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
Brooke County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 22,053. It ranks #28 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 46.6, older than the national median. The population is 49.4% male and 50.6% female.
The median household income in Brooke County is $52,116, below the US median of $74,580. 8.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $127,700, with monthly rent averaging $603. The homeownership rate of 73.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Brooke County reflects 21.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.9 minutes each way.
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+
Largest cities in West Virginia
Other counties in West Virginia
Part of West Virginia
Metro areas in West Virginia
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.