Putnam County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 10th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Putnam County, West Virginia is 57,250 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 10th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $77,871, the median home value is $214,200, and the median age is 42.3.
The population of Putnam County has grown 2.6% since 2010 (55,620 → 57,067), a +0.18% annualized rate.
57,250
Population
+0.18%
Annual growth
166
People / sq mi
$77,871
Median Income
$214,200
Median Home Value
Putnam County covers 346 sq mi of land at 165.6 people per square mile.
About Putnam County, WV
Homeownership is the standout figure in Putnam County: 82.7% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 57,250 residents, Putnam County is a county in West Virginia. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in West Virginia in the country, at #10 by population.
The typical household earns $77,871 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.4%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $214,200, with typical rent around $975.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 28.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 8.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Putnam County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Putnam County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Putnam County had a population of 55,620 in 2010 and 57,067 in 2024, a 2.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 57,443 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.19%.
57,067
Population (2024)
55,620
Population (2010)
57,443
Peak (2020)
0.19%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 55,620 |
| 2011 | 56,032 |
| 2012 | 56,448 |
| 2013 | 56,496 |
| 2014 | 56,631 |
| 2015 | 56,601 |
| 2016 | 56,670 |
| 2017 | 56,704 |
| 2018 | 56,710 |
| 2019 | 56,507 |
| 2020 | 57,443 |
| 2021 | 57,365 |
| 2022 | 57,070 |
| 2023 | 56,942 |
| 2024 | 57,067 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.3
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
19.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.4% · Seniors (65+): 19.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $77,871+$19,954 vs state |
| Mean household income | $98,681 |
| Per-capita income | $40,046 |
| Poverty rate | 7.4%-4.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Putnam County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.8%
Carpool
81.7%
Public transit
8.9%
Work from home
27.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$214,200+$58,600 vs state
Median home value
$975
Median rent
82.7%
Homeownership rate
24,891
Total housing units
91.5%
Occupied
8.5%
Vacant
17.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.8%
With health insurance
92.9%
With broadband internet
19.7%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
12.8%
With a disability
98.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.1%
High School+
28.4%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in West Virginia
Part of West Virginia
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Putnam County, West Virginia has a population of 57,250 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 10th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 166 people per square mile.
The population of Putnam County has grown 2.6% since 2010 (55,620 → 57,067), a +0.18% annualized rate.
The median household income in Putnam County, West Virginia is $77,871, with mean (average) household income of $98,681 and per-capita income of $40,046. 7.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Putnam County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Putnam County, West Virginia is 42.3 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Putnam County is $214,200 and median monthly rent is $975. 82.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 24,891 total housing units, 8.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Putnam County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Putnam 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.