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 defined demographically by education — 12.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. Barbour County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 15,454. It ranks #36 among counties in West Virginia by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $48,347, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 16.1%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $126,000, with typical rent around $803.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 12.2%, below the national 35.0%. About 6.4% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 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.
Barbour County, WV Climate
Barbour County, WV has an average annual temperature of 10.3°C (51°F) and receives about 1225 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.3°C
Avg Temp
1225
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 28° | 87 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 82 mm |
| March | 5° / 40° | 108 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 103 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 115 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 120 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 125 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 114 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 96 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 82 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 95 mm |
| December | 1° / 34° | 98 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 Barbour County, WV
The most comfortable months to visit Barbour County, WV are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Barbour County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.