Boone County, West Virginia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Boone County is located in West Virginia with a total population of 21,312. It is the 29th most populous county out of 55 in West Virginia.

Age Demographics

The median age in Boone County is 45.0 years. This is 5% higher than the state median of 42.7 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Boone County is $56,152. This is 3% lower than the state median of $57,917. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 29% lower. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%. This is 4% higher than the state poverty rate of 16.6%. The unemployment rate is 8.8%. This is 53% higher than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $90,300. Housing costs are 42% lower than the state median of $155,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.6x, Boone County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 79.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% higher than the state average of 74.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Boone County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 97.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 0.5%. The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 3.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 2.0%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 0.8%.

Education

11.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 49% lower than the state rate of 23.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 84.8%.