Preston County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 15th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Preston County, West Virginia is 34,204 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 15th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $61,373, the median home value is $157,700, and the median age is 43.2.
The population of Preston County has grown 1.5% since 2010 (33,546 → 34,055), a +0.11% annualized rate.
34,204
Population
+0.11%
Annual growth
53
People / sq mi
$61,373
Median Income
$157,700
Median Home Value
Preston County covers 649 sq mi of land at 52.7 people per square mile.
About Preston County, WV
Preston County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 34,204. It ranks #15 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 43.2, older than the national median. The population is 53.4% male and 46.6% female.
The median household income in Preston County is $61,373, below the US median of $74,580. 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $157,700, with monthly rent averaging $753. The homeownership rate of 80.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Preston County reflects 17.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 31.3 minutes each way.
Preston County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Preston County had a population of 33,546 in 2010 and 34,055 in 2024, a 1.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,309 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 0.11%.
34,055
Population (2024)
33,546
Population (2010)
34,309
Peak (2021)
0.11%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 33,546 |
| 2011 | 33,660 |
| 2012 | 33,905 |
| 2013 | 33,693 |
| 2014 | 33,927 |
| 2015 | 33,855 |
| 2016 | 33,802 |
| 2017 | 33,846 |
| 2018 | 33,543 |
| 2019 | 33,479 |
| 2020 | 34,191 |
| 2021 | 34,309 |
| 2022 | 34,196 |
| 2023 | 34,050 |
| 2024 | 34,055 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.7% |
| Black or African American | 6.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.2
Median Age
46.6%
Female
53.4%
Male
20.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.8% · Seniors (65+): 20.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $61,373+$3,456 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,939 |
| Per-capita income | $28,645 |
| Poverty rate | 9.6%-2.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Preston County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
75.8%
Public transit
7.2%
Work from home
31.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$157,700+$2,100 vs state
Median home value
$753
Median rent
80.6%
Homeownership rate
15,215
Total housing units
84.1%
Occupied
15.9%
Vacant
19.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.1%
With health insurance
89.7%
With broadband internet
33.6%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
18.2%
With a disability
98.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.8%
High School+
17.9%
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
Preston County, West Virginia has a population of 34,204 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 15th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 53 people per square mile.
The population of Preston County has grown 1.5% since 2010 (33,546 → 34,055), a +0.11% annualized rate.
The median household income in Preston County, West Virginia is $61,373, with mean (average) household income of $74,939 and per-capita income of $28,645. 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Preston County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.7%), Black or African American (6.6%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Preston County, West Virginia is 43.2 years. Residents are 46.6% female and 53.4% male.
The median home value in Preston County is $157,700 and median monthly rent is $753. 80.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,215 total housing units, 15.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Preston County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Preston 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.