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
What sets Wayne County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 3.9% versus 14.0% nationally. 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 typical household earns $55,539, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.9%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $124,900, with typical rent around $883.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.7%, below the national 35.0%. Just 3.9% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 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.