McDowell County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 32nd-largest in West Virginia
The population of McDowell County, West Virginia is 18,413 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 32nd-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $29,980, the median home value is $49,200, and the median age is 43.6.
The population of McDowell County has declined 22.4% since 2010 (22,094 → 17,147), a -1.79% annualized rate.
18,413
Population
-1.79%
Annual growth
35
People / sq mi
$29,980
Median Income
$49,200
Median Home Value
McDowell County covers 533 sq mi of land at 34.5 people per square mile.
About McDowell County, WV
Housing cost is the defining feature of McDowell County: the median home is valued at $49,200. With 18,413 residents, McDowell County is a county in West Virginia. It ranks #32 among counties in West Virginia by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $29,980, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 29.2%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $49,200, with typical rent around $686.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 5.7%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 5.9%, and the average commute runs about 35 minutes each way.
McDowell County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of McDowell County had a population of 22,094 in 2010 and 17,147 in 2024, a -22.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,094 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.76%.
17,147
Population (2024)
22,094
Population (2010)
22,094
Peak (2010)
-1.76%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,094 |
| 2011 | 21,730 |
| 2012 | 21,318 |
| 2013 | 20,963 |
| 2014 | 20,390 |
| 2015 | 19,768 |
| 2016 | 19,186 |
| 2017 | 18,517 |
| 2018 | 18,198 |
| 2019 | 17,600 |
| 2020 | 18,939 |
| 2021 | 18,415 |
| 2022 | 17,790 |
| 2023 | 17,425 |
| 2024 | 17,147 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.3% |
| Black or African American | 9.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.6
Median Age
46.4%
Female
53.6%
Male
21.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.3% · Seniors (65+): 21.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $29,980$-27,937 vs state |
| Mean household income | $41,736 |
| Per-capita income | $16,599 |
| Poverty rate | 29.2%+17.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 24.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in McDowell County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
80.3%
Public transit
5.9%
Work from home
34.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$49,200$-106,400 vs state
Median home value
$686
Median rent
75.7%
Homeownership rate
9,380
Total housing units
69.1%
Occupied
30.9%
Vacant
24.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.3%
With health insurance
83.5%
With broadband internet
26.2%
Foreign-born
5.5%
Veterans (18+)
27.6%
With a disability
97.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
75.9%
High School+
5.7%
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
McDowell County, West Virginia has a population of 18,413 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 32nd-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 35 people per square mile.
The population of McDowell County has declined 22.4% since 2010 (22,094 → 17,147), a -1.79% annualized rate.
The median household income in McDowell County, West Virginia is $29,980, with mean (average) household income of $41,736 and per-capita income of $16,599. 29.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In McDowell County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.3%), Black or African American (9.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in McDowell County, West Virginia is 43.6 years. Residents are 46.4% female and 53.6% male.
The median home value in McDowell County is $49,200 and median monthly rent is $686. 75.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,380 total housing units, 30.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in McDowell County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.3%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with McDowell County, West Virginia, with a population of 47,918.
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Full rankings of West Virginia counties
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.