Roane County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 39th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Roane County, West Virginia is 13,921 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 39th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $45,194, the median home value is $121,100, and the median age is 46.5.
The population of Roane County has declined 9.1% since 2010 (14,897 → 13,540), a -0.68% annualized rate.
13,921
Population
-0.68%
Annual growth
29
People / sq mi
$45,194
Median Income
$121,100
Median Home Value
Roane County covers 484 sq mi of land at 28.8 people per square mile.
About Roane County, WV
Among US counties, Roane County stands out first on household income: a median of $45,194, below the US median of $78,538. With 13,921 residents, Roane County is a county in West Virginia. It ranks #39 among counties in West Virginia by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $45,194, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 16.2%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $121,100, with typical rent around $590.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 14.2%, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.9% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 34 minutes each way.
Roane County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Roane County had a population of 14,897 in 2010 and 13,540 in 2024, a -9.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,897 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.68%.
13,540
Population (2024)
14,897
Population (2010)
14,897
Peak (2010)
-0.68%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,897 |
| 2011 | 14,803 |
| 2012 | 14,679 |
| 2013 | 14,609 |
| 2014 | 14,597 |
| 2015 | 14,379 |
| 2016 | 14,122 |
| 2017 | 14,020 |
| 2018 | 13,880 |
| 2019 | 13,651 |
| 2020 | 13,984 |
| 2021 | 13,933 |
| 2022 | 13,794 |
| 2023 | 13,678 |
| 2024 | 13,540 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.5
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
22.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.2% · Seniors (65+): 22.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $45,194$-12,723 vs state |
| Mean household income | $63,208 |
| Per-capita income | $26,492 |
| Poverty rate | 16.2%+4.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 37.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Roane County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
77.3%
Public transit
7.9%
Work from home
34.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$121,100$-34,500 vs state
Median home value
$590
Median rent
77.1%
Homeownership rate
7,157
Total housing units
77.3%
Occupied
22.7%
Vacant
22.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.1%
With health insurance
82.6%
With broadband internet
18.2%
Foreign-born
8.9%
Veterans (18+)
21.7%
With a disability
99.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.9%
High School+
14.2%
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
Roane County, West Virginia has a population of 13,921 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 39th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 29 people per square mile.
The population of Roane County has declined 9.1% since 2010 (14,897 → 13,540), a -0.68% annualized rate.
The median household income in Roane County, West Virginia is $45,194, with mean (average) household income of $63,208 and per-capita income of $26,492. 16.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Roane County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Roane County, West Virginia is 46.5 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Roane County is $121,100 and median monthly rent is $590. 77.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,157 total housing units, 22.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Roane County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.7%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Roane 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.