Mercer County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 8th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Mercer County, West Virginia is 59,062 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 8th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $47,799, the median home value is $118,600, and the median age is 43.3.
The population of Mercer County has declined 7.7% since 2010 (62,335 → 57,524), a -0.57% annualized rate.
59,062
Population
-0.57%
Annual growth
141
People / sq mi
$47,799
Median Income
$118,600
Median Home Value
Mercer County covers 419 sq mi of land at 141.0 people per square mile.
About Mercer County, WV
Mercer County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 59,062. It ranks #8 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 43.3, older than the national median. The population is 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
The median household income in Mercer County is $47,799, below the US median of $74,580. 14.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $118,600, with monthly rent averaging $813. The homeownership rate of 69.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Mercer County reflects 20.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.4 minutes each way.
Mercer County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mercer County had a population of 62,335 in 2010 and 57,524 in 2024, a -7.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 62,568 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.57%.
57,524
Population (2024)
62,335
Population (2010)
62,568
Peak (2011)
-0.57%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 62,335 |
| 2011 | 62,568 |
| 2012 | 62,441 |
| 2013 | 61,947 |
| 2014 | 61,807 |
| 2015 | 61,187 |
| 2016 | 60,638 |
| 2017 | 59,903 |
| 2018 | 59,228 |
| 2019 | 58,823 |
| 2020 | 59,519 |
| 2021 | 59,163 |
| 2022 | 58,599 |
| 2023 | 58,008 |
| 2024 | 57,524 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.4% |
| Black or African American | 4.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.3
Median Age
52.0%
Female
48.0%
Male
22.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.7% · Seniors (65+): 22.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $47,799$-10,118 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,550 |
| Per-capita income | $28,201 |
| Poverty rate | 14.4%+2.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 47.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mercer County is professional & business services, accounting for 31.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
82.7%
Public transit
6.4%
Work from home
24.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$118,600$-37,000 vs state
Median home value
$813
Median rent
69.7%
Homeownership rate
29,358
Total housing units
83.2%
Occupied
16.8%
Vacant
30.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.3%
With health insurance
90.7%
With broadband internet
23.5%
Foreign-born
6.8%
Veterans (18+)
22.3%
With a disability
97.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.6%
High School+
20.7%
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
Mercer County, West Virginia has a population of 59,062 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 8th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 141 people per square mile.
The population of Mercer County has declined 7.7% since 2010 (62,335 → 57,524), a -0.57% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mercer County, West Virginia is $47,799, with mean (average) household income of $66,550 and per-capita income of $28,201. 14.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mercer County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.4%), Black or African American (4.3%), Hispanic or Latino (2.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mercer County, West Virginia is 43.3 years. Residents are 52.0% female and 48.0% male.
The median home value in Mercer County is $118,600 and median monthly rent is $813. 69.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 29,358 total housing units, 16.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mercer County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 31.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Mercer 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.