Fayette County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 13th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Fayette County, West Virginia is 39,987 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 13th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $52,672, the median home value is $104,200, and the median age is 44.5.
The population of Fayette County has declined 16.1% since 2010 (46,029 → 38,600), a -1.25% annualized rate.
39,987
Population
-1.25%
Annual growth
60
People / sq mi
$52,672
Median Income
$104,200
Median Home Value
Fayette County covers 662 sq mi of land at 60.4 people per square mile.
About Fayette County, WV
Fayette County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 39,987. It ranks #13 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 44.5, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Fayette County is $52,672, below the US median of $74,580. 13.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $104,200, with monthly rent averaging $777. The homeownership rate of 75.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Fayette County reflects 16.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.9 minutes each way.
Fayette County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Fayette County had a population of 46,029 in 2010 and 38,600 in 2024, a -16.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 46,029 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.24%.
38,600
Population (2024)
46,029
Population (2010)
46,029
Peak (2010)
-1.24%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 46,029 |
| 2011 | 45,924 |
| 2012 | 45,873 |
| 2013 | 45,570 |
| 2014 | 45,176 |
| 2015 | 44,726 |
| 2016 | 44,184 |
| 2017 | 43,620 |
| 2018 | 43,067 |
| 2019 | 42,500 |
| 2020 | 40,445 |
| 2021 | 40,059 |
| 2022 | 39,411 |
| 2023 | 39,079 |
| 2024 | 38,600 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.0% |
| Black or African American | 4.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.5
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
22.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.9% · Seniors (65+): 22.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,672$-5,245 vs state |
| Mean household income | $65,286 |
| Per-capita income | $27,091 |
| Poverty rate | 13.8%+1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 44.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Fayette County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
77.8%
Public transit
6.1%
Work from home
29.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$104,200$-51,400 vs state
Median home value
$777
Median rent
75.7%
Homeownership rate
19,134
Total housing units
84.2%
Occupied
15.8%
Vacant
24.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.6%
With health insurance
86.6%
With broadband internet
19.2%
Foreign-born
8.8%
Veterans (18+)
22.7%
With a disability
99.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.1%
High School+
16.1%
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
Fayette County, West Virginia has a population of 39,987 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 13th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 60 people per square mile.
The population of Fayette County has declined 16.1% since 2010 (46,029 → 38,600), a -1.25% annualized rate.
The median household income in Fayette County, West Virginia is $52,672, with mean (average) household income of $65,286 and per-capita income of $27,091. 13.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Fayette County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.0%), Black or African American (4.5%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Fayette County, West Virginia is 44.5 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Fayette County is $104,200 and median monthly rent is $777. 75.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 19,134 total housing units, 15.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Fayette County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Fayette 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.