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
The poverty rate is what most separates Raleigh County from the typical county: 16.5% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Raleigh County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 73,666. It is the #6-largest of all counties in West Virginia nationally.
The typical household earns $52,055, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 16.5% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $142,600, with typical rent around $847.
21.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 6.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Raleigh County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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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Part of West Virginia
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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.