Wayne County, West Virginia

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,327 km² (512 mi²). 1,310 km² (506 mi²) of it is land and 17 km² (6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.25% water.

Demographics As of the census¹ of 2000, there are 42,903 people, 17,239 households, and 12,653 families residing in the county. The population density is 33/km² (85/mi²). There are 19,107 housing units at an average density of 15/km² (38/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 98.79% White, 0.13% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 0.56% from two or more races. 0.47% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 17,239 households out of which 31.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.20% are married couples living together, 10.80% have a female householder with no husband present, and 26.60% are non-families. 24.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.48 and the average family size is 2.92.

In the county, the population is spread out with 23.40% under the age of 18, 8.70% from 18 to 24, 27.70% from 25 to 44, 25.30% from 45 to 64, and 14.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 95.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $27,352, and the median income for a family is $32,458. Males have a median income of $31,554 versus $20,720 for females. The per capita income for the county is $14,906. 19.60% of the population and 16.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 25.50% are under the age of 18 and 15.20% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Ceredo
• Fort Gay
• Kenova
• Wayne