Wheeling, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Wheeling, West Virginia is 26,670 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest city in West Virginia. The median household income is $48,498, the median home value is $142,500, and the median age is 44.8.
The population has declined 8.2% since 2010 (28,376 → 26,060).
26,670
Population
1962
People / sq mi
$48,498
Median Income
$142,500
Median Home Value
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Wheeling covers 13.6 sq mi of land at 1962 people per square mile.
About Wheeling, WV
What sets Wheeling apart is money: median household income runs $48,498, below the US median of $78,538. With 26,670 residents, Wheeling is a city in West Virginia. It is the #5-largest of all cities in West Virginia nationally.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $48,498, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 13.7%, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $142,500, with typical rent around $795.
Roughly 32.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 6.9%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Wheeling city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Wheeling city had a population of 28,376 in 2010 and 26,060 in 2024, a -8.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 28,376 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.60%.
26,060
Population (2024)
28,376
Population (2010)
28,376
Peak (2010)
-0.60%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 28,376 |
| 2011 | 28,180 |
| 2012 | 28,041 |
| 2013 | 27,905 |
| 2014 | 27,604 |
| 2015 | 27,502 |
| 2016 | 27,287 |
| 2017 | 26,863 |
| 2018 | 26,650 |
| 2019 | 26,430 |
| 2020 | 26,913 |
| 2021 | 26,589 |
| 2022 | 26,368 |
| 2023 | 26,165 |
| 2024 | 26,060 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.4% |
| Black or African American | 4.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$48,498
Median Household Income
$35,997
Per Capita Income
13.7%
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$142,500
Median Home Value
$795
Median Rent
59.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
92.3%
High School+
32.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.4%
Drive Alone
77.1%
Public Transit
6.9%
Work From Home
20.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
30.4%
Foreign Born
96.9%
Non-English at Home
7.1%
Veterans
18.3%
With Disability
95.1%
Health Insurance
86.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 27.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.7% |
| Manufacturing | 7.2% |
| Information | 6.0% |
| Construction | 5.9% |
| Retail Trade | 5.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.2% |
| Public Administration | 4.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 2.0% |
Largest cities in West Virginia
Largest counties in West Virginia
Part of West Virginia
Metro areas in West Virginia
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wheeling, West Virginia has a population of 26,670 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest city in West Virginia.
The median household income in Wheeling, West Virginia is $48,498, with 13.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Wheeling, West Virginia is $142,500, with median monthly rent at $795 and a homeownership rate of 59.6%.
The median age in Wheeling, West Virginia is 44.8 years. The population is 47.1% male and 52.9% female.
The population has declined 8.2% since 2010 (28,376 → 26,060).
Where to stay in Wheeling
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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.