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
McDowell County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 18,413. It ranks #32 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 43.6, older than the national median. The population is 53.6% male and 46.4% female.
The median household income in McDowell County is $29,980, below the US median of $74,580. 29.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $49,200, with monthly rent averaging $686. The homeownership rate of 75.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in McDowell County reflects 5.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 34.8 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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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.