Calhoun County

As of the 2020 Census, Calhoun County, WV had a population of approximately 6,229. The racial composition was predominantly White (97.8%), with small percentages of African American (0.2%), Native American (0.3%), Asian (0.2%), and those of two or more races (1.4%). Hispanic or Latino of any race made up 0.7%. The median age was 47.8 years. The county had around 2,719 households and a median household income of $30,660, with a poverty rate of approximately 24.8%.

As of the latest data, Calhoun County, WV has a median home value of approximately $65,000, significantly lower than the national average. The median rent is around $550 per month. About 79% of residents own their homes, while 21% rent. The housing market mainly consists of single-family homes, with limited new construction. The cost of living is relatively low, and the area has experienced limited population growth, influencing the stability of housing costs.

Calhoun County, WV, participates in federal, state, and local elections. Key local positions include the County Commission, Sheriff, Assessor, and Board of Education, among others.

• 2020 Election Results Snapshot:

  • Presidential Election: Donald Trump (R) received 2,062 votes, Joe Biden (D) received 445 votes.
  • Governor: Jim Justice (R) garnered 2,198 votes, Ben Salango (D) had 326 votes.

• 2022 Local Primary:

  • County Commission: Incumbent Republican candidates Terry Harris and Kevin Helmick contested.
  • Sheriff: Candidates included Warren Basnett and Tony Morgan, with Morgan ultimately winning.

Election results typically show strong Republican leanings. For detailed candidate lists and numerical values, consult the Calhoun County Clerk's office or the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website.

Calhoun County, WV, has relatively low educational attainment compared to state and national averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 75.6% of Calhoun County residents aged 25 years and older have a high school diploma or higher, which is below the national average of 88.0% and the West Virginia state average of 86.5%. Furthermore, only about 7.5% of Calhoun County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.1% and the state average of 21.1%. These figures indicate that Calhoun County has significant room for improvement in educational attainment levels.

Calhoun County, WV, has a relatively small labor market. As of the latest available data, the county's unemployment rate hovers around 7.6%, higher than the national average of approximately 3.8% and West Virginia’s state average of 4.7%. Major industries in Calhoun County include healthcare and social assistance, educational services, and manufacturing. These sectors provide a significant proportion of jobs in the area but still lag behind national averages in terms of diversity and scale.

The healthcare and social assistance sector employs around 15% of the county's workforce, compared to the national average of approximately 14%. Manufacturing is another key industry, though it employs less than 10% of the work force, compared to the national average of 8.5%. Educational services are also prominent, constituting roughly 14% of employment, in comparison to the national average of 9.6%.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Calhoun County, WV is approximately $35,000. This is significantly lower compared to both the state and national averages. For context, the average household income in West Virginia is about $48,000, while the national average is around $68,700.

This significant income disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by residents in Calhoun County relative to broader state and national contexts.

As of the most recent data, Calhoun County, WV has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. Here are the statistics for various types of crimes:

Violent crime rates are notably low, with only a handful of incidents reported annually. Property crimes are slightly more common but still significantly below national averages. The community's smaller population size contributes to these lower crime rates, fostering a safer environment for residents.