Boone County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 29th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Boone County, West Virginia is 21,312 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 29th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $56,152, the median home value is $90,300, and the median age is 45.0.
The population of Boone County has declined 16.7% since 2010 (24,607 → 20,496), a -1.30% annualized rate.
21,312
Population
-1.30%
Annual growth
42
People / sq mi
$56,152
Median Income
$90,300
Median Home Value
Boone County covers 502 sq mi of land at 42.4 people per square mile.
About Boone County, WV
Boone County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 21,312. It ranks #29 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 45.0, older than the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Boone County is $56,152, below the US median of $74,580. 13.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $90,300, with monthly rent averaging $823. The homeownership rate of 79.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Boone County reflects 11.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 33.0 minutes each way.
Boone County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Boone County had a population of 24,607 in 2010 and 20,496 in 2024, a -16.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,607 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.29%.
20,496
Population (2024)
24,607
Population (2010)
24,607
Peak (2010)
-1.29%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,607 |
| 2011 | 24,411 |
| 2012 | 24,356 |
| 2013 | 24,091 |
| 2014 | 23,716 |
| 2015 | 23,252 |
| 2016 | 22,803 |
| 2017 | 22,368 |
| 2018 | 21,907 |
| 2019 | 21,352 |
| 2020 | 21,746 |
| 2021 | 21,361 |
| 2022 | 20,925 |
| 2023 | 20,600 |
| 2024 | 20,496 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 97.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.0
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
21.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.7% · Seniors (65+): 21.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,152$-1,765 vs state |
| Mean household income | $67,971 |
| Per-capita income | $26,984 |
| Poverty rate | 13.4%+1.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 40.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Boone County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
5.4%
Carpool
81.6%
Public transit
4.6%
Work from home
33.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$90,300$-65,300 vs state
Median home value
$823
Median rent
79.1%
Homeownership rate
10,167
Total housing units
77.6%
Occupied
22.4%
Vacant
20.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.5%
With health insurance
87.2%
With broadband internet
13.9%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
24.4%
With a disability
99.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.8%
High School+
11.9%
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
Boone County, West Virginia has a population of 21,312 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 29th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 42 people per square mile.
The population of Boone County has declined 16.7% since 2010 (24,607 → 20,496), a -1.30% annualized rate.
The median household income in Boone County, West Virginia is $56,152, with mean (average) household income of $67,971 and per-capita income of $26,984. 13.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Boone County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (97.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Boone County, West Virginia is 45.0 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Boone County is $90,300 and median monthly rent is $823. 79.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,167 total housing units, 22.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Boone County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Boone 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.