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).
Wheeling city, WV Climate
Wheeling city, WV has an average annual temperature of 11°C (52°F) and receives about 970 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11°C
Avg Temp
970
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 29° | 63 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 58 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 80 mm |
| April | 10° / 51° | 84 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 101 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 99 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 106 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 88 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 76 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 64 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 79 mm |
| December | 1° / 34° | 72 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Wheeling city, WV
The most comfortable months to visit Wheeling city, WV are typically August, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.