Monroe County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 40th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Monroe County, West Virginia is 12,401 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 40th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $54,508, the median home value is $146,100, and the median age is 46.7.
The population of Monroe County has declined 7.8% since 2010 (13,520 → 12,462), a -0.58% annualized rate.
12,401
Population
-0.58%
Annual growth
26
People / sq mi
$54,508
Median Income
$146,100
Median Home Value
Monroe County covers 473 sq mi of land at 26.2 people per square mile.
About Monroe County, WV
What sets Monroe County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 3.2% versus 14.0% nationally. Monroe County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 12,401. It ranks #40 among counties in West Virginia by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $54,508, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.5%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $146,100, with typical rent around $677.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 15.4%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 3.2%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 37 minutes each way.
Monroe County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Monroe County had a population of 13,520 in 2010 and 12,462 in 2024, a -7.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,619 in 2014. Average annual growth rate: -0.56%.
12,462
Population (2024)
13,520
Population (2010)
13,619
Peak (2014)
-0.56%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,520 |
| 2011 | 13,551 |
| 2012 | 13,503 |
| 2013 | 13,523 |
| 2014 | 13,619 |
| 2015 | 13,586 |
| 2016 | 13,506 |
| 2017 | 13,397 |
| 2018 | 13,293 |
| 2019 | 13,295 |
| 2020 | 12,386 |
| 2021 | 12,394 |
| 2022 | 12,314 |
| 2023 | 12,376 |
| 2024 | 12,462 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.7
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
24.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.2% · Seniors (65+): 24.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $54,508$-3,409 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,394 |
| Per-capita income | $27,648 |
| Poverty rate | 10.5%-1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 44.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Monroe County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.9%
Drive alone
0.8%
Carpool
80.3%
Public transit
3.2%
Work from home
36.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$146,100$-9,500 vs state
Median home value
$677
Median rent
82.6%
Homeownership rate
6,263
Total housing units
75.6%
Occupied
24.4%
Vacant
17.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.0%
With health insurance
86.7%
With broadband internet
34.8%
Foreign-born
9.2%
Veterans (18+)
21.3%
With a disability
99.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.9%
High School+
15.4%
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
Monroe County, West Virginia has a population of 12,401 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 40th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 26 people per square mile.
The population of Monroe County has declined 7.8% since 2010 (13,520 → 12,462), a -0.58% annualized rate.
The median household income in Monroe County, West Virginia is $54,508, with mean (average) household income of $66,394 and per-capita income of $27,648. 10.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Monroe County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.3%), Black or African American (1.3%), 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 Monroe County, West Virginia is 46.7 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Monroe County is $146,100 and median monthly rent is $677. 82.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,263 total housing units, 24.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Monroe County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Monroe 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.