Beckley, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Beckley, West Virginia is 16,977 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest city in West Virginia. The median household income is $39,939, the median home value is $148,800, and the median age is 39.0.
The population has declined 6.4% since 2010 (17,638 → 16,515).
16,977
Population
1787
People / sq mi
$39,939
Median Income
$148,800
Median Home Value
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Beckley covers 9.5 sq mi of land at 1787 people per square mile.
About Beckley, WV
Among US cities, Beckley stands out first on household income: a median of $39,939, below the US median of $78,538. Beckley is a city in West Virginia with a population of 16,977. It is the #9-largest of all cities in West Virginia nationally.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $39,939, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 22.6%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $148,800, with typical rent around $867.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 25.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 3.2% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Beckley city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Beckley city had a population of 17,638 in 2010 and 16,515 in 2024, a -6.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,666 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.44%.
16,515
Population (2024)
17,638
Population (2010)
17,666
Peak (2011)
-0.44%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,638 |
| 2011 | 17,666 |
| 2012 | 17,589 |
| 2013 | 17,428 |
| 2014 | 17,214 |
| 2015 | 16,979 |
| 2016 | 16,724 |
| 2017 | 16,406 |
| 2018 | 16,169 |
| 2019 | 15,940 |
| 2020 | 17,214 |
| 2021 | 17,019 |
| 2022 | 16,738 |
| 2023 | 16,608 |
| 2024 | 16,515 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 71.8% |
| Black or African American | 15.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$39,939
Median Household Income
$30,990
Per Capita Income
22.6%
Poverty Rate
1.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$148,800
Median Home Value
$867
Median Rent
53.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.7%
High School+
25.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.1%
Drive Alone
82.0%
Public Transit
3.2%
Work From Home
18.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
27.2%
Foreign Born
94.7%
Non-English at Home
7.9%
Veterans
21.2%
With Disability
96.7%
Health Insurance
88.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 33.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 13.2% |
| Retail Trade | 7.5% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.1% |
| Public Administration | 4.1% |
| Manufacturing | 4.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 3.8% |
| Construction | 2.7% |
| Information | 2.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.0% |
Largest cities in West Virginia
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Part of West Virginia
Metro areas in West Virginia
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Beckley, West Virginia has a population of 16,977 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest city in West Virginia.
The median household income in Beckley, West Virginia is $39,939, with 22.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Beckley, West Virginia is $148,800, with median monthly rent at $867 and a homeownership rate of 53.2%.
The median age in Beckley, West Virginia is 39.0 years. The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
The population has declined 6.4% since 2010 (17,638 → 16,515).
Where to stay in Beckley
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.