Elections
Harrison County, WV, had approximately 40,000 registered voters as of 2024, with registrations split among Republicans (about 18,500), Democrats (around 12,700), and independents/others. The county holds primary, general, and special elections, overseen by the Harrison County Clerk’s Office. In the 2022 general election, Republican candidates won 62% of the vote in key races. Polling locations include Bridgeport High School, Wilsonburg Baptist Church, and others countywide. Issues often center around education funding and infrastructure. Election administration adheres to state and federal guidelines, with active participation from both major parties and several minor parties.
Education, Employment and Housing
Harrison County, WV has 10 public high schools and a total of 25 public schools serving about 11,000 students. Around 88% of adults hold a high school diploma, and approximately 22% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district reports a graduation rate near 90%. Schools score average to above average on statewide assessments. Safety measures include resource officers and updated security systems. Educational programs feature Advanced Placement, Career and Technical Education, and adult education classes, supporting career readiness and lifelong learning.
As of 2023, Harrison County, WV, has an unemployment rate of approximately 4.1%. Key employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance (18%), retail trade (12%), and manufacturing (10%). Top occupations are office and administrative support (16%), sales (11%), and production (9%). Around 87% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 23 minutes. Most residents are employed within the county, with Clarksburg and Bridgeport being leading employment hubs.
Harrison County, WV has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values around $140,000 in 2023. Rental rates average $850 monthly. The market saw a modest price increase of 3-5% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and some multifamily units, with popular neighborhoods like Bridgeport, Clarksburg, and Shinnston. Property tax rates average 0.59% of assessed value, among the lowest nationally. The area offers a mix of historic homes and newer developments, appealing to families and retirees alike.
Demographics
As of 2022, Harrison County, WV, has a population of approximately 65,000. The median age is about 43 years, with 21% under 18 and 20% over 65. The gender split is roughly even, with 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The racial makeup is predominantly White (92.5%), followed by African American (2.9%), two or more races (3.1%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.7%).
County Crime & Safety
Harrison County, WV, has a crime rate higher than the state average, with a 2022 violent crime rate of 3.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to West Virginia’s average of 2.8. Property crime is notably prevalent, at 22.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the statewide average is 14.2. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office actively reports crime data and pursues community policing strategies. Recent efforts focus on increasing patrols and public awareness, though residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and promptly report suspicious activity to local authorities.
Popular names
- Robert Johnson
- David Jones
- William Smith
- John Smith
- Richard Jones
- William Swiger
- David Smith
- James Davis
- James Jones
- James Moore
- John Davis
- Mary Davis
- Rebecca Williams
- David Harris
- James Smith
- Jeffrey Swiger
- Mary Jones
- Mary Martin
- Mary Smith
- Michael Davis
- Michael Murphy
- Robert Davis
- Amanda Jones
- Barbara Davis
- Brian Smith
- David Davis
- Eric Miller
- Gary Smith
- James Bailey
- James Rogers
- James Swiger
- Jennifer Smith
- John Miller
- John Swiger
- Joshua Davis
- Joshua Lowe
- Nina Smith
- Robert Moore
- Robert Smith
- William Miller
- Amanda Bailey
- Brandon Davis
- Daniel Moore
- Daniel Smith
- Heather Hall
- James Martin
- James Miller
- James Scott
- Jennifer Jones
- Jennifer Walker
- Jessica Johnson
- John Jones
- John Lucas
- John Oliverio
- John Williams
- Joseph Spatafore
- Joseph Thomas
- Linda Williams
- Michael Watson
- Rebecca Smith
Other Counties in West Virginia
- Barbour
- Berkeley
- Boone
- Braxton
- Brooke
- Cabell
- Calhoun
- Clay
- Doddridge
- Fayette
- Gilmer
- Grant
- Greenbrier
- Hampshire
- Hancock
- Hardy
- 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