Barbour County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 36th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Barbour County, West Virginia is 15,454 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 36th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $48,347, the median home value is $126,000, and the median age is 42.4.
The population of Barbour County has declined 7.5% since 2010 (16,610 → 15,369), a -0.55% annualized rate.
15,454
Population
-0.55%
Annual growth
45
People / sq mi
$48,347
Median Income
$126,000
Median Home Value
Barbour County covers 341 sq mi of land at 45.3 people per square mile.
About Barbour County, WV
Barbour County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 15,454. It ranks #36 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 42.4, older than the national median. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The median household income in Barbour County is $48,347, below the US median of $74,580. 16.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $126,000, with monthly rent averaging $803. The homeownership rate of 79.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Barbour County reflects 12.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.1 minutes each way.
Barbour County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Barbour County had a population of 16,610 in 2010 and 15,369 in 2024, a -7.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,980 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.54%.
15,369
Population (2024)
16,610
Population (2010)
16,980
Peak (2015)
-0.54%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,610 |
| 2011 | 16,600 |
| 2012 | 16,869 |
| 2013 | 16,875 |
| 2014 | 16,909 |
| 2015 | 16,980 |
| 2016 | 16,752 |
| 2017 | 16,530 |
| 2018 | 16,524 |
| 2019 | 16,466 |
| 2020 | 15,462 |
| 2021 | 15,447 |
| 2022 | 15,397 |
| 2023 | 15,443 |
| 2024 | 15,369 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.2% |
| Black or African American | 1.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.4
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
20.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.4% · Seniors (65+): 20.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $48,347$-9,570 vs state |
| Mean household income | $62,548 |
| Per-capita income | $26,055 |
| Poverty rate | 16.1%+4.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 44.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Barbour County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.0%
Carpool
82.6%
Public transit
6.4%
Work from home
28.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$126,000$-29,600 vs state
Median home value
$803
Median rent
79.3%
Homeownership rate
7,131
Total housing units
82.3%
Occupied
17.7%
Vacant
20.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.1%
With health insurance
88.1%
With broadband internet
20.8%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
16.3%
With a disability
98.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.6%
High School+
12.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in West Virginia
Other counties in West Virginia
Part of West Virginia
Metro areas in West Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Barbour County, West Virginia has a population of 15,454 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 36th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 45 people per square mile.
The population of Barbour County has declined 7.5% since 2010 (16,610 → 15,369), a -0.55% annualized rate.
The median household income in Barbour County, West Virginia is $48,347, with mean (average) household income of $62,548 and per-capita income of $26,055. 16.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Barbour County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.2%), Black or African American (1.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Barbour County, West Virginia is 42.4 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Barbour County is $126,000 and median monthly rent is $803. 79.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,131 total housing units, 17.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Barbour County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.2%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Barbour County, West Virginia, with a population of 47,918.
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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.