Brooke County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Brooke County, West Virginia is 22,053 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $52,116, the median home value is $127,700, and the median age is 46.6.
The population of Brooke County has declined 11.2% since 2010 (23,973 → 21,285), a -0.85% annualized rate.
22,053
Population
-0.85%
Annual growth
247
People / sq mi
$52,116
Median Income
$127,700
Median Home Value
Brooke County covers 89 sq mi of land at 247.2 people per square mile.
About Brooke County, WV
Age is the most distinctive thing about Brooke County: a median age of 46.6, older than the national median. With 22,053 residents, Brooke County is a county in West Virginia. It ranks #28 among counties in West Virginia by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $52,116, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $127,700, with typical rent around $603.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Brooke County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Brooke County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Brooke County had a population of 23,973 in 2010 and 21,285 in 2024, a -11.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 23,973 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.84%.
21,285
Population (2024)
23,973
Population (2010)
23,973
Peak (2010)
-0.84%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 23,973 |
| 2011 | 23,814 |
| 2012 | 23,677 |
| 2013 | 23,596 |
| 2014 | 23,383 |
| 2015 | 23,213 |
| 2016 | 22,674 |
| 2017 | 22,406 |
| 2018 | 22,130 |
| 2019 | 21,924 |
| 2020 | 22,484 |
| 2021 | 22,080 |
| 2022 | 21,739 |
| 2023 | 21,438 |
| 2024 | 21,285 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.6
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
24.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.9% · Seniors (65+): 24.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,116$-5,801 vs state |
| Mean household income | $71,104 |
| Per-capita income | $32,157 |
| Poverty rate | 8.1%-3.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Brooke County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
3.2%
Carpool
80.3%
Public transit
7.1%
Work from home
23.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$127,700$-27,900 vs state
Median home value
$603
Median rent
73.4%
Homeownership rate
10,700
Total housing units
88.2%
Occupied
11.8%
Vacant
26.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.6%
With health insurance
88.4%
With broadband internet
39.7%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
20.0%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.4%
High School+
21.9%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in West Virginia
Part of West Virginia
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Brooke County, West Virginia has a population of 22,053 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 247 people per square mile.
The population of Brooke County has declined 11.2% since 2010 (23,973 → 21,285), a -0.85% annualized rate.
The median household income in Brooke County, West Virginia is $52,116, with mean (average) household income of $71,104 and per-capita income of $32,157. 8.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Brooke County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.6%), Black or African American (1.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Brooke County, West Virginia is 46.6 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Brooke County is $127,700 and median monthly rent is $603. 73.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,700 total housing units, 11.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Brooke County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Brooke 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.