This article is the forty-eighth in a 50 state series: it lists the largest cities in West Virginia by population size and provides demographic details for each city–total population, population by age group, racial composition of the population, land area, and population density.
This article was updated to include the latest 1-year and 3-year population estimates from the United States Census Bureau where available.
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1. Largest Cities in West Virginia: Charleston, WV
Located in southwestern West Virginia, Charleston is the state’s capital and largest city with an estimated population of 50,215.
Grouped by age, 20.0% of the population is under 18, 7.1% is 18 to 24, 26.7% is 25 to 44, 30.6% is 45 to 64, and 15.6% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 42.7.
The racial composition of the city is 80.2% White, 14.3% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 2.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 2.4% from two or more races. The population is 1.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 31.6 square miles. The city’s population density is 1,598.08 people per square mile.
2.Largest Cities in West Virginia: Huntington, WV
Situated in western West Virginia, Huntington is the second largest city in the state with an estimated population of 49,945.
A comparatively large part of the population is college-aged: the city is home to Marshall University. Classified by age, 19.3% of the population is under 18, 17.1% is 18 to 24, 24.2% is 25 to 44, 22.1% is 45 to 64, and 17.3% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 36.6.
The racial complexion of the city is 88.4% White, 7.7% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. The population is 1.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 15.92 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,137.25 people per square mile.
3.Largest Cities in West Virginia: Parkersburg, WV
Located in northwestern West Virginia, Parkersburg is the third largest city in the state with an estimated population of 31,634.
Categorized by age, 20.2% of the population is under 18, 8.7% is 18 to 24, 24.3% is 25 to 44, 27.1% is 45 to 64, and 19.7% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 42.5.
The racial profile of the city is 96.4% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. The population is 0.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 11.82 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,676.31 people per square mile.
4.Largest Cities in West Virginia: Morgantown, WV
Located in the central part of northern West Virginia, Morgantown is the fifth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 29,739.
An unusually large percentage of the population is college-aged: the city is home to West Virginia University. Arranged by age, 9.3% of the population is under 18, 48.6% is 18 to 24, 19.0% is 25 to 44, 15.5% is 45 to 64, and 7.6% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 22.4.
The racial mix of the city is 89% White, 6.2% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. The population is 1.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 9.8 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,034.59 people per square mile.
5.Largest Cities in West Virginia: Wheeling, WV
Situated in northwestern West Virginia, Wheeling is the fourth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 29,060.
Sorted by age, 19.6% of the population is under 18, 9.7% is 18 to 24, 21.9% is 25 to 44, 28.2% is 45 to 64, and 20.6% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 44.2.
The racial makeup of the city is 91.8% White, 5.3% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. The population is 0.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 13.91 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,089.14 people per square mile.
Source(s):
“2009 ACS 1-year Estimates,” U.S. Census Bureau
“2007-2009 ACS 3-year Estimates,” U.S. Census Bureau
“2006-2008 ACS 3-year Estimates,” U.S. Census Bureau
“Census 2000 Demographic Profile Highlights,” U.S. Census Bureau
“Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2000,” U.S. Census Bureau
