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
Housing cost is the defining feature of Gilmer County: the median home is valued at $83,300. With 7,376 residents, Gilmer County is a county in West Virginia.
The typical household earns $50,991, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 14.0% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $83,300, with typical rent around $764.
19.9% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (2.8%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 33 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.