Preston County

As of the 2020 Census, Preston County, WV, had a population of approximately 34,216. The racial composition was primarily White (96.6%), followed by smaller percentages of African American (0.7%), Asian (0.3%), Native American (0.3%), and those identifying with two or more races (1.8%). Hispanic or Latino individuals constituted around 1% of the population. The median age was roughly 44 years. Households had an average size of about 2.4 persons, and the median household income was around $48,000. The county covers roughly 651 square miles in the northeastern part of the state.

As of the most recent data, Preston County, WV has a median home value of approximately $126,000. The median rent is around $650 per month. Homeownership rate stands at about 77.4%. The county has a low housing vacancy rate of roughly 13.8%. There are approximately 15,000 housing units, with a mix of owner-occupied and rental properties. Housing affordability and availability make it an attractive location for many.

Preston County, WV, holds elections in line with federal, state, and local cycles. In the 2020 presidential election, Preston County reported approximately 18,000 registered voters. Donald Trump received about 77% of the vote, with Joe Biden receiving around 21%.

For local elections, the county commission and board of education seats are frequently contested. In the 2022 General Election, key races included the County Commission, where Republican candidate Samantha Stone received the majority with over 6,700 votes, defeating her Democratic opponent.

The Board of Education had multiple seats up for grabs, with candidates like Pam Feathers and Wilhelm Rossell receiving significant support. Local turnouts usually hover around 60-70% in presidential election years.

This data helps illustrate the political leanings and voter engagement in Preston County. Please consult official county resources or the West Virginia Secretary of State's website for the most current and detailed election information.

As of the latest available data, Preston County, WV exhibits the following educational metrics: approximately 84% of residents have at least a high school diploma, while 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. These figures contrast with national averages, where about 88% of individuals have completed high school and around 33% possess a bachelor's degree or higher. Comparatively, West Virginia as a whole has roughly 86% high school graduates and 22% bachelor’s degree holders. Therefore, Preston County falls below both the state and national averages in terms of higher education attainment.

As of recent data, Preston County, WV, has an employment rate of approximately 57%. The county’s labor force consists of around 13,000 individuals. Major industries in Preston County include health care and social assistance (20%), retail trade (13%), and educational services (12%). Additionally, construction and manufacturing sectors also contribute significantly to employment.

Compared to state and national averages, Preston County exhibits a higher percentage of employment in health care and social assistance (national average: 14%, WV state average: 18%) and educational services (national average: 9%, WV state average: 11%). The retail trade sector aligns closely with both state (13%) and national (12%) averages.

Overall, Preston County’s industry employment landscape reflects a strong presence in service-oriented sectors, with health care playing a particularly prominent role relative to broader state and national trends.

As of the latest available data, Preston County, WV, has an average household income of approximately $47,000. In comparison, the average household income in West Virginia is around $51,000, while the national average is significantly higher at about $68,700.

Income Comparison

Preston County's income level is notably lower than both the state and national averages.

Preston County, West Virginia, has a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to recent data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents is approximately 15.4, which includes both property and violent crimes. Here's a breakdown:

Violent crimes are categorized as homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, while property crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Preston County's lower crime rate contributes to its reputation as a safer community within the state of West Virginia.