Kanawha County, WV

Guide to Kanawha County and Cities

Welcome to the community page for Kanawha County, WV with demographic details and statistics about the area as well as an interactive Kanawha County map. The county has a population of 179,895, a median home value of $131,200, and a median household income of $55,226. Below, the statistics for Kanawha County provide a snapshot of key economic and lifestyle factors relevant to both residents and newcomers.

Map of Kanawha County

Population & Demographics

The total population for Kanawha County is 179,895, with 49% males and 51% females. Below is a detailed breakdown of the population trends and demographics for the area.

Population by RaceTotal
White Population157,101
Black or African American Population12,020
American Indian and Alaska Native169
Asian Population2,138
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander180
Other Race Population401
Two or More Races7,886

Household Information

In Kanawha County, the median gross rent is $868 per month and the median home value is $131,200. Out of the total number of households in the city, 70% are owner-occupied, while 30% are rentals. Of those who own their homes, 46% have a mortgage, with the remaining 54% owning their homes outright. Below is a detailed snapshot of homeownership and rental patterns in the community.”

Ownership StatisticsNumber
Owner-Occupied53,855
Renter-Occupied23,397
Mortgage StatusNumber
Homes with Mortgage24,965
Homes without Mortgage28,890

Employment & Occupation

In Kanawha County, the unemployment rate currently stands at 5.4%. For residents in the workforce, on average they spend 22 minutes commuting to work. Of those employed, 77% work for private companies, while 19% hold government jobs. Additionally, 4% are self-employed, contributing to the area’s entrepreneurial spirit. Below, you’ll find more details about employment trends and occupations in Kanawha County.

OccupationNumber
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, and Mining1,464
Construction3,419
Manufacturing4,212
Wholesale Trade1,489
Retail Trade9,307
Transportation and Warehousing, and Utilities3,920
Information1,328
Finance and Insurance, and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing5,533
Professional, Scientific, and Management, and Administrative and Waste Management Services7,698
Educational Services, and Health Care and Social Assistance20,947
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services6,908
Other Services, except Public Administration4,009
Public Administration6,601

Education

In Kanawha County, education levels show that 36.1% of residents have completed high school, 16.6% hold a bachelor’s degree, and 11.5% have achieved a graduate or professional degree. Of the population aged 25 and over, 28.2% are college graduates, reflecting the county’s academic achievements. Below is a detailed breakdown of educational levels within Kanawha County, WV.

Education Level Number
9th to 12th Grade 8,454
High School Graduate 47,043
Some College 24,934
Associate’s Degree 9,348
Bachelor’s Degree 21,682
Graduate or Professional Degree 15,007
School Enrollment Number
Enrolled in Preschool 1,860
Enrolled in Elementary School 15,757
Enrolled in High School 8,013
Enrolled in College 7,011

More Counties in West Virginia

*The data presented on this page is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and reflects the most recent available statistics. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that Census data may be subject to updates and revisions. US Map Guide is not responsible for any discrepancies, and we encourage users to verify information directly with official sources for the latest insights.