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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 15.3% of the population. With 16,808 residents, Lewis County is a county in West Virginia. It ranks #34 among counties in West Virginia by population.
The typical household earns $52,279, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.2%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $135,800, with typical rent around $737.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 17.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.8% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 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.