Jefferson County

As of the latest estimates, Jefferson County, WV, has a population of approximately 57,000 residents. The racial composition is about 85% White, 8% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 5% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income is around $79,000, and the per capita income is roughly $39,000. Approximately 8% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county has a mix of urban and rural areas, with significant growth due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.

As of 2023, Jefferson County, WV has a median home price of approximately $340,000. The average property tax rate is around 0.57%, among the lowest in the U.S. Rental prices average at $1,250 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is about 76%, and the vacancy rate stands at roughly 8.5%. The area enjoys a cost of living slightly below the national average, making it an attractive option for both buyers and renters.

As of 2023, Jefferson County, WV, typically holds elections for local positions including the county commission, board of education, and various municipal roles.

Key upcoming elections and candidates:

1. County Commission: Seats alternate on a rotating basis; Commissioners are elected for six-year terms.
2. Board of Education: Members are often elected for four-year terms, focusing on local school policies.
3. Municipal Elections: Towns like Charles Town and Ranson hold separate elections for mayor and city council.

Recent voter turnout has ranged from 30% to 60%, depending on the election cycle. In the 2022 midterms, around 14,000 voters participated.

Candidates frequently include a mix of incumbents and new challengers representing various political affiliations, including Democratic, Republican, and Independent candidates. For specific names of candidates, the Jefferson County Clerk's Office provides current and detailed rosters leading up to each election.

Jefferson County, WV, has a relatively high educational attainment compared to state and national averages. Around 92.4% of residents have completed high school or higher, surpassing the West Virginia average of approximately 89.8% and nearing the national average of 88%. Higher education levels are also commendable: roughly 32.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly above the West Virginia average of about 21.1% but slightly below the national average of 33.1%. These statistics show that Jefferson County is more educated than much of the state and closes in on national figures, indicating solid educational outcomes.

As of the latest data, Jefferson County, WV, has an employment rate of approximately 96.5%, indicating a 3.5% unemployment rate. The labor force consists of around 28,000 individuals. Top industries include education and health services (23%), retail trade (15%), and leisure and hospitality (13%).

Compared to the national averages, Jefferson County has a higher proportion of employment in education and health services (national average 19%) and leisure and hospitality (11%). Compared to the West Virginia state averages, the county also depicts a higher employment rate in leisure and hospitality, with the state average around 10%.

This small but diverse employment base highlights an emphasis on service-oriented sectors, reflecting both state and national trends while demonstrating local unique industry strengths.

As of the latest data, the average income in Jefferson County, WV, is approximately $62,000. In comparison, the national average income is around $68,700. For the state of West Virginia, the average income is approximately $48,850. This indicates that Jefferson County is above the state average but below the national average.

Jefferson County's higher average income relative to the state may reflect a blend of suburban proximity to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and local economic conditions.

As of the most recent data, Jefferson County, WV, has a relatively lower crime rate compared to national averages. The crime rate is approximately 1,650 incidents per 100,000 residents. This includes various types of offenses which are summarized below in the statistics table:

These numbers indicate that property crimes are more prevalent than violent crimes in the county. Efforts are ongoing to reduce these rates further through community policing and public safety initiatives.