Topics

Dive into each indicator for West Virginia.

Total Population Population Growth Births Deaths Age Distribution Households Population Density Race and Ethnicity Population Projections

1.77 M

Total population

39th in the U.S.

28 /km²

Density

43.1 years

Median age

Oldest in the U.S.

50.4%

Female

49.6%

Male

735,000

Households

48.8%

Urban population

Among the most rural in the U.S.

19.5%

Under 18

21.6%

65 and older

2nd highest in the U.S.

72.8 years

Life expectancy

Lowest in the U.S.

Charleston (≈ 250,000)

Largest metro

-0.3%/yr

Growth

2020–2024

91.5%

White (non-Hispanic)

3.7%

Black or African American

2.0%

Hispanic or Latino

≈ 35,000

2.2%

Two or more races

0.9%

Asian

0.2%

Native American

≈ 0.9%

Mexican origin

Largest Hispanic subgroup

Historical data

Long-run evolution of the key indicators, so you can see the trend — not just today's snapshot.

Population

1870–2024

1.77 M▲ 302%

U.S. Census (decennial), 1863–2020 + estimates.

Hispanic or Latino share

1980–2023

2%▲ 300%

Census race & ethnicity tables.

Black or African American share

1900–2023

3.7%▼ 14%

Census race tables.

Life expectancy at birth

1980–2023

72.8 yrs▲ 0%

CDC / NCHS state life tables.

Data table

Total population	1.77 M	39th in the U.S.
Density	28 /km²
Median age	43.1 years	Oldest in the U.S.
Female	50.4%
Male	49.6%
Households	735,000
Urban population	48.8%	Among the most rural in the U.S.
Under 18	19.5%
65 and older	21.6%	2nd highest in the U.S.
Life expectancy	72.8 years	Lowest in the U.S.
Largest metro	Charleston (≈ 250,000)
Growth	-0.3%/yr	2020–2024
White (non-Hispanic)	91.5%
Black or African American	3.7%
Hispanic or Latino	2.0%	≈ 35,000
Two or more races	2.2%
Asian	0.9%
Native American	0.2%
Mexican origin	≈ 0.9%	Largest Hispanic subgroup

Compared to the United States

Coming soon

Side-by-side comparison of West Virginia vs. the U.S. average.

National ranking