Tucker County

Tucker County, WV, has a population of approximately 6,900 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (97.4%), with small percentages of African American (0.7%), Native American (0.3%), and Asian (0.2%). About 1.6% identify as two or more races, and Hispanic or Latino individuals account for 0.7% of the population. The median household income is around $43,000, with 13.4% of residents living below the poverty line. The county has a median age of 48.9 years, and the population density is roughly 14 people per square mile.

As of 2023, Tucker County, WV has a median home value of approximately $135,000. The median rent is around $550 per month. The county has a diverse range of housing options, from rural properties to homes in small towns like Parsons and Davis. The homeownership rate is about 73%, and the vacancy rate is approximately 15%. Tucker County's housing market is relatively stable, with moderate appreciation rates and a mix of historic and contemporary homes.

Tucker County, West Virginia, typically follows state and federal election cycles, with primaries held in May and general elections in November. In recent elections, the county participates in elections for local offices such as County Commission, Board of Education, as well as state delegates and senators. For instance, in the 2022 general election, Republican Janet Preston ran unopposed for the County Commission. For state representation, Republican Randy Smith was the incumbent for the 14th Senate District.

Voter turnout in Tucker County has varied. In the 2020 presidential election, approximately 60.8% of the 5,014 registered voters participated, with Donald Trump receiving around 74% of the county's votes. For more detailed information and up-to-date results, you can visit the Tucker County Clerk’s Office or the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website.

As of the latest available data, Tucker County, WV has an educational attainment profile that includes approximately 85% of adults (age 25+) with a high school diploma or higher, which is slightly lower than the national average of about 88% and the West Virginia state average of around 86%. About 12% of adults in Tucker County hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of roughly 33% and the state average of approximately 20%. These figures suggest that Tucker County has lower educational attainment levels compared to both national and state averages, particularly at the higher education level, reflecting regional educational and economic challenges.

As of the latest data, Tucker County, WV has an employment rate of approximately 53.5%. Key industries include tourism, forestry, and agriculture.

Top Industries:

1. Tourism: Predominantly driven by the county's natural attractions like Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley Resort.
2. Agriculture and Forestry: Vital due to the county's vast forested areas.
3. Manufacturing and Construction: Smaller but significant contributors.

Comparative Analysis:

• Unemployment Rate: Tucker County's rate (around 6-7%) is generally higher than both the national (approximately 3.5-4%) and West Virginia state averages (around 5.3%).
• Industry Composition: Tourism’s dominance in Tucker contrasts with the national trend where sectors like healthcare, retail, and technology play larger roles. West Virginia shares similar reliance on agriculture and natural resources but has broader contributions from mining and energy sectors.

This data highlights Tucker County’s unique economic focus compared to broader patterns.

As of the most recent data, the median household income in Tucker County, WV is approximately $40,000. This figure is considerably lower than both the national median household income and the state average for West Virginia. For comparison, the national median household income is around $68,700, while the state average for West Virginia is approximately $48,800.

This comparison highlights economic disparities, with Tucker County's median income trailing behind state and national averages.

As of the latest available data, Tucker County, WV, has relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The overall crime rate in Tucker County is approximately 9.96 crimes per 1,000 residents. Below is a table detailing specific types of crimes and their occurrence rates per 1,000 residents:

These statistics highlight the relatively secure environment in Tucker County, with property crimes being more prevalent than violent crimes. Always refer to local law enforcement sources for the most current information.