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+
Largest cities in West Virginia
Other counties in West Virginia
Part of West Virginia
Metro areas in West Virginia
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.
Putnam County, WV Climate
Putnam County, WV has an average annual temperature of 12.2°C (54°F) and receives about 1093 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.2°C
Avg Temp
1093
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 77 mm |
| February | 2° / 35° | 76 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 96 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 87 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 104 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 94 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 121 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 107 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 89 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 73 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 85 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 84 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 Putnam County, WV
The most comfortable months to visit Putnam County, WV are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Putnam County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.