Brooke County Public RecordsWest Virginia

As of the 2020 Census, Brooke County, WV, had a population of 22,559. The median age is 46.1 years, with 20.2% under 18 and 23.5% aged 65 or older. Females comprise 51.3% of the population, while males are 48.7%. The county is predominantly White (94.8%), with small percentages of Black or African American (2.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), and two or more races (2.2%).

Brooke County, WV, has 10 public schools, including Brooke High School, serving about 2,400 K-12 students. The county’s high school graduation rate is approximately 91%, while 18% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are above state average, and security measures are regularly updated. Brooke County Schools offer advanced placement, career-technical programs, and special education services. Adult education programs are available through the Northern Panhandle Adult Education Center. Average statewide assessment scores rank near the West Virginia median.

Brooke County, WV, had an employment rate of approximately 52.7% in 2022. Key industries include health care (18%), manufacturing (15%), and retail trade (13%). The most common occupations are office/administrative support (13%), production (11%), and sales (10%). Around 85% of the workforce commutes by car, with an average commute time of 24 minutes. Nearly 54% of residents work outside the county, primarily commuting to Wheeling or Steubenville for employment opportunities.

Brooke County, WV, features a median home value of approximately $110,000 and a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median rents around $650 per month. The housing market is stable, with property values rising slightly—about 2% over the past year. Most homes are single-family residences, concentrated in neighborhoods like Wellsburg and Follansbee. The county’s property tax rate averages 0.6%, making it relatively affordable. Rental units constitute about 25% of housing, with limited multi-family options. Overall, Brooke County offers affordable, primarily owner-occupied housing in small-town settings.

Brooke County, WV, has approximately 14,000 registered voters as of 2024, with around 44% Democrat, 36% Republican, and 20% unaffiliated/other. Elections include federal, state, local, and school board races, with the 2022 general election showing a Republican tilt—GOP statewide candidates averaged 60%. There are 28 polling locations across precincts, managed by the Brooke County Clerk’s office. Key issues for voters include jobs, infrastructure, and opioid response. Recent election administration faced minor delays but no major controversies. Party organization is active, reflecting close contests and turnout rates near 50% in general elections.

Brooke County, WV, reports lower crime rates than the national average. In 2023, the county recorded approximately 120 property crimes and 18 violent crimes, with a crime rate of 9.2 per 1,000 residents compared to the national average of 22. Reporting and response times are efficient, with most incidents addressed within 15 minutes. Local law enforcement agencies actively engage in community policing and safety programs, contributing to the overall sense of safety in the county.