Mercer County

As of the 2020 Census, Mercer County, WV has a population of approximately 59,664. The racial composition is 89.9% White, 7% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.4% from two or more races. About 1.0% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county has 24,828 households with an average household size of 2.33. The median age is 43.8 years, and the median household income is $38,439. Around 20% of the population lives below the poverty line.

As of the latest data, the median home value in Mercer County, WV is around $92,000, with a median rent of $650 per month. Around 67% of residents own their homes, while 33% rent. The county has a diverse range of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments. The overall cost of living is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.

Elections in Mercer County, WV, are overseen by the Mercer County Clerk's office. Regular elections occur for various local, state, and federal offices.

In the 2020 General Election, Mercer County recorded a voter turnout of 69.02%, with 24,546 ballots cast out of 35,571 registered voters. In the Presidential race, Donald J. Trump (Republican) received 81.19% of the votes, whereas Joseph R. Biden (Democrat) garnered 17.53%.

For local elections; incumbents, new candidates, and party affiliations can vary by election cycle. For instance, in the 2022 General Election, crucial local offices such as County Commission, Sheriff, and Board of Education seats were contested.

Specific candidate lists and numerical results for upcoming or past elections can be accessed through the Mercer County Clerk's official website or the West Virginia Secretary of State's election page. Always confirm current and detailed candidate information close to election dates.

As of the latest data, Mercer County, WV's educational attainment reveals that approximately 82% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of about 88%. Only around 17% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, whereas the national average is close to 34%. West Virginia statewide figures are slightly behind the national trend, with roughly 85% having a high school diploma and 21% a bachelor's degree or higher. Mercer County falls short compared to both national and state averages in educational attainment, signaling a need for enhanced educational initiatives.

As of 2021, Mercer County, WV, had an unemployment rate of around 6.5%, higher than both the national average (approximately 5.4%) and the state average of West Virginia (~5.9%). The workforce is engaged in various sectors, with top industries including healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and education services. Healthcare employs roughly 20% of the county's workforce, significantly higher than the national average of about 13%. Retail trade involves around 16% of employees, compared to the national figure of 14%. Educational services engage approximately 11%, closely aligning with the national average. Mercer County's emphasis on healthcare and education reflects broader trends in the state but with a sharper focus compared to national distributions.

As of the latest available data:

Mercer County, WV:

• Median household income: $37,280

West Virginia:

• Median household income: $48,850 (2021)

United States:

• Median household income: $70,784 (2021)

Table:

Mercer County’s median household income is significantly lower than both the state and national averages, indicating potential economic challenges in the area.

As of the most recent data available, Mercer County, WV, has a mixed landscape of crime rates. In 2022, the county experienced the following crime statistics per 100,000 residents:

• Violent Crime: 430 incidents
• Property Crime: 2,270 incidents
• Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter: 9 incidents
• Rape: 36 incidents
• Robbery: 42 incidents
• Aggravated Assault: 343 incidents
• Burglary: 640 incidents
• Larceny-Theft: 1,350 incidents
• Motor Vehicle Theft: 280 incidents

Here's a table summarizing the crime statistics: