West Virginia is a state in the Southeast region of the United States, known for the Appalachian Mountains, river valleys, and coal country. It has a population of 1,769,460, making it the 40th most populated state in the country. The capital city is Charleston. West Virginia has a energy-focused economy with growing tourism sector.
Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change
The racial composition of West Virginia includes 90.9% White, 3.28% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for Asian, other race, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
White
Two or more races
Black or African American
Asian
Other race
Native American
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
Race | Population | Percentage (of total) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1,622,010 | 90.9% |
| Two or more races | 76,400 | 4.28% |
| Black or African American | 58,519 | 3.28% |
| Asian | 13,434 | 0.75% |
| Other race | 12,055 | 0.68% |
| Native American | 1,532 | 0.09% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 513 | 0.03% |
Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never Married
West Virginia's average per capita income is $43,838. Household income levels show a median of $57,917. The poverty rate stands at 16.64%.
Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Married Families | $88,588 | $108,465 |
| Families | $74,981 | $94,941 |
| Households | $57,917 | $78,799 |
| Non Families | $32,953 | $48,512 |
Average Income
Median Household Income
Poverty Rate
West Virginia’s population trends show significant regional challenges, with only a few bright spots. While Berkeley County and Jefferson County in the Eastern Panhandle have grown by 12.9% and 6.2% respectively since 2020, much of the state faces substantial population losses. Kanawha County, the most populous county at 173,000 residents, has declined 4.2%. The most severe losses are in the southern coalfields, with McDowell County declining 11.8% and Mingo County down 9.8%.