virginia
Regional Information
Hartford City is located in the Mid-Ohio Valley Region in western West Virginia.
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