Gilmer County Public RecordsWest Virginia

As of the 2020 Census, Gilmer County, WV, had a population of 7,408. The median age was approximately 41 years. The gender makeup is about 56% male and 44% female, influenced by the federal prison population. Racially, the county is 85% White, 10% Black or African American, with small percentages of Hispanic (1%), Native American (0.4%), Asian (0.3%), and others. Hispanic or Latino people of any race comprise about 1.7% of the population.

Gilmer County, WV, had approximately 4,100 registered voters as of 2022, with registrations split mainly between Republican (about 51%) and Democratic (around 32%) parties, and the rest unaffiliated or minor parties. Elections include primary, general, and special types, with recent general election turnout near 54%. Key polling locations include Gilmer County Recreation Center and Tanner Community Building. The County Clerk’s Office oversees election administration. Past issues have included broadband access and school funding. In the 2020 presidential election, the county voted 76% Republican and 22% Democratic, reflecting its strong GOP leaning.

Gilmer County, WV, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. As of 2023, the violent crime rate is approximately 1.9 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate is around 7.5 per 1,000. The county reports fewer than 10 violent crimes and about 36 property crimes annually, according to FBI data. Residents generally regard Gilmer County as safe, with law enforcement agencies actively encouraging community reporting and crime prevention programs. Overall, the county experiences lower-than-average incidents, contributing to a sense of security among locals.

Gilmer County, WV has one public high school—Gilmer County High School—with a graduation rate of about 86% (2023). The county’s adult population has a high school diploma attainment rate of 84%, but only around 10% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are three public schools serving K–12, and the student-teacher ratio averages 13:1. School safety measures are in place, with low reported incidents in recent years. Educational programming includes dual-credit and career-technical courses, supporting college readiness, although statewide test score averages tend to fall slightly below national levels.

Gilmer County, WV, recorded an unemployment rate of 4.1% in 2023. Major industries include educational services (41%)—notably Glenville State University—followed by health care (15%) and retail trade (9%). The most common occupation types are office and administrative support (21%), education (19%), and food service (10%). Around 74% of residents work within the county, while 26% commute out, primarily to neighboring Calhoun and Braxton counties, with a mean commute time of 25 minutes.

Gilmer County, WV, has a homeownership rate of about 72%, with median home values around $92,000 (2022). The median gross rent is approximately $617 per month. Property values have remained stable, with modest growth in recent years. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some mobile homes and small apartments. Notable neighborhoods include Glenville and Sand Fork. Property tax rates are relatively low, averaging 0.48% of a home's assessed value, making the area affordable for both buyers and renters.