2023 McDowell County, West Virginia Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for McDowell County, West Virginia, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
McDowell County, West Virginia Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
McDowell County, West Virginia Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Key Demographic Indicators for McDowell County, West Virginia
The following statistics highlight McDowell County, West Virginia population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 18,413
- Median Age (Total)
- 43.6 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 41.2 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 47.6 years
McDowell County, West Virginia Age Distribution Comparison with West Virginia 2023
Compare McDowell County, West Virginia age demographics with West Virginia to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | McDowell County, West Virginia | West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 43.6 yrs | 42.9 yrs | +0.7 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 4.24% | 4.88% | -0.6pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 14.33% | 14.75% | -0.4pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 6.23% | 8.68% | -2.4pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 26.25% | 24.59% | +1.7pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 21.64% | 21.86% | -0.2pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 67.22 | 70.92 | -3.7 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 67.22
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 31.04 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 36.18 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
McDowell County, West Virginia Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Diversity & Cultural Composition of McDowell County, West Virginia
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of McDowell County, West Virginia are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 23.87
- Diversity Tier
- low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with West Virginia
Compare McDowell County, West Virginia racial and ethnic demographics with West Virginia to understand regional diversity patterns.
McDowell County, West Virginia Diversity
23.87
lowWest Virginia Diversity
20.67
lowRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | McDowell County, West Virginia | West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 86.74% | 88.86% | -2.1pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 9.02% | 3.14% | +5.9pp |
| Two or More Races | 2.01% | 4.56% | -2.5pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 1.94% | 2.32% | -0.4pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.17% | 0.17% | 0.0pp |
| Asian Alone | 0.10% | 0.68% | -0.6pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.03% | 0.26% | -0.2pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.00% | 0.01% | -0.0pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 23.87 | 20.67 | +3.2 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
McDowell County, West Virginia Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Economic Snapshot for McDowell County, West Virginia
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of McDowell County, West Virginia, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $29,980 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 6,484
Income Comparison with West Virginia
Compare McDowell County, West Virginia household income with West Virginia to understand regional economic patterns.
McDowell County, West Virginia
$29,980
West Virginia
$60,798
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | McDowell County, West Virginia | West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 32.03% | 16.07% | +16.0pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 24.29% | 14.12% | +10.2pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 13.54% | 11.72% | +1.8pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 12.80% | 17.16% | -4.4pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 15.05% | 28.69% | -13.6pp |
| $150,000 or more | 2.28% | 12.23% | -10.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to West Virginia.
McDowell County, West Virginia Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Real Estate Market Snapshot for McDowell County, West Virginia
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in McDowell County, West Virginia, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $49,200
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 4,906 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with West Virginia
Compare McDowell County, West Virginia property values with West Virginia to understand regional real estate market patterns.
McDowell County, West Virginia
$49,200
West Virginia
$170,800
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | McDowell County, West Virginia | West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 23.44% | 7.12% | +16.3pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 27.23% | 5.49% | +21.7pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 31.13% | 15.60% | +15.5pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 12.84% | 28.95% | -16.1pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 4.38% | 36.53% | -32.1pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 0.98% | 5.86% | -4.9pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.00% | 0.45% | -0.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to West Virginia.
McDowell County, West Virginia Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Education Snapshot for McDowell County, West Virginia
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in McDowell County, West Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 75.90%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 5.75%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 13,847
Education Level Comparison with West Virginia
Compare McDowell County, West Virginia educational attainment with West Virginia to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in McDowell County, West Virginia
5.75%
Bachelor's+ in West Virginia
24.38%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | McDowell County, West Virginia | West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 24.10% | 9.93% | +14.2pp |
| HS Graduate | 52.71% | 39.38% | +13.3pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 17.44% | 26.31% | -8.9pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 4.29% | 14.80% | -10.5pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 1.46% | 9.58% | -8.1pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 75.90% | 90.07% | -14.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to West Virginia.
McDowell County, West Virginia Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for McDowell County, West Virginia
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of McDowell County, West Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 7.7%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 1,254
- Total Civilian Population
- 16,335
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with West Virginia
Compare McDowell County, West Virginia health insurance coverage with West Virginia to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in McDowell County, West Virginia
7.7%
Uninsured in West Virginia
5.8%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | McDowell County, West Virginia | West Virginia | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 0.0% | 5.3% | 3.0% | 2.7% |
| 18-34 years | 27.4% | 11.4% | 13.5% | 9.8% |
| 35-64 years | 9.7% | 9.0% | 8.6% | 6.6% |
| 65+ years | 2.5% | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
McDowell County, West Virginia Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Citizenship Snapshot for McDowell County, West Virginia
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in McDowell County, West Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 98.7% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 95 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 242
Citizenship Comparison with West Virginia
Compare McDowell County, West Virginia citizenship and nativity with West Virginia to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in McDowell County, West Virginia
98.7%
Citizenship in West Virginia
99.0%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | McDowell County, West Virginia | West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 98.1% | 97.4% | +0.7pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.0pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.0% | 0.4% | -0.4pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 0.5% | 1.1% | -0.6pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 1.3% | 1.0% | +0.3pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 98.7% | 99.0% | -0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to West Virginia.
