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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Boone County: 11.9% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Boone County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 21,312. It ranks #29 among counties in West Virginia by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $56,152, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 13.4% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $90,300, with typical rent around $823.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 11.9%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 33 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.