In 1771 by English colonists Samuel and James Tomlinson built a cabin at what later became Moundsville, although they did not overwinter, and in fact left for several years after attacks by Native Americans. Fostoria Glass Company was headquartered in Moundsville from 1891 to 1986. The retired West Virginia State Penitentiary operated in Moundsville from 1867 to 1995. On August 4, 1927, Charles Lindbergh landed The Spirit of St. Louis at Langin Field in Moundsville.
The climate in this area is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Moundsville has a Humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.
As of the census of 2010, there were 9,318 people, 4,016 households, and 2,445 families living in the city. The population density was. There were 4,458 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the city was 97.5% White, 0.8% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.1% of the population. There were 4,016 households of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.1% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.79. The median age in the city was 45.2 years. 19.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.2% were from 25 to 44; 30.1% were from 45 to 64; and 20.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.
2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,998 people, 4,122 households, and 2,662 families living in the city. The population density was 3,399.0 people per square mile. There were 4,461 housing units at an average density of 1,516.6 per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 98.13% White, 0.73% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.16% of the population. There were 4,122 households out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.4% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.84. In the city the population was spread out with 20.4% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males. The median income for a household in the city was $23,107, and the median income for a family was $30,534. Males had a median income of $26,242 versus $19,348 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,997. About 18.1% of families and 22.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.2% of those under age 18 and 15.5% of those age 65 or over.
Notable people
Steve Crabtree, Republican politician and media personality
Frank De Vol, film and television music composer and actor
Virginia B. Evans, painter, glass artist, and teacher
