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Population Review

Marion County, West Virginia Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 11th-largest in West Virginia

The population of Marion County, West Virginia is 56,042 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 11th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $67,537, the median home value is $164,300, and the median age is 40.4.

The population of Marion County has declined 1.6% since 2010 (56,566 → 55,649), a -0.12% annualized rate.

Marion County within West Virginia · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

56,042

Population

-0.12%

Annual growth

181

People / sq mi

$67,537

Median Income

$164,300

Median Home Value

Marion County covers 309 sq mi of land at 181.5 people per square mile.

About Marion County, WV

Marion County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 181 people per square mile. With 56,042 residents, Marion County is a county in West Virginia. It ranks #11 among counties in West Virginia by population.

Household earnings are middling, with a median of $67,537 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.2%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $164,300, with typical rent around $901.

25.8% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 9.3% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.

That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Marion County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.

Marion County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Marion County had a population of 56,566 in 2010 and 55,649 in 2024, a -1.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 56,841 in 2014. Average annual growth rate: -0.12%.

2014 · 57K20102024
Marion County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

55,649

Population (2024)

56,566

Population (2010)

56,841

Peak (2014)

-0.12%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201056,566
201156,715
201256,791
201356,762
201456,841
201556,815
201656,557
201756,430
201856,132
201956,077
202056,234
202156,056
202255,799
202355,805
202455,649

Race & Ethnicity

White92.0%
Black or African American2.6%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.2%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

40.4

Median Age

50.0%

Female

50.0%

Male

19.8%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.0%
5–9
5.7%
10–14
5.8%
15–19
6.5%
20–24
7.9%
25–34
12.6%
35–44
11.7%
45–54
12.3%
55–59
6.3%
60–64
6.4%
65–74
11.9%
75–84
5.8%
85+
2.1%

Children (under 15): 16.5% · Seniors (65+): 19.8%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$67,537+$9,620 vs state
Mean household income$80,748
Per-capita income$33,719
Poverty rate9.2%-2.7% vs state
Unemployment rate3.1%
Employment-to-population56.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
29.1%
Finance & real estate
8.7%
Retail trade
7.6%
Education & health care
7.3%
Public administration
7.1%
Manufacturing
6.4%
Construction
6.4%
Arts, entertainment & food
6.2%

The largest employment sector in Marion County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.1% of workers.

How residents commute

0.5%

Drive alone

2.8%

Carpool

75.7%

Public transit

9.3%

Work from home

24.8 min

Avg commute

Housing

$164,300+$8,700 vs state

Median home value

$901

Median rent

75.8%

Homeownership rate

26,283

Total housing units

87.4%

Occupied

12.6%

Vacant

24.2%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

93.6%

With health insurance

92.1%

With broadband internet

21.8%

Foreign-born

7.5%

Veterans (18+)

18.6%

With a disability

98.3%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

92.2%

High School+

25.8%

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

Marion County, West Virginia has a population of 56,042 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 11th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 181 people per square mile.

The population of Marion County has declined 1.6% since 2010 (56,566 → 55,649), a -0.12% annualized rate.

The median household income in Marion County, West Virginia is $67,537, with mean (average) household income of $80,748 and per-capita income of $33,719. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Marion County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.0%), Black or African American (2.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Marion County, West Virginia is 40.4 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.

The median home value in Marion County is $164,300 and median monthly rent is $901. 75.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 26,283 total housing units, 12.6% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Marion County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.

Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Marion County, West Virginia, with a population of 47,918.


Marion County, WV Climate

Marion County, WV has an average annual temperature of 10.7°C (51°F) and receives about 1102 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

10.7°C

Avg Temp

1102

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-10°0°10°20°30°117mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Marion County, WV — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January-2° / 29°76 mm
February0° / 32°70 mm
March5° / 41°101 mm
April10° / 50°92 mm
May16° / 60°108 mm
June20° / 68°105 mm
July22° / 72°117 mm
August21° / 71°105 mm
September18° / 64°84 mm
October12° / 53°74 mm
November6° / 43°87 mm
December1° / 34°83 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 Marion County, WV

The most comfortable months to visit Marion County, WV are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). July is usually the wettest month.

AugustJuneJuly

Where to stay near Marion County

Visiting or relocating to Marion County, WV? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Marion County

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.