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.
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%.
55,649
Population (2024)
56,566
Population (2010)
56,841
Peak (2014)
-0.12%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 56,566 |
| 2011 | 56,715 |
| 2012 | 56,791 |
| 2013 | 56,762 |
| 2014 | 56,841 |
| 2015 | 56,815 |
| 2016 | 56,557 |
| 2017 | 56,430 |
| 2018 | 56,132 |
| 2019 | 56,077 |
| 2020 | 56,234 |
| 2021 | 56,056 |
| 2022 | 55,799 |
| 2023 | 55,805 |
| 2024 | 55,649 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.0% |
| Black or African American | 2.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.4
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
19.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 9.2%-2.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
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
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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.
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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.