Nicholas County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 24th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Nicholas County, West Virginia is 24,446 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $49,280, the median home value is $114,200, and the median age is 46.0.
The population of Nicholas County has declined 8.4% since 2010 (26,219 → 24,017), a -0.62% annualized rate.
24,446
Population
-0.62%
Annual growth
38
People / sq mi
$49,280
Median Income
$114,200
Median Home Value
Nicholas County covers 647 sq mi of land at 37.8 people per square mile.
About Nicholas County, WV
Homeownership is the standout figure in Nicholas County: 82.3% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Nicholas County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 24,446. It ranks #24 among counties in West Virginia by population.
The typical household earns $49,280, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.6%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $114,200, with typical rent around $669.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 19.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 3.8% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 34 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Nicholas County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Nicholas County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Nicholas County had a population of 26,219 in 2010 and 24,017 in 2024, a -8.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 26,255 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.62%.
24,017
Population (2024)
26,219
Population (2010)
26,255
Peak (2012)
-0.62%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 26,219 |
| 2011 | 26,207 |
| 2012 | 26,255 |
| 2013 | 25,943 |
| 2014 | 25,712 |
| 2015 | 25,547 |
| 2016 | 25,372 |
| 2017 | 25,126 |
| 2018 | 24,877 |
| 2019 | 24,569 |
| 2020 | 24,562 |
| 2021 | 24,438 |
| 2022 | 24,266 |
| 2023 | 24,104 |
| 2024 | 24,017 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.0
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
23.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.6% · Seniors (65+): 23.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,280$-8,637 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,139 |
| Per-capita income | $29,257 |
| Poverty rate | 11.6%-0.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 43.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Nicholas County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.3% of workers.
How residents commute
1.3%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
84.7%
Public transit
3.8%
Work from home
34.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$114,200$-41,400 vs state
Median home value
$669
Median rent
82.3%
Homeownership rate
12,540
Total housing units
76.5%
Occupied
23.5%
Vacant
17.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.8%
With health insurance
88.0%
With broadband internet
14.9%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
22.2%
With a disability
98.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.0%
High School+
19.0%
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
Nicholas County, West Virginia has a population of 24,446 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 38 people per square mile.
The population of Nicholas County has declined 8.4% since 2010 (26,219 → 24,017), a -0.62% annualized rate.
The median household income in Nicholas County, West Virginia is $49,280, with mean (average) household income of $69,139 and per-capita income of $29,257. 11.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Nicholas County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Nicholas County, West Virginia is 46.0 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Nicholas County is $114,200 and median monthly rent is $669. 82.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,540 total housing units, 23.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Nicholas County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Nicholas County, West Virginia, with a population of 47,918.
Nicholas County, WV Climate
Nicholas County, WV has an average annual temperature of 10.5°C (51°F) and receives about 1260 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.5°C
Avg Temp
1260
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 29° | 87 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 83 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 102 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 107 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 120 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 114 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 143 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 119 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 98 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 93 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 96 mm |
| December | 1° / 34° | 98 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Nicholas County, WV
The most comfortable months to visit Nicholas County, WV are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Nicholas County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.