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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Preston County: 80.6% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 34,204 residents, Preston County is a county in West Virginia. It ranks #15 among counties in West Virginia by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $61,373 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.6%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $157,700, with typical rent around $753.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 17.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.2%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Preston County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
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+
Largest cities in West Virginia
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.
Preston County, WV Climate
Preston County, WV has an average annual temperature of 9.7°C (49°F) and receives about 1254 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.7°C
Avg Temp
1254
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 28° | 88 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 83 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 108 mm |
| April | 9° / 49° | 111 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 120 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 119 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 132 mm |
| August | 20° / 69° | 112 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 95 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 85 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 99 mm |
| December | 0° / 32° | 102 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 Preston County, WV
The most comfortable months to visit Preston County, WV are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Preston County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.