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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Lincoln County: 8.4% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 20,170 residents, Lincoln County is a county in West Virginia. It ranks #31 among counties in West Virginia by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $48,593, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 15.8%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $103,400, with typical rent around $727.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 8.4%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.6%, and the average commute runs about 32 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+
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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.