McDowell County's estimated 2026 population is 16,591 with a growth rate of -1.65% 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 -24.91% 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 and multiracial populations.
White (88.27%)
Black or African American (9.16%)
Two or more races (2.26%)
Native American (0.17%)
Asian (0.1%)
Other race (0.03%)
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% |
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