While "Powhatan" likely memorializes the Native-American tribe of the same name, the "Point" in the town's name refers to the confluence between the Captina Creek and the Ohio River.

[4] A post office called Powhatan Point has been in operation since 1828.

There were 792 housing units at an average density of 538.8 per square mile (208.0/km2).

30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 830 housing units at an average density of 532.9 per square mile (205.8/km2).

28.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Although the village's economy was once largely supported by the coal industry, most residents currently seek employment outside village limits in nearby towns and cities such as Moundsville and Wheeling, West Virginia.

After elementary promotion, the majority of students attend River High School, located in Hannibal, a school that also draws students from other small Ohio River villages, such as Clarington, Sardis, Hannibal, and Cameron.