Wayne County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 14th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Wayne County, West Virginia is 38,498 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 14th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $55,539, the median home value is $124,900, and the median age is 44.5.
The population of Wayne County has declined 11.6% since 2010 (42,501 → 37,589), a -0.87% annualized rate.
38,498
Population
-0.87%
Annual growth
76
People / sq mi
$55,539
Median Income
$124,900
Median Home Value
Wayne County covers 506 sq mi of land at 76.1 people per square mile.
About Wayne County, WV
Wayne County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 38,498. It ranks #14 among counties in West Virginia by population. The median age is 44.5, older than the national median. The population is 48.8% male and 51.2% female.
The median household income in Wayne County is $55,539, below the US median of $74,580. 12.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $124,900, with monthly rent averaging $883. The homeownership rate of 77.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Wayne County reflects 17.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.0 minutes each way.
Wayne County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wayne County had a population of 42,501 in 2010 and 37,589 in 2024, a -11.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 42,501 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.87%.
37,589
Population (2024)
42,501
Population (2010)
42,501
Peak (2010)
-0.87%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 42,501 |
| 2011 | 42,234 |
| 2012 | 41,933 |
| 2013 | 41,890 |
| 2014 | 41,574 |
| 2015 | 41,272 |
| 2016 | 40,807 |
| 2017 | 40,301 |
| 2018 | 40,046 |
| 2019 | 39,552 |
| 2020 | 38,865 |
| 2021 | 38,563 |
| 2022 | 38,025 |
| 2023 | 37,779 |
| 2024 | 37,589 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.5
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
21.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.7% · Seniors (65+): 21.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $55,539$-2,378 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,974 |
| Per-capita income | $32,003 |
| Poverty rate | 12.9%+1.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wayne County is professional & business services, accounting for 33.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
5.6%
Carpool
80.2%
Public transit
3.9%
Work from home
25.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$124,900$-30,700 vs state
Median home value
$883
Median rent
77.5%
Homeownership rate
18,238
Total housing units
85.3%
Occupied
14.7%
Vacant
22.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.0%
With health insurance
88.8%
With broadband internet
23.1%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
24.2%
With a disability
98.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.3%
High School+
17.7%
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
Wayne County, West Virginia has a population of 38,498 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 14th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 76 people per square mile.
The population of Wayne County has declined 11.6% since 2010 (42,501 → 37,589), a -0.87% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wayne County, West Virginia is $55,539, with mean (average) household income of $76,974 and per-capita income of $32,003. 12.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wayne County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.0%), Black or African American (0.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wayne County, West Virginia is 44.5 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Wayne County is $124,900 and median monthly rent is $883. 77.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,238 total housing units, 14.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wayne County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 33.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Wayne County, West Virginia, with a population of 47,918.
More from West Virginia
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Full rankings of West Virginia counties
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.