Wetzel County, West Virginia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Wetzel County is located in West Virginia with a total population of 14,233. It is the 38th most populous county out of 55 in West Virginia.

Age Demographics

The median age in Wetzel County is 45.6 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 42.7 years. 10.1% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Wetzel County is $53,341. This is 8% lower than the state median of $57,917. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 32% lower. The poverty rate stands at 16.6%. This is about average than the state poverty rate of 16.6%. The unemployment rate is 5.8%. This is 2% higher than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $102,800. Housing costs are 34% lower than the state median of $155,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.9x, Wetzel County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 82.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% higher than the state average of 74.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Wetzel County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.1% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.8%. The Black or African American population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 3.2%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 0.8%.

Education

13.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 42% 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 89.9%.