Lincoln County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 31st-largest in West Virginia
The population of Lincoln County, West Virginia is 20,170 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 31st-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $48,593, the median home value is $103,400, and the median age is 44.0.
The population of Lincoln County has declined 10.6% since 2010 (21,674 → 19,377), a -0.80% annualized rate.
20,170
Population
-0.80%
Annual growth
46
People / sq mi
$48,593
Median Income
$103,400
Median Home Value
Lincoln County covers 437 sq mi of land at 46.1 people per square mile.
About Lincoln County, WV
Lincoln County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 20,170. It ranks #31 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 44.0, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Lincoln County is $48,593, below the US median of $74,580. 15.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $103,400, with monthly rent averaging $727. The homeownership rate of 74.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lincoln County reflects 8.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 31.6 minutes each way.
Lincoln County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lincoln County had a population of 21,674 in 2010 and 19,377 in 2024, a -10.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,674 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.80%.
19,377
Population (2024)
21,674
Population (2010)
21,674
Peak (2010)
-0.80%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,674 |
| 2011 | 21,569 |
| 2012 | 21,606 |
| 2013 | 21,454 |
| 2014 | 21,523 |
| 2015 | 21,284 |
| 2016 | 21,107 |
| 2017 | 20,895 |
| 2018 | 20,586 |
| 2019 | 20,453 |
| 2020 | 20,368 |
| 2021 | 20,197 |
| 2022 | 19,862 |
| 2023 | 19,699 |
| 2024 | 19,377 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 97.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
44.0
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
20.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.0% · Seniors (65+): 20.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $48,593$-9,324 vs state |
| Mean household income | $63,916 |
| Per-capita income | $26,046 |
| Poverty rate | 15.8%+3.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 40.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lincoln County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
82.1%
Public transit
8.6%
Work from home
31.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$103,400$-52,200 vs state
Median home value
$727
Median rent
74.7%
Homeownership rate
9,581
Total housing units
81.5%
Occupied
18.5%
Vacant
25.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.9%
With health insurance
85.9%
With broadband internet
12.2%
Foreign-born
4.9%
Veterans (18+)
27.4%
With a disability
99.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.8%
High School+
8.4%
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
Lincoln County, West Virginia has a population of 20,170 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 31st-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 46 people per square mile.
The population of Lincoln County has declined 10.6% since 2010 (21,674 → 19,377), a -0.80% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lincoln County, West Virginia is $48,593, with mean (average) household income of $63,916 and per-capita income of $26,046. 15.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lincoln County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (97.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%), Two or more races (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lincoln County, West Virginia is 44.0 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Lincoln County is $103,400 and median monthly rent is $727. 74.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,581 total housing units, 18.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lincoln County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Lincoln 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.