Greenbrier County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Greenbrier County, WV has a population of approximately 32,977. The county's racial makeup is predominantly White (94.5%), with smaller percentages of African American (3.0%), Native American (0.3%), Asian (0.4%), and individuals of two or more races (1.5%). Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race make up about 1.2% of the population. The median age is around 44.6 years, and the county has a median household income of $41,629. The population density is roughly 36 people per square mile in an area of 1,025 square miles.

Greenbrier County, WV has a median home value of approximately $150,000. The median rent is around $700 per month. The homeownership rate is about 74%, with 26% of residents renting. The housing market saw a 3% increase in home values over the past year. There are an estimated 15,000 housing units in the county, with a vacancy rate of 20%. New listings often range from $100,000 to $300,000. Affordable housing options and charming historical homes are common.

As of the latest available data in 2023, Greenbrier County, WV, features multiple elections, including local, state, and federal positions. Key local races often include County Commission and School Board seats. In the 2020 General Election, voter turnout was approximately 66% with 12,379 ballots cast.

For County Commission, the 2022 race saw candidates such as Lowell Rose (Republican) and Cindy Lavender-Bowe (Democrat), with Rose winning by a narrow margin. School Board elections are non-partisan and typically feature multiple candidates vying for a few seats.

State legislative races include House of Delegates and State Senate seats, with recent notable candidates like Jeff Campbell (Democrat) and Mike Honaker (Republican) for the House. In federal elections, Greenbrier County falls within West Virginia's 3rd Congressional District, represented by Carol Miller (Republican) as of the 2022 election cycle. Specific numerical outcomes for each race vary, reflecting voter engagement and candidate appeal.

Greenbrier County, WV, exhibits educational attainment levels reflective of regional trends. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 84.9% of residents aged 25+ have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of about 89.1% and the West Virginia average of 86.5%. Those holding a bachelor's degree or higher in Greenbrier County stand at roughly 18.2%, trailing behind the national average of 33.1% and the state’s average of 24.2%. Despite these disparities, local educational initiatives aim to enhance learning outcomes. Greenbrier’s figures suggest a pressing need for improved access to higher education to catch up with broader trends.

As of the latest available data, Greenbrier County, WV has a civilian labor force of approximately 13,500 individuals, with an unemployment rate around 5.6%, slightly higher than the national average of 3.7% but comparable to the state average of 5.5%. The top industries in Greenbrier County include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation and food services. Healthcare employs about 20% of the workforce, retail about 15%, and food services around 10%.

Compared to national averages, Greenbrier has a higher concentration of jobs in healthcare and accommodation due to its regional medical centers and tourism-driven economy. Conversely, it has fewer jobs in technology and professional services, aligning with state trends but deviating from the national employment structure. Median household income in Greenbrier is approximately $38,000, lower than both the national median of $68,700 and the state median of $48,850.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) for the period 2016-2020, the median household income in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, is approximately $40,538. In comparison, the median household income for the entire state of West Virginia is around $48,850, and the national median is approximately $68,700.

Greenbrier County's income levels are below both the state and national averages, highlighting economic disparities and potential areas for economic development and support. These figures can provide essential context for policymakers and stakeholders addressing economic challenges within the county.

As of the most recent data, Greenbrier County, WV has a relatively moderate crime rate compared to national averages. The crime rate per 1,000 residents is approximately 20.45. Here's a brief breakdown:

Violent crimes are relatively low, with assault being the most common. Property crimes, particularly larceny-theft, constitute the bulk of reported incidents.