Ritchie County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 44th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Ritchie County, West Virginia is 8,372 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 44th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $50,256, the median home value is $107,800, and the median age is 47.2.
The population of Ritchie County has declined 21.6% since 2010 (10,420 → 8,170), a -1.72% annualized rate.
8,372
Population
-1.72%
Annual growth
19
People / sq mi
$50,256
Median Income
$107,800
Median Home Value
Ritchie County covers 452 sq mi of land at 18.5 people per square mile.
About Ritchie County, WV
Ritchie County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 8,372. It ranks #44 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 47.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Ritchie County is $50,256, below the US median of $74,580. 17.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $107,800, with monthly rent averaging $583. The homeownership rate of 84.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Ritchie County reflects 12.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 31.8 minutes each way.
Ritchie County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ritchie County had a population of 10,420 in 2010 and 8,170 in 2024, a -21.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 10,420 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.67%.
8,170
Population (2024)
10,420
Population (2010)
10,420
Peak (2010)
-1.67%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,420 |
| 2011 | 10,315 |
| 2012 | 10,254 |
| 2013 | 10,153 |
| 2014 | 10,082 |
| 2015 | 10,089 |
| 2016 | 9,990 |
| 2017 | 9,856 |
| 2018 | 9,774 |
| 2019 | 9,616 |
| 2020 | 8,422 |
| 2021 | 8,413 |
| 2022 | 8,239 |
| 2023 | 8,187 |
| 2024 | 8,170 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 97.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.2
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
23.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.9% · Seniors (65+): 23.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,256$-7,661 vs state |
| Mean household income | $64,123 |
| Per-capita income | $26,336 |
| Poverty rate | 17.1%+5.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 42.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ritchie County is professional & business services, accounting for 15.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
78.7%
Public transit
7.9%
Work from home
31.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$107,800$-47,800 vs state
Median home value
$583
Median rent
84.3%
Homeownership rate
4,187
Total housing units
79.5%
Occupied
20.5%
Vacant
15.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.0%
With health insurance
85.2%
With broadband internet
17.8%
Foreign-born
8.4%
Veterans (18+)
27.6%
With a disability
97.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.3%
High School+
12.8%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in West Virginia
Part of West Virginia
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ritchie County, West Virginia has a population of 8,372 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 44th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 19 people per square mile.
The population of Ritchie County has declined 21.6% since 2010 (10,420 → 8,170), a -1.72% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ritchie County, West Virginia is $50,256, with mean (average) household income of $64,123 and per-capita income of $26,336. 17.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ritchie County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (97.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ritchie County, West Virginia is 47.2 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Ritchie County is $107,800 and median monthly rent is $583. 84.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,187 total housing units, 20.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ritchie County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 15.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.7%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Ritchie 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.