Pocahontas County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 48th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Pocahontas County, West Virginia is 7,855 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 48th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $41,200, the median home value is $139,400, and the median age is 49.8.
The population of Pocahontas County has declined 12.4% since 2010 (8,734 → 7,653), a -0.94% annualized rate.
7,855
Population
-0.94%
Annual growth
8
People / sq mi
$41,200
Median Income
$139,400
Median Home Value
Pocahontas County covers 940 sq mi of land at 8.4 people per square mile.
About Pocahontas County, WV
Pocahontas County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 7,855. It ranks #48 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 49.8, older than the national median. The population is 52.7% male and 47.3% female.
The median household income in Pocahontas County is $41,200, below the US median of $74,580. 14.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $139,400, with monthly rent averaging $688. The homeownership rate of 83.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Pocahontas County reflects 15.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.3 minutes each way.
Pocahontas County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Pocahontas County had a population of 8,734 in 2010 and 7,653 in 2024, a -12.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,826 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.93%.
7,653
Population (2024)
8,734
Population (2010)
8,826
Peak (2011)
-0.93%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,734 |
| 2011 | 8,826 |
| 2012 | 8,704 |
| 2013 | 8,683 |
| 2014 | 8,656 |
| 2015 | 8,576 |
| 2016 | 8,532 |
| 2017 | 8,494 |
| 2018 | 8,420 |
| 2019 | 8,274 |
| 2020 | 7,864 |
| 2021 | 7,888 |
| 2022 | 7,776 |
| 2023 | 7,739 |
| 2024 | 7,653 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
49.8
Median Age
47.3%
Female
52.7%
Male
26.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.1% · Seniors (65+): 26.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $41,200$-16,717 vs state |
| Mean household income | $55,746 |
| Per-capita income | $23,387 |
| Poverty rate | 14.8%+2.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 36.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Pocahontas County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
77.7%
Public transit
6.1%
Work from home
22.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$139,400$-16,200 vs state
Median home value
$688
Median rent
83.1%
Homeownership rate
6,846
Total housing units
45.2%
Occupied
54.8%
Vacant
16.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.3%
With health insurance
77.7%
With broadband internet
27.7%
Foreign-born
11.7%
Veterans (18+)
21.5%
With a disability
99.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.8%
High School+
15.8%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in West Virginia
Part of West Virginia
Metro areas in West Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Pocahontas County, West Virginia has a population of 7,855 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 48th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 8 people per square mile.
The population of Pocahontas County has declined 12.4% since 2010 (8,734 → 7,653), a -0.94% annualized rate.
The median household income in Pocahontas County, West Virginia is $41,200, with mean (average) household income of $55,746 and per-capita income of $23,387. 14.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Pocahontas County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.4%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Pocahontas County, West Virginia is 49.8 years. Residents are 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
The median home value in Pocahontas County is $139,400 and median monthly rent is $688. 83.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,846 total housing units, 54.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Pocahontas County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.4%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Pocahontas 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.