Gilmer County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 51st-largest in West Virginia
The population of Gilmer County, West Virginia is 7,376 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 51st-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $50,991, the median home value is $83,300, and the median age is 40.7.
The population of Gilmer County has declined 18.5% since 2010 (8,731 → 7,116), a -1.45% annualized rate.
7,376
Population
-1.45%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$50,991
Median Income
$83,300
Median Home Value
Gilmer County covers 339 sq mi of land at 21.8 people per square mile.
About Gilmer County, WV
Gilmer County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 7,376. It ranks #51 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 40.7, older than the national median. The population is 60.1% male and 39.9% female.
The median household income in Gilmer County is $50,991, below the US median of $74,580. 14.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $83,300, with monthly rent averaging $764. The homeownership rate of 76.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Gilmer County reflects 19.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 2.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 33.3 minutes each way.
Gilmer County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Gilmer County had a population of 8,731 in 2010 and 7,116 in 2024, a -18.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,760 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -1.44%.
7,116
Population (2024)
8,731
Population (2010)
8,760
Peak (2012)
-1.44%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,731 |
| 2011 | 8,754 |
| 2012 | 8,760 |
| 2013 | 8,635 |
| 2014 | 8,511 |
| 2015 | 8,315 |
| 2016 | 8,153 |
| 2017 | 8,060 |
| 2018 | 7,937 |
| 2019 | 7,888 |
| 2020 | 7,399 |
| 2021 | 7,396 |
| 2022 | 7,309 |
| 2023 | 7,221 |
| 2024 | 7,116 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 81.9% |
| Black or African American | 14.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.7
Median Age
39.9%
Female
60.1%
Male
17.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.3% · Seniors (65+): 17.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,991$-6,926 vs state |
| Mean household income | $61,984 |
| Per-capita income | $20,325 |
| Poverty rate | 14.0%+2.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 33.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Gilmer County is professional & business services, accounting for 38.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.8%
Carpool
73.8%
Public transit
2.8%
Work from home
33.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$83,300$-72,300 vs state
Median home value
$764
Median rent
76.4%
Homeownership rate
3,118
Total housing units
71.5%
Occupied
28.5%
Vacant
23.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.9%
With health insurance
86.0%
With broadband internet
37.6%
Foreign-born
7.0%
Veterans (18+)
14.9%
With a disability
95.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.5%
High School+
19.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in West Virginia
Other counties in West Virginia
Part of West Virginia
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Gilmer County, West Virginia has a population of 7,376 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 51st-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Gilmer County has declined 18.5% since 2010 (8,731 → 7,116), a -1.45% annualized rate.
The median household income in Gilmer County, West Virginia is $50,991, with mean (average) household income of $61,984 and per-capita income of $20,325. 14.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Gilmer County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (81.9%), Black or African American (14.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Gilmer County, West Virginia is 40.7 years. Residents are 39.9% female and 60.1% male.
The median home value in Gilmer County is $83,300 and median monthly rent is $764. 76.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,118 total housing units, 28.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Gilmer County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 38.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Gilmer 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.