Ohio County

Ohio County, WV, has a population of approximately 42,425 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (91.1%), followed by Black or African American (4.8%), Asian (1.6%), and other races making up the remainder. The Hispanic or Latino population stands at about 1.5%. The median household income is around $47,860, and the poverty rate is 15.5%. The median age in Ohio County is 43.8 years. Educational attainment includes 91.5% of residents with a high school diploma or higher, and 28.6% holding a bachelor’s degree or above.

As of the latest data, housing in Ohio County, WV shows a median home value of approximately $120,000. The median rent is about $700 per month. Roughly 67% of residents own their homes, while 33% rent. The vacancy rate for homes is near 15%. Housing costs are notably lower than the national average, reflecting the region's affordability.

As of the most recent election cycle, Ohio County, West Virginia, saw competitive races across various positions:

1. County Commission:

   • Republican Candidate: Randy Wharton
   • Democratic Candidate: Zach Abraham
   • Independent Candidate: Robert “Smokey” Toland

2. County Clerk:

   • Republican Candidate: Brenda Miller
   • Democratic Candidate: Bebe McChesney

3. Sheriff:

   • Republican Candidate: Tom Howard
   • Democratic Candidate: Cynthia Chaponis

4. Circuit Clerk:

   • Republican Candidate: John Corrigan
   • Democratic Candidate: Gail Adams

In the 2020 election, voter turnout in Ohio County was significant, with approximately 14,000 ballots cast out of 33,000 registered voters, reflecting a turnout rate of about 42%. Specific vote counts for the races varied, with the County Commission race being particularly close, decided by fewer than 500 votes.

Always check the latest data from the Ohio County Election Commission for the most current information.

Ohio County, WV, exhibits education levels that align closely with state averages but lag behind national figures. Based on the U.S. Census Bureau data:

• High school diploma or higher: Approximately 91% of Ohio County residents have attained at least a high school diploma, slightly ahead of the West Virginia state average of 89% but below the national average of 93%.
• Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 28% of Ohio County's population holds a Bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the state average of 21% and the national average of 37%.

In summary, Ohio County's educational attainment is modestly higher than the state average but remains significantly lower than the national average in terms of higher education.

As of the latest data, Ohio County, West Virginia, had an unemployment rate of approximately 4.6%, which is slightly below the state average of around 5.0% but higher than the national average of approximately 3.7%.

In Ohio County, the top industries include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and educational services. Specifically, healthcare employs approximately 25% of the workforce, retail trade accounts for about 15%, and educational services employ around 10%.

Statewide, West Virginia similarly relies heavily on healthcare and social assistance, but also has significant employment in mining and natural resources, which is less prominent in Ohio County. Nationally, the healthcare sector is also a major employer, along with professional and business services and manufacturing.

Ohio County's dependency on healthcare and retail is slightly more pronounced compared to national averages, reflecting localized economic drivers catering to the needs of its population.

As of the latest data, Ohio County, WV has a median household income of approximately $47,000. This is notably lower than both the national and state averages. Nationally, the median household income stands at roughly $68,700, while West Virginia's state average is about $48,850.

Ohio County's income levels indicate economic challenges when compared to broader benchmarks, highlighting potential areas for community and economic development initiatives.

Sources are based on the most recent U.S. Census Bureau and economic reports.

As of the latest available data, Ohio County, WV, exhibits varied crime rates. Here are key statistics:

Ohio County’s violent crime rate is lower than the national average, while property crime rates are slightly above the national median. These numbers provide a snapshot and can vary year over year.