Raleigh County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 6th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Raleigh County, West Virginia is 73,666 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $52,055, the median home value is $142,600, and the median age is 42.8.
The population of Raleigh County has declined 8.3% since 2010 (78,921 → 72,379), a -0.62% annualized rate.
73,666
Population
-0.62%
Annual growth
122
People / sq mi
$52,055
Median Income
$142,600
Median Home Value
Raleigh County covers 605 sq mi of land at 121.8 people per square mile.
About Raleigh County, WV
Raleigh County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 73,666. It ranks #6 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 42.8, older than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Raleigh County is $52,055, below the US median of $74,580. 16.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $142,600, with monthly rent averaging $847. The homeownership rate of 74.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Raleigh County reflects 21.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.4 minutes each way.
Raleigh County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Raleigh County had a population of 78,921 in 2010 and 72,379 in 2024, a -8.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 79,366 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.61%.
72,379
Population (2024)
78,921
Population (2010)
79,366
Peak (2011)
-0.61%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 78,921 |
| 2011 | 79,366 |
| 2012 | 79,284 |
| 2013 | 78,843 |
| 2014 | 78,236 |
| 2015 | 77,416 |
| 2016 | 76,319 |
| 2017 | 75,106 |
| 2018 | 74,256 |
| 2019 | 73,659 |
| 2020 | 74,407 |
| 2021 | 73,800 |
| 2022 | 72,863 |
| 2023 | 72,526 |
| 2024 | 72,379 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.8% |
| Black or African American | 6.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.8
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
21.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.3% · Seniors (65+): 21.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,055$-5,862 vs state |
| Mean household income | $71,102 |
| Per-capita income | $28,661 |
| Poverty rate | 16.5%+4.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Raleigh County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.2%
Carpool
83.4%
Public transit
6.7%
Work from home
23.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$142,600$-13,000 vs state
Median home value
$847
Median rent
74.6%
Homeownership rate
34,637
Total housing units
83.9%
Occupied
16.1%
Vacant
25.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.4%
With health insurance
87.6%
With broadband internet
21.8%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
23.4%
With a disability
97.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.5%
High School+
21.6%
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
Raleigh County, West Virginia has a population of 73,666 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 122 people per square mile.
The population of Raleigh County has declined 8.3% since 2010 (78,921 → 72,379), a -0.62% annualized rate.
The median household income in Raleigh County, West Virginia is $52,055, with mean (average) household income of $71,102 and per-capita income of $28,661. 16.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Raleigh County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.8%), Black or African American (6.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Raleigh County, West Virginia is 42.8 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Raleigh County is $142,600 and median monthly rent is $847. 74.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 34,637 total housing units, 16.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Raleigh County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Raleigh 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.