Barbour County Public RecordsWest Virginia

As of the 2020 Census, Barbour County, WV had a population of 15,465. The median age is 43.2 years, with 48.8% male and 51.2% female residents. The county is predominantly White (94.6%), with African Americans making up 2.5%, individuals of two or more races 2.1%, and other races, including Hispanic or Latino, collectively under 2%.

Barbour County, WV has approximately 10,000 registered voters as of 2024, with registrations split among Republicans (about 54%), Democrats (34%), and Others/Independents (12%). The county holds elections for local, state, and federal offices, with four main polling locations. In the 2022 general election, Republican candidates won most county offices. Voting issues include rural access and turnout, which was 46% in 2022. The Barbour County Clerk’s Office administers elections, ensuring compliance and accessibility. Major parties represented are Republican and Democratic, with both actively campaigning on economic and infrastructure concerns.

Barbour County, WV, generally reports lower crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 1.8 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at 8.6 per 1,000. The county had 3 reported violent crimes and 14 property crimes, according to state data. Law enforcement agencies encourage community vigilance and regular crime reporting, contributing to Barbour’s reputation as a relatively safe rural area in West Virginia.

Barbour County, WV, hosts six public schools, including Philip Barbour High School. The high school graduation rate is approximately 87%, but only about 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools score around 5/10 on GreatSchools ratings, indicating average student performance. Adult education and vocational programs are available, supporting lifelong learning. School safety measures include security officers and controlled access. Educational initiatives focus on STEM and career readiness, addressing both academic and technical skills.

Barbour County, WV, had an employment rate of approximately 51.7% in 2022. The largest industries are healthcare and social assistance (20.4%), educational services (16.1%), and manufacturing (10.9%). Top occupations include office and administrative support (15.2%) and sales (9.6%). The average commute time is 27.8 minutes, with about 68% of residents driving alone to work. Most workers are employed within the county, but a significant portion commute to neighboring counties such as Harrison and Randolph for employment opportunities.

Barbour County, WV, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values near $115,000 and median gross rents around $650 per month. The housing stock is predominantly single-family homes, with some multi-family options in Philippi and Belington neighborhoods. Property values have seen modest growth, with prices increasing roughly 4% year-over-year as of 2023. Property taxes are relatively low, with the average effective property tax rate at 0.55%. Most neighborhoods are rural or small-town in character, offering affordable housing compared to state and national averages.