Braxton County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 41st-largest in West Virginia
The population of Braxton County, West Virginia is 12,345 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 41st-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $44,449, the median home value is $106,400, and the median age is 46.7.
The population of Braxton County has declined 17.1% since 2010 (14,544 → 12,051), a -1.33% annualized rate.
12,345
Population
-1.33%
Annual growth
24
People / sq mi
$44,449
Median Income
$106,400
Median Home Value
Braxton County covers 511 sq mi of land at 24.2 people per square mile.
About Braxton County, WV
Braxton County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 12,345. It ranks #41 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 46.7, older than the national median. The population is 52.2% male and 47.8% female.
The median household income in Braxton County is $44,449, below the US median of $74,580. 13.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $106,400, with monthly rent averaging $578. The homeownership rate of 79.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Braxton County reflects 11.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 32.9 minutes each way.
Braxton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Braxton County had a population of 14,544 in 2010 and 12,051 in 2024, a -17.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,544 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.30%.
12,051
Population (2024)
14,544
Population (2010)
14,544
Peak (2010)
-1.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,544 |
| 2011 | 14,535 |
| 2012 | 14,452 |
| 2013 | 14,387 |
| 2014 | 14,407 |
| 2015 | 14,378 |
| 2016 | 14,316 |
| 2017 | 14,218 |
| 2018 | 14,030 |
| 2019 | 13,894 |
| 2020 | 12,396 |
| 2021 | 12,297 |
| 2022 | 12,158 |
| 2023 | 12,139 |
| 2024 | 12,051 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.7
Median Age
47.8%
Female
52.2%
Male
24.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.3% · Seniors (65+): 24.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $44,449$-13,468 vs state |
| Mean household income | $56,895 |
| Per-capita income | $23,349 |
| Poverty rate | 13.2%+1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 36.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Braxton County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.6%
Carpool
76.7%
Public transit
6.3%
Work from home
32.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$106,400$-49,200 vs state
Median home value
$578
Median rent
79.3%
Homeownership rate
6,278
Total housing units
75.4%
Occupied
24.6%
Vacant
20.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.4%
With health insurance
84.2%
With broadband internet
20.1%
Foreign-born
9.8%
Veterans (18+)
19.1%
With a disability
99.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.7%
High School+
11.9%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in West Virginia
Part of West Virginia
Metro areas in West Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Braxton County, West Virginia has a population of 12,345 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 41st-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 24 people per square mile.
The population of Braxton County has declined 17.1% since 2010 (14,544 → 12,051), a -1.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Braxton County, West Virginia is $44,449, with mean (average) household income of $56,895 and per-capita income of $23,349. 13.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Braxton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%), Black or African American (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Braxton County, West Virginia is 46.7 years. Residents are 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
The median home value in Braxton County is $106,400 and median monthly rent is $578. 79.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,278 total housing units, 24.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Braxton County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.4%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Braxton 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.