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
Among US counties, Mercer County stands out first on household income: a median of $47,799, below the US median of $78,538. With 59,062 residents, Mercer County is a county in West Virginia. It is the #8-largest of all counties in West Virginia nationally.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $47,799, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 14.4%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $118,600, with typical rent around $813.
Roughly 20.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 6.4% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 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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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.