[5] In 1863, West Virginia's counties were divided into civil townships, with the intention of encouraging local government.

This proved impractical in the heavily rural state, and in 1872 the townships were converted into magisterial districts.

[6] Wyoming County was divided into six districts: Barkers Ridge,[i] Center,[ii] Clear Fork, Huff Creek,[iii] Oceana, and Slab Fork.

A seventh district, Baileysville, was created from portions of Clear Fork and Huff Creek in 1881.

Except for minor adjustments, the seven historic magisterial districts remained largely unchanged for over a century.

24.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 23,796 people, 9,687 households, and 6,947 families living in the county.

[13] The largest ancestry groups were: 13.8% Irish, 13.2% English, 13.2% American, 12.6% German, 2.1% Italian, 1.2% Scotch-Irish, 1.2% Dutch, and 1.1% Scottish.