Lewis County

Lewis County, WV has a population of approximately 15,907 as of the 2020 census. The racial makeup is predominantly White at around 97%, with small percentages of Black or African American (0.7%), Native American (0.3%), Asian (0.3%), and two or more races (1.6%). The median household income is about $40,000. The population density is roughly 39.4 people per square mile. The county also has a young population, with 20% under the age of 18 and around 18% aged 65 and older.

As of the most recent data, Lewis County, WV, has a median home value of approximately $110,000. The median rent is around $600 per month. Housing units total about 7,500, with an ownership rate of 73%. The average household size is 2.4 people. About 15% of the housing units are vacant. New constructions are limited, with most homes built before 1980.

Lewis County, WV, holds elections for various local, state, and federal offices. Key positions include the County Commission, Board of Education, Sheriff, and various judicial offices. For the 2022 general elections, voter turnout was approximately 51.3%.

Candidates for notable positions included:

• County Commission: One notable candidate was Agnes Queen (Republican), who vied for a commission seat.
• Sheriff: David Rinehart (Republican) was among the candidates.

Lewis County votes are cast at multiple precincts across the county, which has about 11,000 registered voters as of the latest data. The county predominantly leans Republican. Voting takes place through paper ballots scanned electronically, ensuring accuracy and reliability in the election outcomes.

As of recent data, Lewis County, West Virginia, shows the following educational attainment for residents aged 25 and older:

• High School diploma or higher: Approximately 85.6%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 15.7%

For comparison, the national averages are:

• High School diploma or higher: 88%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: 33.1%

West Virginia state averages:

• High School diploma or higher: 86.9%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: 20.3%

Thus, Lewis County lags slightly behind the national average in high school graduation rates and significantly in bachelor's degree attainment. It is also below the state average for higher education but comparable to the state average for high school completion.

As of the most recent data, Lewis County, WV, has an employment rate that reflects its local economic conditions. Typical employment figures suggest a labor force participation rate of around 57.8%, slightly below the national average of 61.7% and state average of 55.6%.

Key industries in Lewis County include:

1. Healthcare and Social Assistance – 18.3% of the workforce
2. Retail Trade – 14.2%
3. Manufacturing – 10.8%
4. Educational Services – 10.5%
5. Accommodation and Food Services – 9.6%

In comparison, national averages indicate the following for top industries: Healthcare and Social Assistance (15.4%), Retail Trade (11.3%), Professional and Business Services (14.4%), Manufacturing (8.5%), and Accommodation and Food Services (9.0%).

Lewis County's higher dependence on healthcare and retail trade compared to national figures underscores its unique local economic structure.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Lewis County, WV, is approximately $47,500. This is lower than both the national and state averages. For comparison, the national average household income is around $68,700, while the average for West Virginia is about $52,300. Such discrepancies highlight economic challenges faced in Lewis County relative to broader benchmarks.

Lewis County's lower-than-average income underscores the need for targeted economic development and support to bring it closer to state and national levels.

As of the latest available data, Lewis County, WV, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The crime rate here is approximately 14.75 per 1,000 residents annually. Below is a summary of the types of crimes and their numerical values per year:

This data reflects a community-focused approach to law enforcement that contributes to maintaining a safer environment compared to more densely populated regions.