Ritchie County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Ritchie County, West Virginia, has a population of approximately 8,444. The racial composition is predominantly White at around 98%, with small representations of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races making up the remaining percentage. The median age is about 46 years. There are roughly 3,500 households, with an average household size of 2.4 individuals. The median household income stands at approximately $41,000, and the poverty rate is around 20%. Educational attainment includes around 80% high school graduates and 12% with a bachelor's degree or higher.

Ritchie County, WV, has a median home value of around $87,000. The median monthly rent is approximately $600. Homeownership rate is about 78.5%, while rental occupancy is around 21.5%. The housing market is relatively stable with an average home appreciating by about 2-3% annually. The vacancy rate for homes is roughly 15%, indicating potential opportunities for buyers and investors. The county offers a mix of single-family homes, mobile homes, and some rental apartments.

Ritchie County, WV participates in local, state, and federal elections. As of the latest data, the county had around 6,600 registered voters.

• 2022 Midterm Elections: In the Senatorial race, Republican Shelley Moore Capito received significant voter support. For the House of Representatives, Republican David McKinley and Alex Mooney were key candidates, with Mooney winning the primary.
• County Commission: Local elections saw Republican candidates like Samantha Smith and Harold Nutter competing, with Smith securing a seat.
• Board of Education: Typically non-partisan, recent winners include Stephanie Spiker and Edward Cokeley.
• Presidential Elections: In 2020, Donald Trump received approximately 80% of the county's vote.

Voter turnout varies by election type but tends to be higher during presidential elections. Local issues such as infrastructure and education generally dominate voter concerns.

As of the latest data, educational attainment in Ritchie County, WV, shows that approximately 85.3% of residents over the age of 25 hold at least a high school diploma, which is lower than both the national average of around 88% and the West Virginia state average of 86.5%. About 10.2% of Ritchie County residents possess a bachelor's degree or higher, trailing significantly behind the national average of 32.1% and the state average of 20.3%. The county has worked to improve educational opportunities, but still faces challenges compared to broader benchmarks.

As of the latest data, Ritchie County, WV has an employment rate reflecting both its rural nature and economic challenges. Key industries include:

1. Oil and Gas Extraction: Historically significant, influencing employment trends.
2. Healthcare: Essential services providing steady jobs.
3. Retail Trade: Local businesses supporting community needs.
4. Manufacturing: Small but crucial, contributing to the local economy.
5. Education Services: Employing through local schools.

In numerical terms, the county's labor force participation rate is about 50.8%, lower than the national average of approximately 63% and the state average of around 55%.

Unemployment in Ritchie County is relatively high at around 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.5% and the West Virginia state average of 4.6%.

These figures indicate a higher dependency on traditional industries and a need for economic diversification to improve employment rates.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Ritchie County, West Virginia, is approximately $41,000. In comparison, the median household income across the state of West Virginia is around $48,850. Nationally, the median household income in the United States stands at approximately $68,700.

The following table summarizes these income statistics:

Ritchie County's income is notably lower than both the state and national averages, reflecting the economic challenges faced by many rural areas in the state.

Ritchie County, West Virginia, typically has low crime rates compared to national averages. According to recent statistics, the overall crime rate is 9.72 per 1,000 residents annually. Here is a breakdown of specific crime types:

These numbers reflect reported cases and provide an overview of the safety in Ritchie County. Note that crime rates can fluctuate over time due to various factors.