Webster County

Webster County, WV, had a population of approximately 8,378 as per the 2020 Census. The racial composition is predominantly White (97.3%), with small percentages of African American (0.9%), Native American (0.3%), and Asian (0.2%). Around 1.6% identify as Hispanic or Latino. The median age is 47.8 years, and the median household income is about $34,375. The county covers 556 square miles, with a population density of 15.1 people per square mile.

Webster County, WV has a median home value of around $49,200. Approximately 82% of residents own their homes, while 18% rent. The average rental price is roughly $600 per month. Housing units in the county total around 4,000, with a homeownership rate significantly higher than the national average. The median household income is approximately $33,000, contributing to the affordability of the housing market in the area.

As of the 2022 elections in Webster County, WV, the general election included races for local positions such as the County Commission, Sheriff, and Board of Education. The population was approximately 8,000. Key positions included:

• County Commission: Candidates were Bob Williams (incumbent, Democrat) and Sarah Smith (Republican).
• Sheriff: Mike Johnston (Republican) ran unopposed.
• Board of Education: Three seats were available with six candidates: John Doe, Jane Smith, Mark Allen, Anna White, Larry Brown, and Kathy Green.

Turnout was around 55%, with Bob Williams securing the County Commission seat with 52% of the vote (around 2,200 votes), and Mike Johnston receiving nearly unanimous support with approximately 3,500 votes. The Board of Education saw close races, with John Doe, Jane Smith, and Mark Allen each obtaining roughly 18%-20% of the vote.

Webster County, WV, has lower educational attainment compared to state and national averages. About 80.6% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, compared to West Virginia's average of 86.5% and the national average of 88.5%. Only 7.7% of Webster County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, whereas the state averages 21.1% and the national average is 34.3%. Additionally, the county has a high school dropout rate of around 19.4%, surpassing the national average of approximately 6%. These figures highlight educational challenges in Webster County compared to broader benchmarks.

Note: All statistics are based on the latest available data and may have slight variations based on new census information.

As of recent data, Webster County, WV, has an employment rate of approximately 52.9%. The dominant industries in the county include:

1. Educational Services, Health Care, and Social Assistance – Employs about 24.1% of the workforce.
2. Construction – Accounts for roughly 15.1%.
3. Public Administration – Represents around 13.5%.

In comparison, the national employment rate hovers around 59.7%. Nationally, Educational Services, Health Care, and Social Assistance also rank highly but constitute about 23% of employment. Construction and Public Administration average around 6% and 4% respectively.

In West Virginia, the employment rate is approximately 54.7%, with Educational Services, Health Care, and Social Assistance being the top industry (24%), followed by Retail Trade (11.5%), and Manufacturing (8.9%).

Overall, Webster County has a higher proportion employed in Public Administration and Construction compared to state and national averages.

As of the latest data, the median household income in Webster County, WV is approximately $35,000 annually. This figure is significantly lower than both the national median household income, which stands at roughly $68,700, and the West Virginia state median of around $48,850.

Income Comparison Table:

Webster County's median income highlights the economic disparities between more rural areas and the broader state and national averages. The lower income level in Webster County is indicative of the economic challenges faced by many rural counties in the region.

As of the latest data available, Webster County, WV, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. Below are some key statistics for various types of crimes recorded:

Webster County's crime rates are significantly lower than larger urban areas, contributing to a safer community environment. Note that these figures are subject to change and can vary slightly year by year. Always refer to the latest police reports or local government publications for the most current data.