McDowell County's estimated 2025 population is 16,705 with a growth rate of -2.15% in the past year according to the most recent United States census data. McDowell County is the 33rd largest county in West Virginia. The 2010 population was 22,094 and has seen a growth of -24.39% since that time.
Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change
The racial composition of McDowell County includes 88.27% White, 9.16% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for Two or more races, Native American, Asian, other race, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
White
Black or African American
Two or more races
Native American
Asian
Other race
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
Race | Population | Percentage (of total) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 16,254 | 88.27% |
| Black or African American | 1,687 | 9.16% |
| Two or more races | 417 | 2.26% |
| Native American | 31 | 0.17% |
| Asian | 19 | 0.1% |
| Other race | 5 | 0.03% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 0 | 0% |
Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never Married
McDowell County's average per capita income is $31,578. Household income levels show a median of $29,980. The poverty rate stands at 30.94%.
Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Married Families | $56,288 | - |
| Families | $39,226 | $51,183 |
| Households | $29,980 | $41,736 |
| Non Families | $22,411 | $25,212 |
Average Income
Median Household Income
Poverty Rate