West Virginia
1.8 million people live in West Virginia. Its population shrank 1.5% since 2020, one of 7 places that lost residents. The typical household earns $61,340 a year, 28% below the national median, and the median home is worth $176,300, 52% below the U.S. median.
- Population
- 1.8 million
- 13th lowest of 51
- Median household income
- $61,340
- 28% lower than the U.S. ($84,780)
- Median home value
- $176,300
- 52% lower than the U.S. ($371,100)
- Poverty rate
- 16.0%
- 4.2 points above the U.S. (11.8%)
Economy
Compare all statesMedian household income
$61,340 per year
28% lower than the U.S. ($84,780). 2nd lowest of 51.
Half of households earn more than this, half earn less. 2025, in 2025 dollars.
Income per person
$35,709 per year
24% lower than the U.S. ($47,171). 2nd lowest of 51.
Total income divided by every resident, children included. 2025, in 2025 dollars.
Poverty rate
16.0%
4.2 points above the U.S. (11.8%). 3rd highest of 51.
Share of people living below the federal poverty line. 2025.
Average commute
27.4 min one way
about the same as the U.S. (27.4 min). 13th highest of 51.
Average travel time to work for workers 16 and older. 2025.
Housing
Compare all statesMedian home value
$176,300
52% lower than the U.S. ($371,100). Lowest of 51.
For homes lived in by their owners. 2025, in 2025 dollars.
Median rent
$921 per month
41% lower than the U.S. ($1,557). Lowest of 51.
Gross rent: contract rent plus utilities. 2025, in 2025 dollars.
Homeownership rate
74.7%
9.4 points above the U.S. (65.3%). Highest of 51.
Share of occupied homes lived in by their owners. 2025.
People
Compare all statesPopulation
1,766,147
0.52% of the U.S. total. 13th lowest of 51.
Estimated number of residents. July 1, 2025.
Population change since 2020
−1.5%
4.6 points below the U.S. (+3.1%). 2nd lowest of 51.
Growth since the 2020 census. April 2020 to July 2025.
Under 18
19.5%
1.6 points below the U.S. (21.1%). 11th lowest of 51.
Share of residents younger than 18. Latest available.
65 and older
22.5%
3.6 points above the U.S. (18.9%). 7th highest of 51.
Share of residents 65 or older. Latest available.
Born abroad
2.3%
12.4 points below the U.S. (14.7%). Lowest of 51.
Share of residents born outside the United States. 2025.
Race and ethnicity
White largest group
White residents are the largest group in West Virginia, at 88.7%. Nationwide they are 56.1%.
White, Black, Asian and Other exclude Hispanics, who can be of any race. Other covers all remaining non-Hispanic residents, such as American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander and multiracial people. July 1, 2025.
- White 88.7% U.S. 56.1%
- Black 3.9% U.S. 12.3%
- Asian 1.0% U.S. 6.6%
- Other 3.9% U.S. 4.5%
- Hispanic 2.6% U.S. 20.5%
Education
Compare all statesBachelor's degree or higher
24.7%
12.7 points below the U.S. (37.4%). Lowest of 51.
Share of adults 25 and older. 2025.
Health
Compare all statesWithout health insurance
8.8%
1.4 points below the U.S. (10.2%). 22nd lowest of 51.
Share of people under 65 with no health coverage. 2025.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 2020–2024, Population Estimates Vintage 2025, QuickFacts, county population estimates by race and Hispanic origin CC-EST2025). How we use this data.