People who come to Pocahontas County to get away from the human race will be pleased with the results of the 2010 census.

The U.S. Census Bureau released preliminary population data for West Virginia, which shows a 4.5 percent decrease in Pocahontas County. The county lost 412 people between 2000 and 2010, with the total population dropping from 9,131 to 8719, according to the census. The county population density is now 9.26 persons per square mile.

All four census districts in the county lost population since 2010: Edray district from 3,513 to 3,374; Green Bank district from 2,719 to 2,517; Little Levels district from 1,711 to 1,693 and the Huntersville district 1,188 to 1,135.

The county population has become slightly more diverse, with a white population of 97.8 percent in 2010, compared to 99.4 percent in 2000.

West Virginia saw a modest 2.5 percent population increase during the same time period. The Mountain State gained 44,650 residents during the last 10 years, increasing from about 1.8 million to more than 1.85 million. The increase is insufficient to warrant a fourth Congressional seat for the state.

West Virginia's population has increased for two straight decades for the first time since 1950. The state maintains its position as the 37th most populous state.

According to the 2010 census, the five most populous West Virginia cities are Charleston, 51,400; Huntington, 49,138; Parkersburg, 31,492, Morgantown, 29,660; and Wheeling, 28,486. Charleston decreased by 3.8 percent since the 2000 Census; Huntington decreased by 4.5 percent; Parkersburg decreased by 4.9 percent; Wheeling decreased by 9.3 percent and Morgantown grew by 10.6 percent.

Kanawha is the largest county, with a population of 193,063. Other counties in the top five include Berkeley, 104,169; Cabell, 96,319; Monongalia, 96,189 and Wood, 86,956.

The U.S. population increased by almost 30 million between 2000 and 2010, from 281,421,906 in 2000 to 311,067,397 in 2010. Hispanics made up more than half of the U.S. population growth since 2000, now accounting for 15.8 percent of the nation's total population.

More detailed Census Bureau data for West Virginia, including age and sex data, has yet to be released.

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