Elections
As of 2024, Boone County, WV had approximately 15,000 registered voters, with Democrats comprising about 54%, Republicans 36%, and others 10%. The county participates in primary, general, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential election, Republican Donald Trump won Boone County with 74% of the vote. Polling locations include the Madison Civic Center and local schools. Key issues are coal industry decline and drug abuse. The Boone County Clerk administers elections, ensuring compliance with state law. Both Democratic and Republican parties maintain active local organizations guiding candidate selection and voter outreach.
County Crime & Safety
Boone County, WV, has a higher-than-average crime rate compared to national figures. According to recent statistics, the county experiences approximately 32.8 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crime makes up about 4.1 per 1,000, while property crime is around 28.7 per 1,000. The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Boone County is 1 in 31. Law enforcement agencies encourage crime reporting to maintain safety and allocate resources more efficiently. Overall, while efforts are ongoing, residents are advised to remain vigilant and proactive about safety.
Education, Employment and Housing
Boone County, WV, has 13 public schools, including 3 high schools. About 78% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 9% earn a bachelor’s degree or higher. School performance scores are below state average, with an average WV Balanced Scorecard rating of 2 out of 5. The county offers career and technical programs through the Boone Career and Technical Center. School safety initiatives include digital surveillance and emergency drills. Adult education programs are available for GED completion and workforce skills. Despite challenges, Boone invests in tutoring and after-school support to improve outcomes.
As of 2022, Boone County, WV, had an employment rate of approximately 46%, with a labor force participation rate of 43.9%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (22%), retail trade (12%), and mining (11%). The leading occupation types are office and administrative support (13%) and sales (10%). About 80% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 34 minutes. Most residents work within the county or commute to Kanawha County, including Charleston. The unemployment rate was around 7.2%, higher than the national average.
Boone County, WV, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values near $84,500 and median gross rents around $587 per month. The housing market has remained relatively stable, with property values experiencing modest fluctuations over the past five years. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, many in small towns like Madison and Danville. Neighborhoods tend to be quiet and close-knit. Property tax rates are low, averaging about 0.56% of a home’s assessed value, making Boone County an affordable option for buyers and renters seeking rural or small-town living.
Demographics
As of 2022, Boone County, WV, has an estimated population of about 21,500. The median age is approximately 44 years, reflecting an older population. Gender distribution is nearly equal, with 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The county is predominantly White (96%), with small minorities including Black or African American (1%), two or more races (2%), and Hispanic or Latino (1%). Boone County’s population has declined in recent years, aligning with broader trends in rural West Virginia.
Popular names
- Robert Adkins
- James Thompson
- Jeremy Williams
- Jonathan Adkins
- Amanda Miller
- Amanda Smith
- David Price
- Kimberly Smith
- Mark Miller
- Michael Cook
- Misty Foster
- William Thompson
- William White
- Amanda Adkins
- Amber Holstein
- Bobby Smith
- Bobby White
- Danny Smith
- David Adkins
- David Cook
- David Hager
- David Jarrell
- David Smith
- Donna Adkins
- Donna Canterbury
- Harley Hill
- James Kinder
- James Nelson
- James Smith
- James White
- James Williams
- Jennifer Green
- John Adkins
- John Cox
- Larry Jarrell
- Mary Workman
- Michael Brown
- Michael Halstead
- Michael Stone
- Patricia Adkins
- Richard Adkins
- Robert Miller
- Roger Miller
- Sharon Mullins
- Steven Smith
- Tony Miller
- William Linville
- Alexandria Koval
- Allen Garrett
- Amanda Ferrell
- Amanda White
- Amber Smith
- Amy Brown
- Andrew Chambers
- Angela James
- Angela Smith
- Ann Toler
- Ashley Johnson
- Aubrey Turley
- Becky Perkins
Other Counties in West Virginia
- Barbour
- Berkeley
- Braxton
- Brooke
- Cabell
- Calhoun
- Clay
- Doddridge
- Fayette
- Gilmer
- Grant
- Greenbrier
- Hampshire
- Hancock
- Hardy
- Harrison
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Kanawha
- Lewis
- Lincoln
- Logan
- Marion
- Marshall
- Mason
- Mcdowell
- Mercer
- Mineral
- Mingo
- Monongalia
- Monroe
- Morgan
- Nicholas
- Ohio
- Pendleton
- Pleasants
- Pocahontas
- Preston
- Putnam
- Raleigh
- Randolph
- Ritchie
- Roane
- Summers
- Taylor
- Tucker
- Tyler
- Upshur
- Wayne
- Webster