2024 West Virginia Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for 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 2024 American Community Survey Estimates.
West Virginia Key Demographic Statistics (2024 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
West Virginia Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2024)
Key Demographic Indicators for West Virginia
The following statistics highlight West Virginia population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 1,769,979
- Median Age (Total)
- 42.9 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 41.6 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 44.3 years
West Virginia Age Distribution Comparison with United States 2024
Compare West Virginia age demographics with United States to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | West Virginia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 42.9 yrs | 39.2 yrs | +3.7 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 4.88% | 5.40% | -0.5pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 14.75% | 16.04% | -1.3pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 8.68% | 9.19% | -0.5pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 24.59% | 25.52% | -0.9pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 21.86% | 18.01% | +3.8pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 70.92 | 65.15 | +5.8 |
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
- 70.92
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 33.56 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 37.36 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.
West Virginia Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2024)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of West Virginia
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of West Virginia are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 20.67
- Diversity Tier
- low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with United States
Compare West Virginia racial and ethnic demographics with United States to understand regional diversity patterns.
West Virginia Diversity
20.67
lowUnited States Diversity
62.36
highRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | West Virginia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 88.86% | 56.27% | +32.6pp |
| Two or More Races | 4.56% | 4.56% | 0.0pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 3.14% | 11.75% | -8.6pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 2.32% | 20.00% | -17.7pp |
| Asian Alone | 0.68% | 6.19% | -5.5pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.26% | 0.54% | -0.3pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.17% | 0.52% | -0.3pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.01% | 0.17% | -0.2pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 20.67 | 62.36 | -41.69 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
West Virginia Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2024)
Economic Snapshot for West Virginia
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of West Virginia, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $60,798 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 740,840
Income Comparison with United States
Compare West Virginia household income with United States to understand regional economic patterns.
West Virginia
$60,798
United States
$81,604
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | West Virginia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 16.07% | 11.15% | +4.9pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 14.12% | 9.53% | +4.6pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 11.72% | 9.89% | +1.8pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 17.16% | 15.64% | +1.5pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 28.69% | 30.39% | -1.7pp |
| $150,000 or more | 12.23% | 23.40% | -11.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to United States.
West Virginia Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2024)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for West Virginia
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in West Virginia, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $170,800
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 559,415 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with United States
Compare West Virginia property values with United States to understand regional real estate market patterns.
West Virginia
$170,800
United States
$360,600
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | West Virginia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 7.12% | 2.88% | +4.2pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 5.49% | 2.13% | +3.4pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 15.60% | 5.17% | +10.4pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 28.95% | 13.25% | +15.7pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 36.53% | 44.81% | -8.3pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 5.86% | 28.03% | -22.2pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.45% | 3.72% | -3.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to United States.
West Virginia Educational Attainment Statistics (2024)
Education Snapshot for West Virginia
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in West Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 90.07%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 24.38%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 1,268,689
Education Level Comparison with United States
Compare West Virginia educational attainment with United States to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in West Virginia
24.38%
Bachelor's+ in United States
36.85%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | West Virginia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 9.93% | 10.08% | -0.2pp |
| HS Graduate | 39.38% | 25.73% | +13.7pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 26.31% | 27.34% | -1.0pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 14.80% | 22.14% | -7.3pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 9.58% | 14.71% | -5.1pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 90.07% | 89.92% | +0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to United States.
West Virginia Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2024)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for West Virginia
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of West Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 5.8%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 100,543
- Total Civilian Population
- 1,736,098
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 United States
Compare West Virginia health insurance coverage with United States to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in West Virginia
5.8%
Uninsured in United States
8.2%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | West Virginia | United States | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 3.0% | 2.7% | 6.1% | 5.9% |
| 18-34 years | 13.5% | 9.8% | 16.1% | 12.0% |
| 35-64 years | 8.6% | 6.6% | 10.9% | 8.6% |
| 65+ years | 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.9% | 0.8% |
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.
West Virginia Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2024)
Citizenship Snapshot for West Virginia
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in West Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 99.0% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 18,911 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 18,342
Citizenship Comparison with United States
Compare West Virginia citizenship and nativity with United States to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in West Virginia
99.0%
Citizenship in United States
92.8%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | West Virginia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 97.4% | 83.5% | +13.9pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.1% | 0.6% | -0.5pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.4% | 1.1% | -0.7pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 1.1% | 7.6% | -6.5pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 1.0% | 7.2% | -6.2pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 99.0% | 92.8% | +6.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to United States.
