Community Profile

West Virginia

This report explores how West Virginia's community is changing and what makes it unique compared to the United States as a whole. Civic data about West Virginia's residents, households, and housing is from the American Community Survey (ACS), conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Unlike the Census—which is an exact count of people and households every ten years—ACS statistics are estimated based on a representative survey sample of West Virginia residents. The data is shown over five-year periods, rather than annually, to ensure greater accuracy at small geographies.

Age Demographics in West Virginia

Race and Ethnicity in West Virginia

The ACS adheres to definitions of race and ethnicity set forth by the 1997 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) standards. These categories are based on self-identification and are "not an attempt to define race biologically, anthropologically, or genetically," according to the Census Bureau.

According to the OMB standards, the category of "Hispanic" maps to the concept of ethnicity, not race, and so West Virginia's percentage is not included in the race distribution chart above. A West Virginia resident who identifies as Hispanic may be of any race or combination of races.

Educational Attainment in West Virginia

Educational attainment refers to the highest grade level or degree that a West Virginia resident has completed. The data shown here only includes the population age 25 and over.

About the Data

All data is from the American Community Survey, 5-year estimates. The table numbers are as follows:

• Quick stats: Tables B01003, B25001, B01002, B19019 (left to right)

• Population distribution, by age and by race/ethnicity: DP05

• Median age: B01002

• Educational attainment: S1501. 

This report uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.