Lewis County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 34th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Lewis County, West Virginia is 16,808 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 34th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $52,279, the median home value is $135,800, and the median age is 43.2.
The population of Lewis County has grown 0.4% since 2010 (16,411 → 16,477), a +0.03% annualized rate.
16,808
Population
+0.03%
Annual growth
43
People / sq mi
$52,279
Median Income
$135,800
Median Home Value
Lewis County covers 387 sq mi of land at 43.4 people per square mile.
About Lewis County, WV
Lewis County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 16,808. It ranks #34 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 43.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Lewis County is $52,279, below the US median of $74,580. 13.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $135,800, with monthly rent averaging $737. The homeownership rate of 70.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lewis County reflects 17.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 30.1 minutes each way.
Lewis County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lewis County had a population of 16,411 in 2010 and 16,477 in 2024, a 0.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,020 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.05%.
16,477
Population (2024)
16,411
Population (2010)
17,020
Peak (2020)
0.05%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,411 |
| 2011 | 16,436 |
| 2012 | 16,450 |
| 2013 | 16,477 |
| 2014 | 16,445 |
| 2015 | 16,436 |
| 2016 | 16,290 |
| 2017 | 16,166 |
| 2018 | 15,981 |
| 2019 | 15,877 |
| 2020 | 17,020 |
| 2021 | 16,877 |
| 2022 | 16,719 |
| 2023 | 16,605 |
| 2024 | 16,477 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.2
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
20.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.7% · Seniors (65+): 20.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,279$-5,638 vs state |
| Mean household income | $73,742 |
| Per-capita income | $31,004 |
| Poverty rate | 13.2%+1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lewis County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
78.7%
Public transit
4.8%
Work from home
30.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$135,800$-19,800 vs state
Median home value
$737
Median rent
70.7%
Homeownership rate
8,188
Total housing units
84.8%
Occupied
15.2%
Vacant
29.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.4%
With health insurance
85.9%
With broadband internet
15.3%
Foreign-born
9.4%
Veterans (18+)
16.7%
With a disability
98.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.4%
High School+
17.5%
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
Lewis County, West Virginia has a population of 16,808 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 34th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 43 people per square mile.
The population of Lewis County has grown 0.4% since 2010 (16,411 → 16,477), a +0.03% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lewis County, West Virginia is $52,279, with mean (average) household income of $73,742 and per-capita income of $31,004. 13.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lewis County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lewis County, West Virginia is 43.2 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Lewis County is $135,800 and median monthly rent is $737. 70.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,188 total housing units, 15.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lewis County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.8%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Lewis 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.