Wetzel County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Wetzel County, WV, had a population of approximately 14,442 people. The racial composition was predominantly White (97.8%), with small percentages of African American (0.4%), Native American (0.2%), Asian (0.1%), and other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race made up 0.4% of the population. The median age was 46.9 years, and the county had a median household income of $39,065, with a poverty rate of 19.1%.

As of the latest data, Wetzel County, WV has a median home value of about $83,000. The median rent is approximately $600 per month. The county's homeownership rate stands at around 80%, with about 20% of residents renting. The housing market features a mix of single-family homes and multi-unit properties. The relatively low cost of living and property prices make it an affordable option compared to state and national averages.

As of the most recent update for the 2022 elections in Wetzel County, WV, the primary candidates and results included:

Sheriff:

• Michael Koontz (Republican): 2,210 votes (79.97%)
• Jeffrey Casteel (Republican): 554 votes (20.03%)

County Commission:

• Greg Morris (Republican): 2,140 votes (unopposed in primary)
• Lisa Shepherd (Democrat): 1,769 votes (unopposed in primary)

Circuit Clerk:

• Michele Momar Helms (Republican): 2,265 votes (unopposed in primary)

County Clerk:

• Carolyn Richter (Republican): 2,147 votes (unopposed in primary)

Note: These results reflect primary elections; general election results can differ. For the most accurate and current election information, consult the Wetzel County Clerk's office or the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website.

Wetzel County, WV has a relatively lower educational attainment compared to national and state averages. As of the latest data:

• Approximately 82.6% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of around 88.6% and West Virginia’s state average of 85.5%.
• Only about 11.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This figure is significantly below the national average of approximately 33.1% and the West Virginia state average of 21.1%.

These statistics indicate that Wetzel County faces educational challenges, with lower levels of high school and college completion compared to broader benchmarks.

As of the latest data, Wetzel County, WV, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 47%, lower than the national average of 61.7% and the West Virginia state average of 53.5%. The county's unemployment rate is around 7%, which is higher than the national average of 3.5% but comparable to West Virginia's 6.1%.

In terms of industries, Wetzel County's top sectors are:

1. Manufacturing (28%)
2. Health Care and Social Assistance (21%)
3. Retail Trade (13%)

Nationally, the top industries are:

1. Health Care and Social Assistance (15%)
2. Retail Trade (11%)
3. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (9%)

In West Virginia, the leading industries are:

1. Health Care and Social Assistance (17%)
2. Retail Trade (12%)
3. Educational Services (9%)

This shows Wetzel County has a significantly higher reliance on manufacturing compared to both state and national averages.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Wetzel County, WV is approximately $39,000 per year. This falls below both the national median household income, which is about $68,700, and the West Virginia state median, which is around $48,800. The lower median income in Wetzel County indicates a significant gap when compared to both state and national figures, reflecting potential economic disparities within the region.

The data highlights the economic differences experienced by households in Wetzel County compared to broader state and national contexts, emphasizing the need for targeted economic development and support initiatives.

As of the latest available data, Wetzel County, WV reports relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. Here's a brief outline of the crime statistics for the most recent year:

• Violent Crimes: Include offenses like homicide, assault, and robbery.
• Property Crimes: Encompass burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft.

These values are estimates based on available reporting and may fluctuate annually. Always check with local law enforcement or the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program for the most current statistics.