Charleston, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Charleston, West Virginia is 47,918 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest city in West Virginia. The median household income is $64,512, the median home value is $187,300, and the median age is 42.6.
The population has declined 9.3% since 2010 (51,274 → 46,482).
47,918
Population
1526
People / sq mi
$64,512
Median Income
$187,300
Median Home Value
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Charleston covers 31.4 sq mi of land at 1526 people per square mile.
About Charleston, WV
Age is the most distinctive thing about Charleston: a median age of 42.6, older than the national median. With 47,918 residents, Charleston is a city in West Virginia. It is the #1-largest of all cities in West Virginia nationally.
Median household income is $64,512, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.7%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $187,300, with typical rent around $898.
College attainment is above the local norm at 44.1%, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 11.2%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Charleston — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Charleston city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Charleston city had a population of 51,274 in 2010 and 46,482 in 2024, a -9.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 51,274 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.69%.
46,482
Population (2024)
51,274
Population (2010)
51,274
Peak (2010)
-0.69%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 51,274 |
| 2011 | 50,992 |
| 2012 | 50,858 |
| 2013 | 50,657 |
| 2014 | 50,133 |
| 2015 | 49,457 |
| 2016 | 48,789 |
| 2017 | 48,040 |
| 2018 | 47,172 |
| 2019 | 46,536 |
| 2020 | 48,639 |
| 2021 | 47,949 |
| 2022 | 47,228 |
| 2023 | 46,787 |
| 2024 | 46,482 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 76.6% |
| Black or African American | 11.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$64,512
Median Household Income
$45,967
Per Capita Income
11.7%
Poverty Rate
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$187,300
Median Home Value
$898
Median Rent
62.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
92.1%
High School+
44.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.1%
Drive Alone
70.7%
Public Transit
11.2%
Work From Home
17.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
23.8%
Foreign Born
95.6%
Non-English at Home
5.6%
Veterans
20.0%
With Disability
95.6%
Health Insurance
93.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 29.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 12.7% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.5% |
| Public Administration | 9.2% |
| Information | 7.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.2% |
| Manufacturing | 4.0% |
| Retail Trade | 3.1% |
| Construction | 2.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.1% |
Largest cities in West Virginia
Largest counties in West Virginia
Part of West Virginia
Metro areas in West Virginia
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Charleston, West Virginia has a population of 47,918 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest city in West Virginia.
The median household income in Charleston, West Virginia is $64,512, with 11.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Charleston, West Virginia is $187,300, with median monthly rent at $898 and a homeownership rate of 62.8%.
The median age in Charleston, West Virginia is 42.6 years. The population is 49.2% male and 50.8% female.
The population has declined 9.3% since 2010 (51,274 → 46,482).
Where to stay in Charleston
Visiting or relocating to Charleston, WV? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Full rankings of West Virginia cities by population
Statewide data for West Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across West Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.