Appalachia had a population of 25.7 million in 2019, a 1.8% increase – or 455,000 more residents – than it had in mid-2010. Though two subregions have experienced growth, most of the Region has lost population and its overall growth is slower than the national average of 6%.
The Region’s population is generally aging at the same rate as the nation, with the median age rising to 41.3 years over the 2010-2019 period. However, certain portions of Appalachia are aging faster than others and the nation as a whole.
Learn more about Appalachia’s basic population and age trends through the charts below.
Population Change
Most of the Region has lost population, with three states – New York, Virginia and West Virginia – experiencing losses exceeding 3%. However, South Central and Southern Appalachia have added residents. In fact, Southern Appalachia’s growth surpassed the national average, reaching 7.6%. Certain counties in Appalachian Georgia grew exponentially, peaking at 38.2%.
Population Growth
Population Distribution
Population Change
Age Breakdown
Like the United States as a whole, Appalachia’s population became older between 2010 and 2019. The median age of the Region’s population is 41.3 years. The aging of the population has come largely at the expense of younger age groups. The share of Appalachia’s population under age 18 and the share of adults ages 25 to 64 are both more than a full percentage point lower in mid-2019 than they were in mid-2010.
Minority Population
Minorities make up a small but growing share of Appalachia’s population. The Region’s population is 19% minority while the national rate is 39.9%.
