Gilmer County Demographics

As of the most recent data, Gilmer County, WV has a population of approximately 7,408. The racial composition is about 89.5% White, 6.6% African American, and 3.9% other races including Native American, Asian, and those identifying with two or more races. The median age is roughly 36.1 years. The median household income is around $32,500, and the poverty rate stands at about 29%. The county seat, Glenville, hosts Glenville State College, which significantly impacts local demographics.

Gilmer County Housing

Gilmer County, WV has a median home value of approximately $85,000. The median rent is around $650 per month. Around 59% of residents own their homes, while approximately 41% rent. The housing market is relatively stable, with a low vacancy rate. Home prices have seen modest growth, reflecting the county's rural setting and modest economic development. The average property tax rate is about 0.5-0.6%, which is below the national average. Housing options range from single-family homes to small apartment units, catering to a diverse population including students from Glenville State College.

Elections in Gilmer County

In Gilmer County, WV, the most recent elections data reflects various local, state, and federal races. As a small county with a population of about 7,100, electoral participation often sees modest voter turnout.

During the 2022 General Elections, notable races included:

  • U.S. House of Representatives (West Virginia's 1st District):

    • Republican Candidate: David McKinley - 58%
    • Democratic Candidate: Natalie Cline - 40%
    • Other Candidates: 2%
  • State Senate (12th District):

    • Republican Candidate: Ben Queen - 62%
    • Democratic Candidate: Samuel Hickman - 38%
  • House of Delegates (33rd District):

    • Republican Candidate: Roger Conley - 70%
    • Democratic Candidate: Howard Swint - 30%

Local races feature multiple candidates for positions such as County Commissioner, Sheriff, and Board of Education members. For specific names and numerical results in these local races, check the official Gilmer County Clerk's office website or the West Virginia Secretary of State's office.

How Educated in Gilmer County

As of recent data, Gilmer County, WV, has a high school graduation rate of approximately 84.4%, which is slightly lower than the national average of around 88%. The percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher stands at about 16%, below the national average of about 32.1% and also lower than the West Virginia state average of roughly 21.1%. These statistics indicate that the educational attainment in Gilmer County lags behind both state and national metrics, reflecting challenges in higher education and graduation rates.

Gilmer County Employment Rate

As of the most recent data, Gilmer County, WV has an employment rate characteristic of rural areas. Key industries include education, correctional facilities, healthcare, and public administration.

  1. Education: Glenville State University is one of the largest employers.
  2. Correctional Facilities: Federal Correctional Institution, Gilmer has significant employment.
  3. Healthcare: Includes hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
  4. Public Administration: Local government jobs contribute significantly.

Numerical comparisons:

  • Unemployment Rate: As of the latest available data, Gilmer County has an unemployment rate around 6%, higher than the national average of approximately 3.5% and the West Virginia state average of around 4.8%.
  • Median Household Income: Around $38,000, which is lower than the national median of about $68,700 and the state median of approximately $48,850.

Top industries' employment share (education, healthcare, public administration) is higher in Gilmer County compared to national and state averages, reflecting the region's economic structure.

Average Income in Gilmer County

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Gilmer County, West Virginia is approximately $36,000 per year. This is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. For comparison, the median household income in the United States is about $68,700 annually, while the median household income in West Virginia is around $48,850 per year.

Income Comparison Table

Location Average Household Income
Gilmer County, WV $36,000
West Virginia $48,850
United States $68,700

This indicates that Gilmer County's income levels are below both state and national averages, reflecting potential economic challenges unique to the area.

Gilmer County Crime Rates

As of the latest available data, Gilmer County, WV, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The crime rate per 1,000 residents includes both violent and property crimes. Below is a summary of crime statistics for Gilmer County:

Crime Type Rate per 1,000 Residents
Violent Crimes 1.5
Property Crimes 10.4
Total Crime Rate 11.9

Specific types of crimes include:

Specific Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents
Assault 0.9
Burglary 3.2
Theft 6.8
Motor Vehicle Theft 0.4

These figures indicate that both violent and property crimes are present but occur infrequently, offering a relatively secure environment for residents.