Kanawha County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 1st-largest in West Virginia
The population of Kanawha County, West Virginia is 178,198 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $58,887, the median home value is $135,000, and the median age is 43.7.
The population of Kanawha County has declined 9.9% since 2010 (192,925 → 173,906), a -0.74% annualized rate.
178,198
Population
-0.74%
Annual growth
198
People / sq mi
$58,887
Median Income
$135,000
Median Home Value
Kanawha County covers 902 sq mi of land at 197.6 people per square mile.
About Kanawha County, WV
Kanawha County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 198 people per square mile. Kanawha County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 178,198. It is the #1-largest of all counties in West Virginia nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $58,887 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.3%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $135,000, with typical rent around $879.
College attainment is above the local norm at 29.3%, below the national 35.0%. About 8.3% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Kanawha County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Kanawha County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Kanawha County had a population of 192,925 in 2010 and 173,906 in 2024, a -9.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 192,925 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.74%.
173,906
Population (2024)
192,925
Population (2010)
192,925
Peak (2010)
-0.74%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 192,925 |
| 2011 | 192,216 |
| 2012 | 192,306 |
| 2013 | 191,625 |
| 2014 | 190,458 |
| 2015 | 188,399 |
| 2016 | 186,400 |
| 2017 | 183,525 |
| 2018 | 180,497 |
| 2019 | 178,393 |
| 2020 | 180,208 |
| 2021 | 178,071 |
| 2022 | 175,899 |
| 2023 | 174,602 |
| 2024 | 173,906 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.9% |
| Black or African American | 6.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.7
Median Age
51.5%
Female
48.5%
Male
21.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.4% · Seniors (65+): 21.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,887+$970 vs state |
| Mean household income | $81,423 |
| Per-capita income | $36,168 |
| Poverty rate | 12.3%+0.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Kanawha County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.8% of workers.
How residents commute
1.7%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
77.9%
Public transit
8.3%
Work from home
22.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$135,000$-20,600 vs state
Median home value
$879
Median rent
70.2%
Homeownership rate
90,388
Total housing units
85.0%
Occupied
15.0%
Vacant
29.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
91.7%
With broadband internet
17.1%
Foreign-born
7.0%
Veterans (18+)
19.7%
With a disability
97.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.7%
High School+
29.3%
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
Kanawha County, West Virginia has a population of 178,198 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 198 people per square mile.
The population of Kanawha County has declined 9.9% since 2010 (192,925 → 173,906), a -0.74% annualized rate.
The median household income in Kanawha County, West Virginia is $58,887, with mean (average) household income of $81,423 and per-capita income of $36,168. 12.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Kanawha County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.9%), Black or African American (6.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Kanawha County, West Virginia is 43.7 years. Residents are 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
The median home value in Kanawha County is $135,000 and median monthly rent is $879. 70.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 90,388 total housing units, 15.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Kanawha County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Kanawha County, West Virginia, with a population of 47,918.
Kanawha County, WV Climate
Kanawha County, WV has an average annual temperature of 12.3°C (54°F) and receives about 1144 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.3°C
Avg Temp
1144
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 83 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 80 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 98 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 92 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 108 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 102 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 128 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 110 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 94 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 72 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 89 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 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 Kanawha County, WV
The most comfortable months to visit Kanawha County, WV are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Kanawha County
Visiting or relocating to Kanawha County, WV? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Kanawha County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Kanawha County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Kanawha County, WV by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from West Virginia
Population 126,165
Population 106,520
Population 93,300
Population 83,829
Full rankings of West Virginia counties
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.