Wetzel County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 38th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Wetzel County, West Virginia is 14,233 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 38th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $53,341, the median home value is $102,800, and the median age is 45.6.
The population of Wetzel County has declined 16.8% since 2010 (16,537 → 13,766), a -1.30% annualized rate.
14,233
Population
-1.30%
Annual growth
40
People / sq mi
$53,341
Median Income
$102,800
Median Home Value
Wetzel County covers 358 sq mi of land at 39.7 people per square mile.
About Wetzel County, WV
Remote work is unusually rare in Wetzel County: 2.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. With 14,233 residents, Wetzel County is a county in West Virginia. It ranks #38 among counties in West Virginia by population.
The typical household earns $53,341, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 10.8%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $102,800, with typical rent around $703.
Wetzel County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 13.5% — below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 2.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
Wetzel County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wetzel County had a population of 16,537 in 2010 and 13,766 in 2024, a -16.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,537 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.30%.
13,766
Population (2024)
16,537
Population (2010)
16,537
Peak (2010)
-1.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,537 |
| 2011 | 16,370 |
| 2012 | 16,345 |
| 2013 | 16,114 |
| 2014 | 15,962 |
| 2015 | 15,783 |
| 2016 | 15,673 |
| 2017 | 15,444 |
| 2018 | 15,302 |
| 2019 | 15,130 |
| 2020 | 14,412 |
| 2021 | 14,211 |
| 2022 | 14,027 |
| 2023 | 13,972 |
| 2024 | 13,766 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.6
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
22.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.8% · Seniors (65+): 22.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,341$-4,576 vs state |
| Mean household income | $68,584 |
| Per-capita income | $28,398 |
| Poverty rate | 10.8%-1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 43.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wetzel County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
3.9%
Carpool
82.9%
Public transit
2.4%
Work from home
29.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$102,800$-52,800 vs state
Median home value
$703
Median rent
82.4%
Homeownership rate
7,302
Total housing units
81.1%
Occupied
18.9%
Vacant
17.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.0%
With health insurance
86.7%
With broadband internet
19.6%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
22.4%
With a disability
99.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.9%
High School+
13.5%
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
Wetzel County, West Virginia has a population of 14,233 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 38th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 40 people per square mile.
The population of Wetzel County has declined 16.8% since 2010 (16,537 → 13,766), a -1.30% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wetzel County, West Virginia is $53,341, with mean (average) household income of $68,584 and per-capita income of $28,398. 10.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wetzel County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.5%), Black or African American (0.5%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wetzel County, West Virginia is 45.6 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Wetzel County is $102,800 and median monthly rent is $703. 82.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,302 total housing units, 18.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wetzel County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Wetzel County, West Virginia, with a population of 47,918.
Wetzel County, WV Climate
Wetzel County, WV has an average annual temperature of 10.6°C (51°F) and receives about 1107 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.6°C
Avg Temp
1107
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 29° | 77 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 72 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 96 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 93 mm |
| May | 15° / 60° | 108 mm |
| June | 20° / 67° | 105 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 120 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 101 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 85 mm |
| October | 11° / 53° | 76 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 89 mm |
| December | 1° / 34° | 85 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 Wetzel County, WV
The most comfortable months to visit Wetzel County, WV are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wetzel County
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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.