Berkeley County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Berkeley County, WV had a population of approximately 122,076. The racial composition was 89.4% White, 6.2% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race comprised 5.3% of the population. The median household income was about $69,000, and the county had a poverty rate of around 9.2%. The population density was roughly 311 people per square mile.

As of 2023, Berkeley County, WV has a median home price of approximately $265,000. The average property tax rate is about 0.58%, and the median household income is around $70,000. The county experiences moderate growth, with a 10-year population increase of over 12%. Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,200 per month. The homeownership rate stands at roughly 75%, reflecting a robust housing market with a mix of suburban and rural living options.

Berkeley County, WV conducts biennial elections with major races typically occurring in even-numbered years. For example, the 2022 election included races for county commission, sheriff, and various state delegates.

Candidates:

1. County Commission: Republican Doug Copenhaver faced Democratic challenger Gavin Ferrell.
2. Sheriff: Incumbent Nathan Harmon (R) ran for re-election.
3. State Delegates: In District 59, Republican Ken Reed competed against Democrat John Isner.

Turnout for county elections can range between 30-60%, with higher participation during presidential election years. Results are typically tabulated electronically. For up-to-date information, visit the Berkeley County Clerk’s website or the West Virginia Secretary of State’s election page.

As of the most recent data, Berkeley County, WV, shows educational attainment levels that are somewhat below national averages but align closely with West Virginia state averages. Approximately 86.5% of adults aged 25 and older in Berkeley County have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of 88.5% and the West Virginia state average of 86.9%. In terms of higher education, around 19.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher in Berkeley County, whereas the national average is about 33.1% and the state average is 22.3%. This indicates that while high school graduation rates are close to the state and national levels, the attainment of higher education degrees is lagging behind the national average but is relatively comparable with state levels.

As of the latest data, Berkeley County, WV shows an employment rate with a slight edge over the statewide figures, leveraging its strategic location near Washington D.C. The county’s unemployment rate hovers around 3.8%, lower than West Virginia’s average of 4.6% and close to the national rate of 3.7%.

Top industries in Berkeley County include:

1. Manufacturing: 17% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 8.6%.
2. Retail Trade: 12%, aligning closely with the national average of 11%.
3. Healthcare and Social Assistance: 11%, slightly below the national average of 13%.

Contrasted with state averages, Berkeley County leans more heavily into manufacturing and retail trade compared to West Virginia’s broader focus on healthcare and mining. Its diversified employment landscape supports a stable and growing job market.

As of the latest available data, the median household income for Berkeley County, WV is approximately $60,000. For comparison:

• The median household income in the United States is around $70,000.
• The median household income in West Virginia is about $48,000.

Berkeley County exhibits a higher median income compared to the state average but falls below the national average. Here’s a concise statistics table:

This data highlights that Berkeley County residents generally earn more than the average West Virginian but less than the average American.

As of the most recent data, Berkeley County, WV has a mixed crime profile. Here are key figures for various types of crimes:

Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crimes encompass burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. These figures provide an overview of the crime situation in Berkeley County, WV.