Pocahontas County

As of the 2020 Census, Pocahontas County, WV, has a population of 7,869. The racial makeup is 97.4% White, 0.8% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.1% Asian, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race constitute 0.9% of the population. The median household income is $34,834, with 21% of residents living below the poverty line. The county's total area is approximately 942 square miles, with a population density of around 8.4 people per square mile.

Pocahontas County, WV has a median home value of approximately $130,000. The median rent is about $650 per month. Homeownership rate stands around 79%. The county features a mix of single-family homes, cabins, and farmland properties, with an average property size considerably larger than urban standards. Housing costs in Pocahontas County are lower than both state and national averages, making it an affordable option for residents.

Pocahontas County, WV conducts local, state, and national elections, typically featuring positions such as the County Commission, County Clerk, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, and Board of Education members. For the 2022 general election, voter turnout in West Virginia was approximately 42%, with Pocahontas County seeing similar trends.

Candidates for the 2024 election are still being finalized. Historically, candidates have included a mix of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. In the 2022 election for County Commission, for example, Republican and Democratic candidates vied for the position, with voting usually split fairly evenly. Detailed candidate lists and specific voter turnout numbers for Pocahontas County can be found on the West Virginia Secretary of State's website or the Pocahontas County Clerk’s office.

As of the latest available data, Pocahontas County, WV, shows the following educational attainment for residents aged 25 and older:

• High school diploma or higher: Approximately 83.1%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 15.2%

Comparatively, the national averages are significantly higher, with about 89.7% of adults having at least a high school diploma and 35% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Within West Virginia, the state averages are roughly 86.7% for high school graduates and 21.1% for those with a bachelor's degree or beyond.

Overall, Pocahontas County falls below both the national and the state education averages. This indicates a lower level of educational attainment among the adult population in the county compared to broader benchmarks.

Pocahontas County, WV, has a relatively small labor market due to its rural nature. According to recent data:

1. Employment: Approximately 3,500 people are employed.
2. Unemployment Rate: Around 5.5%, higher than both the national average of about 3.7% and the West Virginia state average of approximately 4.8%.

Top Industries:

1. Tourism and Hospitality: Due to attractions like Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
2. Forestry and Logging: Abundant natural resources support this sector.
3. Agriculture: Including farming and livestock.
4. Education and Health Services: Schools and healthcare facilities are significant employers.

Comparison:

• Hospitality and Tourism: Much higher than national and state averages due to tourism hotspots.
• Forestry and Agriculture: Also higher in proportion compared to national levels but somewhat consistent with state trends due to West Virginia's natural landscape.
• Education and Health Services: Comparable to national and state averages.

These estimates reflect the county's unique economic structure driven by natural resources and tourism.

As of the most recent data, Pocahontas County, WV, has an average household income of approximately $40,000. This figure is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. Nationally, the average household income is around $68,703, while West Virginia's state average is about $48,850. Here's a comparison in table format:

The lower average income in Pocahontas County highlights economic challenges compared to broader state and national levels.

As of the most recent data, Pocahontas County, WV, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. Here is a brief overview of the crime statistics:

The total crime rate stands at about 45 crimes per year, which translates to approximately 3.5 crimes per 1,000 residents, given the county's population of around 12,000. Violent crime rates are remarkably low, while property crimes make up the bulk of incidents. It's important to note that these figures can fluctuate year to year, and local law enforcement continues efforts to maintain community safety.