Braxton County Public RecordsWest Virginia

Braxton County, WV, had approximately 9,600 registered voters as of 2024, with registrations split mainly between Democrats (3,900), Republicans (4,200), and others/independent. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump won Braxton County with 74% of the vote. There are around 20 polling locations countywide. Recent election issues included broadband expansion and school funding. Elections are administered by the Braxton County Clerk’s office, following state law. Both major parties, along with Mountain and Libertarian parties, are active locally, focusing on turnout and local governance issues.

As of the 2020 Census, Braxton County, West Virginia, had a population of 12,447. The median age was 44.4 years, with 20.9% under 18 and 21.7% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution was 49.9% male and 50.1% female. The county was predominantly White (96.8%), with smaller populations of Black or African American (0.5%), two or more races (2.1%), and Hispanic or Latino (0.8%).

Braxton County, WV, has a crime rate significantly lower than the national average, with recent statistics showing approximately 11.2 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crimes, such as assault and robbery, are rare, averaging less than 1 per 1,000 residents, while property crime rates stand around 10 per 1,000. Law enforcement encourages community reporting, contributing to a >70% resolution rate for reported incidents. Overall, Braxton County is considered a relatively safe rural area, with crime trending downward over the past five years.

Braxton County, WV, has approximately 8 public schools, including Braxton County High School. High school graduation rates are about 89%, but only roughly 11% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures include controlled access, with a low incidence of major safety issues. The average math and reading proficiency scores are around 35% and 40% respectively. Adult education and vocational programs are available through partnerships with local community colleges, aiming to improve workforce readiness and lifelong learning opportunities for residents.

As of 2022, Braxton County, WV, had an employment rate of 45.3%. Key industries include health care and social assistance (20%), retail trade (14%), and educational services (13%). The leading occupations are office/administrative support (14%), sales (11%), and management (10%). Most residents commute for work: over 83% drive alone, with an average commute time of 28 minutes. Major employment locations outside the county are Kanawha and Harrison counties. Employment in local government is also significant, accounting for 12% of jobs.

Braxton County, WV has a homeownership rate of around 76%, with median home values near $101,000 as of 2023. The rental market is limited, with median rents at approximately $670 per month. Housing stock primarily consists of single-family homes, with some mobile homes and a smaller selection of apartments. Notable neighborhoods include Sutton, Gassaway, and Burnsville. Recent market trends show stable or slightly rising property values. Property taxes are modest, averaging about $430 annually for a median-priced home, reflecting West Virginia’s generally low real estate tax rates.