Mason County

Mason County, WV, has a population of approximately 26,500 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (96.6%), with smaller numbers of African American (1.3%), Native American (0.3%), and Asian (0.2%) residents. About 1.6% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. The median age is around 43.5 years. The county has roughly 11,200 households, with an average household size of 2.32 people, and a median household income of about $41,000. The poverty rate stands at approximately 18.4%.

As of the latest data, Mason County, WV, has a median home value of approximately $95,000. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $650 per month. The homeownership rate is about 75%, with an average household size of 2.4 people. Mason County has seen a 3% increase in home values over the past year and anticipates a 2% rise in the coming year. The housing market includes a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, catering to various income levels and family sizes.

Mason County, WV, conducts its elections in accordance with state and local regulations. The most recent significant elections were held in 2022. In the general election, key positions such as County Commission, Board of Education, and various judicial roles were on the ballot.

Here are the main candidates and their results in the 2022 General Election:

1. County Commission:

   • Rick Handley (Republican): 6,125 votes
   • Dan Adams (Independent): 4,344 votes

2. Board of Education:

   • Rhonda Tennant: 5,890 votes
   • Meagan Bonecutter: 5,675 votes
   • John Casey: 5,499 votes

3. County Clerk:

   • Diana Cromley (Republican, incumbent): 8,543 votes

4. Sheriff:

   • Corey Miller (Republican): 7,234 votes
   • Joshua Gillispie (Independent): 3,890 votes

These results exemplify the local electoral dynamics and voter turnout in Mason County. For the latest or more detailed information, please refer to the Mason County Clerk's office or official election website.

Mason County, WV, faces educational challenges compared to state and national averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (latest available data), approximately 82.5% of Mason County residents have a high school diploma or higher, which is lower than the national average of 88%. In terms of higher education, around 13.3% of Mason County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the national average of approximately 33.1%. West Virginia as a whole has about 85.9% high school graduates and 20.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. These figures spotlight the educational disparities Mason County faces in comparison to both the statewide and nationwide educational attainment levels.

As of the latest available data, Mason County, WV has an employment rate of approximately 54%, which is below both the national average (about 61%) and the West Virginia state average (around 55%). Key industries in Mason County include healthcare and social assistance (approximately 20% of employment), retail trade (15%), and manufacturing (12%). Nationally, healthcare and social assistance also lead at around 14%, followed by retail trade at 11%, and professional and business services at 13%. In West Virginia, top industries are similar to Mason County, with healthcare and social assistance (18%), retail trade (13%), and educational services (11%). This comparative analysis highlights that Mason County has a relatively higher reliance on retail trade and manufacturing compared to national averages, but aligns closely with state trends in healthcare and social assistance.

As of the latest available data, Mason County, WV, has a median household income of approximately $45,000. This is significantly below the national median household income, which is around $68,700, and also below the West Virginia state median household income of roughly $51,200.

The income disparity highlights economic challenges in Mason County compared to both state and national levels.

As of the most recent data, Mason County, WV has the following crime rate information. The county experiences relatively low crime rates compared to the national average. Here are the statistics for various types of crimes per 100,000 people:

Note: These numbers are subject to change and may vary year by year. Always refer to the latest reports and local law enforcement for the most recent statistics.