West Virginia Population: 2020 Census Shows Continued Decline

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, West Virginia's resident population was 1,793,716 — a 3.2% decrease from the 2010 count of 1,852,994. The state ranks 39th in population among the 50 states.

Key Demographic Trends

• Only state to lose population in both the 2000–2010 and 2010–2020 decades
• Outmigration of young adults exceeds in-migration and natural increase
• Aging population: Median age 42.7 (5th highest nationally); 20.5% aged 65+
• Rural decline: 45 of 55 counties lost population 2010–2020

Economic Drivers

Coal industry contraction (jobs fell >50% since 2009), limited economic diversification, and opioid crisis impacts have accelerated outmigration. However, recent remote-work trends and outdoor-recreation tourism show modest reversal potential in select counties (Monongalia, Berkeley, Jefferson).

Congressional Impact

West Virginia lost a U.S. House seat after the 2020 Census, dropping from 3 to 2 districts — the only state to lose representation in that cycle.

Next official count: 2030 Census. Annual estimates from the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program provide interim updates.