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
Monroe County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 12,401. It ranks #40 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 46.7, older than the national median. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The median household income in Monroe County is $54,508, below the US median of $74,580. 10.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $146,100, with monthly rent averaging $677. The homeownership rate of 82.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Monroe County reflects 15.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 36.9 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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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.