West Virginia Population Pyramid 2024
West Virginia Population Pyramid 2024
Current age and gender distribution for West Virginia's 1,808,599 residents
West Virginia Population Changes 2000-2024
Watch how West Virginia's demographics evolved over the past 24 years
Historical Demographic Changes
Watch how West Virginia's population structure evolved from 2000 to 2024
West Virginia Demographics Overview
Total Population
1,808,599
2024
Median Age
42.0 yrs
US: 38.5
Sex Ratio
99
M per 100 F
Growth '00-'24
-1.7%
24-year
Age Structure
Dependency Ratios
Gender Balance
Historical Trends
Key Demographics
| Total Population | 1,808,599 |
| Male Population | 898,767(49.7%) |
| Female Population | 909,832(50.3%) |
| Median Age | 42.0 years |
| Sex Ratio | 98.8 males per 100 females |
| Youth (0-14) | 282,371(15.6%) |
| Working Age (15-64) | 1,177,402(65.1%) |
| Elderly (65+) | 348,826(19.3%) |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 53.6 |
| Youth Dependency Ratio | 24.0 |
| Old Age Dependency Ratio | 29.6 |
| Pyramid Type | Constrictive |
Dependency Ratios: Number of dependents per 100 working-age individuals.
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Detailed West Virginia Demographic Analysis
Gender Distribution
West Virginia's population of 1,808,599 consists of 898,767 males (49.7%) and 909,832 females (50.3%). This represents a sex ratio of 99 males per 100 females, which is relatively balanced compared to the national average.
The gender balance varies significantly across age groups. In younger cohorts (0-24 years), males slightly outnumber females, which is typical due to naturally higher male birth rates. However, in older age groups (65+), females substantially outnumber males due to their longer life expectancy. This pattern has important implications for healthcare planning, particularly for gender-specific medical services and elder care facilities.
Age Structure and Dependency Ratios
The median age of 42 years places West Virginia above the national median, indicating a relatively older population profile. The youth dependency ratio stands at N/A, meaning there are approximately N/A children and teenagers for every 100 working-age adults. Meanwhile, the old-age dependency ratio is 29.6, indicating 30 seniors for every 100 working-age residents.
The total dependency ratio of N/A suggests that each working-age person in West Virginiatheoretically supports N/A dependents. This ratio is crucial for understanding the economic burden on the productive population and has direct implications for tax policy, social services funding, and workforce development strategies.
Labor Force and Economic Potential
West Virginia's working-age population (15-64 years) comprises 65.1% of the total population, representing approximately 1,177,402 potential workers. This demographic segment is the economic engine of the state, generating tax revenue, driving consumer spending, and supporting both younger and older dependents.
Within the working-age population, the distribution across age cohorts reveals important economic dynamics. The 25-54 age range, often considered prime working years, represents the core of West Virginia's labor force. The size and growth trajectory of this group directly impacts economic productivity, housing demand, and consumer market dynamics.With a robust 65.1% working-age population, West Virginia is well-positioned for economic growth.
Youth Demographics and Future Workforce
The youth population (ages 0-14) accounts for 15.6% of West Virginia's total population, numbering approximately 282,371 children and teenagers. This cohort represents the future workforce and tax base of the state. The size of this group relative to the total population indicates potential challenges in maintaining population levels without migration.
Educational infrastructure requirements are directly tied to youth population size. With approximately 94,124 children in each 5-year age cohort,West Virginia must maintain adequate capacity in elementary, middle, and high schools. The transition of these youth cohorts into working age over the next two decades will be critical for replacing retiring baby boomers and maintaining economic vitality.
Aging Population and Healthcare Implications
West Virginia's senior population (65+) comprises 19.3% of residents, totaling approximately 348,826 individuals. This represents a significantly aged population requiring substantial senior services. The aging index of 123.5 indicates there are 124 seniors for every 100 children under 15, reflecting the state's position in the demographic transition.
Healthcare system capacity becomes increasingly critical with 19.3% of the population in age groups with higher medical needs. The 85+ population, requiring the most intensive care, represents the fastest-growing segment in many states. West Virginia must plan for expanded geriatric care, assisted living facilities, and specialized medical services. The potential support ratio of 3.4means there are approximately 3 working-age adults for each senior, a critical metric for understanding the sustainability of pension systems and senior care programs.
Population Growth and Migration Patterns
Between 2000 and 2024, West Virginia's population evolved from 1,838,976 to 1,808,599, representing a -1.7% decrease. This translates to an average annual growth rate of -0.07%,trailing the national average.
The median age shift from 39 years in 2000 to 42 years in 2024 reflects broader demographic transitions. This increase of 3.0 years indicates moderate aging trends. These patterns result from the complex interplay of birth rates, death rates, and migration flows that shape West Virginia's demographic landscape.
Economic and Social Policy Implications
West Virginia's demographic structure has profound implications for economic planning and social policy. With 65.1% of the population in prime productive years, the state's tax base and economic output depend heavily on this group's employment rates and productivity levels. The relatively high senior population share of 19.3% creates substantial pressure on pension systems, Medicare, and social security programs.
Educational investment priorities must align with the youth population of 15.6%.The relatively small youth cohort suggests potential school consolidations and resource reallocation may be necessary. Furthermore, workforce development programs must anticipate the skills needed as 282,371young people enter the labor market over the coming decades, while simultaneously managing the transition of 348,826 seniors into retirement.
West Virginia Population Dynamics Summary
West Virginia's population pyramid and demographic indicators reveal a state facing demographic challenges with an aging population and narrowing base. The current demographic structure suggests West Virginia will need to focus on expanding senior services and healthcare infrastructure.
Looking ahead, these demographic trends will shape West Virginia's economic competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and quality of life. Policy makers must consider these population dynamics when planning infrastructure investments, designing social programs, and developing economic strategies that leverage the state's demographic strengths while addressing its challenges.
About West Virginia Demographics Data
This West Virginia population pyramid and demographic analysis uses official US Census data to provide accurate, up-to-date population statistics. The interactive visualizations help researchers, policymakers, businesses, and students understand West Virginia's demographic structure and trends.