McDowell County, West Virginia Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Commuter Snapshot for McDowell County, West Virginia
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in McDowell County, West Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 92.4%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.1%
- Work From Home Rate
- 5.9%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 3,644
Transportation Comparison with West Virginia
Compare McDowell County, West Virginia commuting patterns with West Virginia to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in McDowell County, West Virginia
92.4%
Drove in West Virginia
86.6%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | McDowell County, West Virginia | West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 92.4% | 86.6% | +5.8pp |
| Public transportation | 0.1% | 0.6% | -0.5pp |
| Bicycle | 0.0% | 0.2% | -0.2pp |
| Walked | 1.1% | 2.6% | -1.5pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 0.5% | 1.3% | -0.8pp |
| Worked from home | 5.9% | 8.8% | -2.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to West Virginia.
McDowell County, West Virginia Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Workforce Snapshot for McDowell County, West Virginia
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in McDowell County, West Virginia by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 3,741
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with West Virginia
Compare McDowell County, West Virginia employment patterns with West Virginia to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in McDowell County, West Virginia
7.2% (M) / 16.5% (F)
Government Employment in West Virginia
9.0% (M) / 10.8% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | McDowell County, West Virginia | West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 37.9% F: 26.3% | M: 37.8% F: 29.2% | M: +0.1pp F: -2.9pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 2.6% F: 7.2% | M: 3.2% F: 5.7% | M: -0.6pp F: +1.5pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 7.2% F: 16.5% | M: 9.0% F: 10.8% | M: -1.8pp F: +5.7pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 0.5% F: 2.0% | M: 2.5% F: 1.5% | M: -2.0pp F: +0.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to West Virginia.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
McDowell County, West Virginia Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Veteran Community Snapshot for McDowell County, West Virginia
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in McDowell County, West Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 830
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
374 veterans (45.1%)
Veteran Population Comparison with West Virginia
Compare McDowell County, West Virginia veteran demographics with West Virginia to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in McDowell County, West Virginia
830
Total Veterans in West Virginia
109,457
- McDowell County, West Virginia: Vietnam Era Only (45.1%)
- West Virginia: Vietnam Era Only (35.2%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | McDowell County, West Virginia | West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 45.1% (374) | 35.2% (38,561) | +9.9pp |
| Gulf War Only | 15.5% (129) | 13.5% (14,722) | +2.0pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 15.3% (127) | 15.4% (16,894) | -0.1pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 11.6% (96) | 8.2% (9,026) | +3.4pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 6.5% (54) | 13.4% (14,689) | -6.9pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 4.5% (37) | 6.8% (7,420) | -2.3pp |
| Korean War Only | 0.8% (7) | 4.5% (4,891) | -3.7pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.7% (6) | 0.1% (60) | +0.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
McDowell County, West Virginia Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Family Economic Security Snapshot for McDowell County, West Virginia
The following data categorizes families in McDowell County, West Virginia by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 29.2% (1,173 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 44.1% (1,774 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 26.8% (1,077 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with West Virginia
Compare McDowell County, West Virginia poverty levels with West Virginia to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in McDowell County, West Virginia
29.2%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in West Virginia
12.1%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | McDowell County, West Virginia | West Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 29.2% (1,173) | 12.1% (57,257) | +17.1pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 44.1% (1,774) | 34.8% (164,243) | +9.3pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 26.8% (1,077) | 53.1% (251,039) | -26.3pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 15.0% | 4.8% | +10.2pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 8.5% | 3.4% | +5.1pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 5.6% | 3.9% | +1.7pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 6.6% | 4.0% | +2.6pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 8.1% | 4.4% | +3.7pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 6.0% | 4.4% | +1.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to West Virginia.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
McDowell County, West Virginia SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

SNAP Participation Snapshot for McDowell County, West Virginia
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in McDowell County, West Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 2,350 (36.24% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 961 (40.89% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 6,484
SNAP Participation Comparison with West Virginia
Compare McDowell County, West Virginia SNAP participation with West Virginia to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in McDowell County, West Virginia
36.24%
2,350 householdsSNAP Participation in West Virginia
17.01%
126,022 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | McDowell County, West Virginia | West Virginia | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 15.36% (361) | 8.04% (189) | 15.21% (19,166) | 9.02% (11,371) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 11.11% (261) | 2.55% (60) | 5.31% (6,695) | 3.76% (4,744) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 14.43% (339) | 15.11% (355) | 20.04% (25,254) | 7.73% (9,741) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.00% (0) | 33.40% (785) | 0.87% (1,092) | 38.06% (47,959) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 2,350 (36.24% of households) | 126,022 (17.01% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.