West Virginia Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2024)
Commuter Snapshot for West Virginia
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in West Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 86.6%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.6%
- Work From Home Rate
- 8.8%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 759,466
Transportation Comparison with United States
Compare West Virginia commuting patterns with United States to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in West Virginia
86.6%
Drove in United States
78.4%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | West Virginia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 86.6% | 78.4% | +8.2pp |
| Public transportation | 0.6% | 3.7% | -3.1pp |
| Bicycle | 0.2% | 0.5% | -0.3pp |
| Walked | 2.6% | 2.4% | +0.2pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.3% | 1.7% | -0.4pp |
| Worked from home | 8.8% | 13.3% | -4.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to United States.
West Virginia Employment by Class of Worker (2024)
Workforce Snapshot for West Virginia
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in West Virginia by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 766,794
- 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 United States
Compare West Virginia employment patterns with United States to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in West Virginia
9.0% (M) / 10.8% (F)
Government Employment in United States
6.3% (M) / 8.3% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | West Virginia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 37.8% F: 29.2% | M: 39.3% F: 31.0% | M: -1.5pp F: -1.8pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 3.2% F: 5.7% | M: 3.1% F: 6.0% | M: +0.1pp F: -0.3pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 9.0% F: 10.8% | M: 6.3% F: 8.3% | M: +2.7pp F: +2.5pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 2.5% F: 1.5% | M: 3.4% F: 2.5% | M: -0.9pp F: -1.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to United States.
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.
West Virginia Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2024)
Veteran Community Snapshot for West Virginia
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in West Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 109,457
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
38,561 veterans (35.2%)
Veteran Population Comparison with United States
Compare West Virginia veteran demographics with United States to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in West Virginia
109,457
Total Veterans in United States
16,569,149
- West Virginia: Vietnam Era Only (35.2%)
- United States: Vietnam Era Only (31.5%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | West Virginia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 35.2% (38,561) | 31.5% (5,221,921) | +3.7pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 15.4% (16,894) | 15.2% (2,511,442) | +0.2pp |
| Gulf War Only | 13.5% (14,722) | 13.8% (2,288,705) | -0.3pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 13.4% (14,689) | 16.4% (2,721,701) | -3.0pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 8.2% (9,026) | 6.6% (1,088,163) | +1.6pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 6.8% (7,420) | 8.0% (1,320,312) | -1.2pp |
| Korean War Only | 4.5% (4,891) | 4.6% (760,295) | -0.1pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 1.2% (1,267) | 1.6% (262,446) | -0.4pp |
| WWII Only | 0.8% (885) | 1.2% (195,123) | -0.4pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.3% (342) | 0.5% (76,601) | -0.2pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.3% (330) | 0.3% (57,148) | 0.0pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.3% (297) | 0.2% (39,260) | +0.1pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.1% (60) | 0.1% (16,439) | 0.0pp |
| Pre-WWII | 0.0% (46) | 0.0% (1,767) | 0.0pp |
| Vietnam + Korean + WWII | 0.0% (27) | 0.0% (7,826) | 0.0pp |
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.
West Virginia Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2024)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for West Virginia
The following data categorizes families in West Virginia by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 12.1% (57,257 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 34.8% (164,243 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 53.1% (251,039 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with United States
Compare West Virginia poverty levels with United States to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in West Virginia
12.1%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in United States
8.5%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | West Virginia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 12.1% (57,257) | 8.5% (7,231,051) | +3.6pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 34.8% (164,243) | 27.5% (23,395,492) | +7.3pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 53.1% (251,039) | 64.0% (54,339,996) | -10.9pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 4.8% | 3.9% | +0.9pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 3.4% | 2.1% | +1.3pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 3.9% | 2.5% | +1.4pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 4.0% | 2.9% | +1.1pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 4.4% | 3.2% | +1.2pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 4.4% | 3.4% | +1.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to United States.
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.
West Virginia SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2024)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for West Virginia
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in West Virginia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 126,022 (17.01% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 52,207 (41.43% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 740,840
SNAP Participation Comparison with United States
Compare West Virginia SNAP participation with United States to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in West Virginia
17.01%
126,022 householdsSNAP Participation in United States
11.78%
15,632,675 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | West Virginia | United States | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 15.21% (19,166) | 9.02% (11,371) | 15.12% (2,363,868) | 9.10% (1,423,294) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 5.31% (6,695) | 3.76% (4,744) | 5.05% (790,094) | 3.49% (544,937) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 20.04% (25,254) | 7.73% (9,741) | 22.84% (3,571,051) | 9.32% (1,457,200) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.87% (1,092) | 38.06% (47,959) | 0.56% (87,057) | 34.51% (5,395,174) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 126,022 (17.01% of households) | 15,632,675 (11.78% 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.