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
Among US counties, Pocahontas County stands out first on household income: a median of $41,200, below the US median of $78,538. Pocahontas County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 7,855. It ranks #48 among counties in West Virginia by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $41,200, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 14.8% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $139,400, with typical rent around $688.
College attainment is 15.8%, below the national 35.0%. About 6.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 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+
Largest cities in West Virginia
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.