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
In Fayette County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $104,200. Fayette County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 39,987. It ranks #13 among counties in West Virginia by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $52,672, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 13.8% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $104,200, with typical rent around $777.
College attainment is 16.1%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.1%, and the average commute runs about 30 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+
Largest cities in West Virginia
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.
Fayette County, WV Climate
Fayette County, WV has an average annual temperature of 11.2°C (52°F) and receives about 1142 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.2°C
Avg Temp
1142
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 31° | 79 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 77 mm |
| March | 6° / 42° | 92 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 97 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 110 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 103 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 128 mm |
| August | 21° / 71° | 109 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 90 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 81 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 88 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 88 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 Fayette County, WV
The most comfortable months to visit Fayette County, WV are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Fayette County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.