Jackson County Public RecordsWest Virginia

Jackson County, WV, had 18,532 registered voters as of 2022, primarily Republican (over 61%) and Democrat (about 25%). Elections include primaries, general, special, and levies; in the 2020 general election, 75% voted for the Republican presidential candidate. There are nine polling locations, overseen by the Jackson County Clerk’s office. Recent local issues include school levies and EMS funding. Administration follows state and federal laws, with results published on the Secretary of State’s website. Third parties and independents represent less than 3% of registrations, and voter turnout often exceeds 55% in general elections.

Jackson County, WV, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state and national averages. According to recent data, the violent crime rate stands at 1.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime rates are around 11.3 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement actively reports and responds to crimes, focusing on community safety initiatives. In 2022, there were 39 reported violent crimes and 260 property crimes. Overall, Jackson County is considered a safe area, with most crime being non-violent and decreasing slightly year over year.

As of the 2020 Census, Jackson County, WV had a population of 27,791. The median age is 44.3 years. About 49.3% are male and 50.7% female. The racial makeup is predominantly White (96.7%), followed by two or more races (2%), African American (0.5%), Asian (0.2%), and other races. Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 0.7% of the population, reflecting limited ethnic diversity in the county.

Jackson County, WV, has around 11 public schools, including 2 high schools (Ravenswood and Ripley). About 85% of adults have a high school diploma, while nearly 13% hold a bachelor’s or higher degree. School safety ratings are above state average, with fewer incidents reported yearly. The county offers career-technical education and dual-credit college courses. Average test scores slightly surpass West Virginia norms, with a graduation rate near 90%. Adult education is available through community programs, supporting GED and technical training opportunities.

As of 2022, Jackson County, WV, had an employment rate of approximately 56%. The leading employment industries were Manufacturing (22%), Health Care & Social Assistance (15%), and Retail Trade (12%). Major occupation types include Production (15%), Office & Administrative Support (13%), and Sales (11%). About 77% of workers commute by driving alone, with an average commute time of 28 minutes; many residents work locally, but some commute to Kanawha or Wood counties. Unemployment hovered around 4.6%, slightly above the national average.

Jackson County, WV, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $135,000 and typical monthly rents at $800. The housing market has seen modest appreciation, with values rising roughly 4% year-over-year. Single-family homes dominate, though some multi-family units exist, mostly in Ripley and Ravenswood neighborhoods. Property taxes remain low, averaging 0.55% of assessed value. The area provides affordable living options with small-town charm.