Wood County, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 5th-largest in West Virginia
The population of Wood County, West Virginia is 83,829 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest county in West Virginia. The median household income is $56,193, the median home value is $153,700, and the median age is 43.9.
The population of Wood County has declined 4.9% since 2010 (86,976 → 82,757), a -0.35% annualized rate.
83,829
Population
-0.35%
Annual growth
229
People / sq mi
$56,193
Median Income
$153,700
Median Home Value
Wood County covers 367 sq mi of land at 228.7 people per square mile.
About Wood County, WV
Wood County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 229 people per square mile. Wood County is a county in West Virginia with a population of 83,829. It is the #5-largest of all counties in West Virginia nationally.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $56,193, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 10.2%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $153,700, with typical rent around $789.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 22.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 8.6% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Wood County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Wood County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wood County had a population of 86,976 in 2010 and 82,757 in 2024, a -4.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 86,976 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.35%.
82,757
Population (2024)
86,976
Population (2010)
86,976
Peak (2010)
-0.35%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 86,976 |
| 2011 | 86,913 |
| 2012 | 86,655 |
| 2013 | 86,577 |
| 2014 | 86,533 |
| 2015 | 86,410 |
| 2016 | 85,824 |
| 2017 | 85,163 |
| 2018 | 84,343 |
| 2019 | 83,668 |
| 2020 | 84,146 |
| 2021 | 83,820 |
| 2022 | 83,364 |
| 2023 | 82,947 |
| 2024 | 82,757 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.9
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
21.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.3% · Seniors (65+): 21.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,193$-1,724 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,135 |
| Per-capita income | $33,324 |
| Poverty rate | 10.2%-1.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wood County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
79.5%
Public transit
8.6%
Work from home
20.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$153,700$-1,900 vs state
Median home value
$789
Median rent
74.4%
Homeownership rate
40,296
Total housing units
88.6%
Occupied
11.4%
Vacant
25.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.4%
With health insurance
91.4%
With broadband internet
25.4%
Foreign-born
9.0%
Veterans (18+)
18.5%
With a disability
98.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.5%
High School+
22.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in West Virginia
Other counties in West Virginia
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wood County, West Virginia has a population of 83,829 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest county in West Virginia. Population density is 229 people per square mile.
The population of Wood County has declined 4.9% since 2010 (86,976 → 82,757), a -0.35% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wood County, West Virginia is $56,193, with mean (average) household income of $76,135 and per-capita income of $33,324. 10.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wood County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.8%), Black or African American (1.2%), 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 Wood County, West Virginia is 43.9 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in Wood County is $153,700 and median monthly rent is $789. 74.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 40,296 total housing units, 11.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wood County, West Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Wood County, West Virginia, with a population of 47,918.
Wood County, WV Climate
Wood County, WV has an average annual temperature of 11.8°C (53°F) and receives about 1055 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.8°C
Avg Temp
1055
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 72 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 71 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 95 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 88 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 100 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 93 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 114 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 101 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 82 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 75 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 83 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 81 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 Wood County, WV
The most comfortable months to visit Wood County, WV are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wood County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.