Upshur County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 25th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Upshur County, West Virginia is 23,758 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 25th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $51,859, the median home value is $160,700, and the median age is 42.0.
The population of Upshur County has declined 2.4% since 2010 (24,242 → 23,650), a -0.18% annualized rate.
23,758
Population
-0.18%
Annual growth
67
People / sq mi
$51,859
Median Income
$160,700
Median Home Value
Upshur County covers 355 sq mi of land at 67.0 people per square mile.
About Upshur County, WV
Homeownership is the standout figure in Upshur County: 79.7% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Upshur County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 23,758. It ranks #25 among counties in West Virginia by population.
The typical household earns $51,859, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 14.3%, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $160,700, with typical rent around $799.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.4%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.7%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Upshur County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Upshur County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Upshur County had a population of 24,242 in 2010 and 23,650 in 2024, a -2.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,756 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.17%.
23,650
Population (2024)
24,242
Population (2010)
24,756
Peak (2015)
-0.17%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,242 |
| 2011 | 24,279 |
| 2012 | 24,456 |
| 2013 | 24,619 |
| 2014 | 24,686 |
| 2015 | 24,756 |
| 2016 | 24,699 |
| 2017 | 24,589 |
| 2018 | 24,424 |
| 2019 | 24,315 |
| 2020 | 23,818 |
| 2021 | 23,812 |
| 2022 | 23,715 |
| 2023 | 23,566 |
| 2024 | 23,650 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.0
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
21.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.9% · Seniors (65+): 21.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,859$-6,058 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,482 |
| Per-capita income | $30,616 |
| Poverty rate | 14.3%+2.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 47.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Upshur County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
80.9%
Public transit
9.7%
Work from home
26.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$160,700+$5,100 vs state
Median home value
$799
Median rent
79.7%
Homeownership rate
11,237
Total housing units
85.3%
Occupied
14.7%
Vacant
20.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.7%
With health insurance
90.4%
With broadband internet
21.6%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
16.4%
With a disability
98.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.4%
High School+
17.4%
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
Upshur County, West Virginia has a population of 23,758 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 25th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 67 people per square mile.
The population of Upshur County has declined 2.4% since 2010 (24,242 → 23,650), a -0.18% annualized rate.
The median household income in Upshur County, West Virginia is $51,859, with mean (average) household income of $72,482 and per-capita income of $30,616. 14.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Upshur County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.8%), Black or African American (1.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Upshur County, West Virginia is 42.0 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Upshur County is $160,700 and median monthly rent is $799. 79.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,237 total housing units, 14.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Upshur County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Upshur County, West Virginia, with a population of 47,918.
Upshur County, WV Climate
Upshur County, WV has an average annual temperature of 10.3°C (51°F) and receives about 1271 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.3°C
Avg Temp
1271
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 29° | 94 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 88 mm |
| March | 5° / 40° | 111 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 105 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 119 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 121 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 131 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 113 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 103 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 85 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 97 mm |
| December | 1° / 34° | 104 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 Upshur County, WV
The most comfortable months to visit Upshur County, WV are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Upshur County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.