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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Braxton County: 11.9% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 12,345 residents, Braxton County is a county in West Virginia. It ranks #41 among counties in West Virginia by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $44,449, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.2%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $106,400, with typical rent around $578.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 11.9%, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.3% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 33 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+
Largest cities in West Virginia
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.
Braxton County, WV Climate
Braxton County, WV has an average annual temperature of 11.5°C (53°F) and receives about 1233 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.5°C
Avg Temp
1233
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 31° | 87 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 82 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 103 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 103 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 113 mm |
| June | 20° / 69° | 115 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 135 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 115 mm |
| September | 19° / 65° | 100 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 86 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 98 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 96 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 Braxton County, WV
The most comfortable months to visit Braxton County, WV are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Braxton County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.