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Population and Demography of West Virginia
West Virginia is a state in the Southeastern United States, bordered by Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. It ranks as the 39th most populous state in the country, with a total land area of 24,078 square miles, giving it a population density of about 77 people per square mile, making it the 29th most densely populated U.S. state.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, West Virginia had a population of 1,793,716 (about 1.79 million). More recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show that as of July 1, 2024, the state’s population declined to approximately 1,769,979, or about 1.77 million people.
West Virginia has experienced a gradual population decline over the past decade, largely due to out-migration and an aging population, and this trend is expected to continue through the mid-2020s.
👉 Projected Population of West Virginia (2026): ~1.76 million
West Virginia Population Growth (2010–2020)
West Virginia experienced a population decline of −3.1% between 2010 and 2020, making it one of the few U.S. states to record sustained population loss during that decade. The state’s population decreased by approximately 59,278 people over this period, largely due to net out-migration and an aging population. The median age in West Virginia is about 41.9 years, reflecting an older demographic profile compared to the national average. In terms of gender distribution, the population is fairly balanced, with 50.6% females and 49.4% males.
West Virginia Census 2020 Snapshot
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,793,716 (1.79 million) |
| Population Change (2010–2020) | −3.1% |
| Population Rank | 39th |
| Total Land Area | 24,078 sq mi (62,361 km²) |
| Area Rank | 41st |
| Population Density | 77.1 per sq mi (29.8 per km²) |
| Capital City | Charleston |
| Largest City | Charleston |
West Virginia Historical Population
West Virginia’s population history shows periods of rapid early growth followed by long-term decline. The state experienced strong population increases in the early 20th century, particularly between 1910 and 1930, driven by industrial expansion, coal mining, and manufacturing. Population growth peaked in 1950, when West Virginia surpassed 2.0 million residents. Since then, the state has faced recurring population declines, especially after 1960, due to industrial job losses, out-migration, and an aging population. Despite brief periods of recovery in the 1980s and early 2000s, West Virginia’s population has generally trended downward, reaching 1.79 million in 2020, reflecting a return to levels seen nearly three decades earlier.
Decadal Population Change (1910–2020)
| Year | Population | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 1,221,119 | +27.4% |
| 1920 | 1,463,701 | +19.9% |
| 1930 | 1,729,205 | +18.1% |
| 1940 | 1,901,974 | +10.0% |
| 1950 | 2,005,552 | +5.4% |
| 1960 | 1,860,421 | −7.2% |
| 1970 | 1,744,237 | −6.2% |
| 1980 | 1,949,644 | +11.8% |
| 1990 | 1,793,477 | −8.0% |
| 2000 | 1,808,344 | +0.4% |
| 2010 | 1,852,994 | +2.5% |
| 2020 | 1,793,716 | −3.2% |
West Virginia Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations
Christianity is the dominant religion in West Virginia, followed by approximately 78% of the population. The largest Christian denomination in the state is Protestantism (70%), followed by Roman Catholicism (6%) and Mormonism (2%).
The religiously unaffiliated population accounts for about 22% of residents and includes those who do not identify with any faith or religious tradition. Other non-Christian religions, including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other smaller faiths, together make up roughly 3% of the population.
For more details, read: Religion in West Virginia
Race and Ethnicity in West Virginia
According to the 2020 Census, White alone (non-Hispanic) residents form the largest racial or ethnic group in West Virginia, comprising 89.14% of the total population. The second-largest group is individuals identifying with two or more races (4.02%), followed by Black or African American residents (3.61%). The Hispanic or Latino population accounts for 1.94%, while Asian residents make up 0.83% of the population.
Ancestry in West Virginia
Based on census studies and population estimates, the five largest ancestry groups in West Virginia are German, Irish, American, English, and Italian, reflecting the state’s strong European heritage.
For more details, read: Race and Ethnicity in West Virginia
Top cities and counties in West Virginia
As of 2022, West Virginia is divided into 55 counties. Kanawha County is the most populous county in the state, with an estimated population of 177,952, while Randolph County is the largest by land area, covering approximately 1,040 square miles.
West Virginia does not have any city with a population exceeding 100,000 residents. The largest city in the state is Charleston, with a population of about 49,736, followed by Huntington (48,638) and Parkersburg (30,991).
Read more about: Cities and Counties in West Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about West Virginia Population
What is the population of West Virginia in 2026?
The projected population of West Virginia in 2026 is approximately 1.76 million, continuing a gradual decline from previous years.
What was the population of West Virginia in the 2020 Census?
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, West Virginia had a population of 1,793,716 people.
Is West Virginia’s population growing or declining?
West Virginia’s population has been declining slowly over the past decade due to out-migration and an aging population, with a decrease of about 3.1% between 2010 and 2020.
What is the racial makeup of West Virginia?
As per the 2020 Census, the population of West Virginia is predominantly White (non-Hispanic) at 89.14%, followed by Two or more races (4.02%), Black or African American (3.61%), Hispanic or Latino (1.94%), and Asian (0.83%).
What is the most common religion in West Virginia?
Christianity is the most common religion in West Virginia, followed by about 78% of the population, with Protestant denominations forming the majority.
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