West Virginia Population 2013
The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of West Virginia in 2013 was 1,855,413, which is ranked the 37th largest population in the United States. This estimate shows a 0.13% increase since the last census in 2010, also conducted by the United States Census Bureau. The population density of the state is 77.1 people per square mile, ranked 29th largest density in the United States.
West Virginia Population Projections
The population by the year 2015 is expected to reach approximately 1.88 million people. By the year 2020, the population is expected to reach 1.89 million people. By the year 2025, the population is expected to reach 1.9009 million people. However, in the year 2030, the population of the state of West Virginia is expected to begin to decrease and reach 1.9008 million. By the year 2035, the population is expected to shrink to 1.893 million people.
West Virginia Land Mass
The state of West Virginia is approximately 240 miles long and 130 miles wide with a square area of 24,231 square miles, making it the 41st largest state in the Untied States. Of the 24,231 square miles, only 145 square miles are covered by water. The highest point in the state of West Virginia is Spruce Knob, which reaches 4,863 feet above sea level. The lowest point in the state is the Potomac River, which reaches 240 feet above sea level. The geographic center of West Virginia is in Braxton County, which is 4 miles east of Sutton. West Virginia is bordered by five states in total: Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.
There are two distinct areas of land in the state of West Virginia: Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region and the Appalachian Plateau. The Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region is part of the Appalachian Mountain system. Long parallel ridges characterize the mountain ranges in this area. On the western edge of the mountains is what is called the Allgeheny Front. Here, the sharp and rugged mountains meet the rolling terrain of the Appalachian Plateau. This area is where Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia, is located. The Appalachian Plateau is west of the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region. This area has much more flat-topped and rounded highlands compared to the sharply defined mountains in the other region.
West Virginia Demographics
Of the approximate 1.86 million people in the state of West Virginia, about 50.7% of the population is female, while 49.3% is male. Also, approximately 94% of the population identifies as white (including Hispanic or Latino). But, out of that 94%, only about 1% do identify as Hispanic or Latino and the other 93% as Caucasian. Those that identify as Black or African American make up only 4% of the entire population of the state of West Virginia. The rest of the population is made up of those that identify as Asian, American Indian, Alaskan Native, or those that identify as two or more races. These other races make up only about 2% of the West Virginia population.
West Virginia Religion
The population of West Virginia identifies as religious well below the national average. About 36% of the state population identifies as religious, compared to the national average of 49%. Out of the 36%, about 10% identify as Baptist, making it the largest denomination in the state of West Virginia. The next largest denomination in the state is Methodist. About 8% out of the 36% identifies as Lutheran. All other Christian denominations make up around 17.7% out of the total 36%. Judaism, Islam, and Eastern religions make up only about 0.3% out of the total 36%.
Visiting West Virginia
Music in West Virginia
Music in the state of West Virginia comes in all different styles, but they all together contribute something to the culture of the state. The Celtic, Scotch, and British heritages of the state are heard throughout the Appalachian traditional music. This type of music is found to use the flatpicking technique for the guitar or stringed instruments and uses the fiddle and mandolin often. In fact, the state holds a flatpicking competition every year. Southern Gospel and African American hymns are another popular category of music. Lastly, the Mountain State is full of country and bluegrass hits as well.