Kanawha County Public RecordsWest Virginia

Kanawha County, WV, reported a crime rate of 3,120 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, higher than the national average. Violent crime accounted for 401 per 100,000, while property crime stood at 2,719 per 100,000. According to the West Virginia State Police, Charleston, the county seat, experiences the highest reported offenses. Despite increased law enforcement efforts, the clearance rate for major crimes remains at 38%. Crime data is publicly reported through the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, with annual updates and community watch initiatives supporting local safety improvements.

Kanawha County, WV had approximately 124,000 registered voters as of 2024. It conducts primary, general, and special elections, with 93 polling locations available across the county. In the 2020 general election, turnout was about 70%. The county leans Republican, with GOP candidates receiving around 55% of presidential votes in recent elections. Election administration is overseen by the Kanawha County Clerk's office. Key issues include economic development and opioid misuse. The two major parties are Republican and Democratic, with about 44% registered Democrats, 34% Republicans, and the rest unaffiliated or third-party.

As of the 2020 Census, Kanawha County, WV, has a population of approximately 180,745. The median age is about 43.1 years. Females make up 52%, and males 48% of the population. Racially, the county is 85.3% White, 7.3% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 1.9% of two or more races, with Hispanic or Latino residents comprising 1.4%. The population has declined slightly in recent years.

Kanawha County, WV, has over 65 public schools, including 8 high schools, serving about 26,000 students. Roughly 87% of residents hold a high school diploma, and 24% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools score an average of 7/10 on state assessments. Adult education programs are offered through Kanawha County Schools and local colleges. School safety initiatives include security officers in all high schools and emergency preparedness drills. The district offers diverse programs in STEM, the arts, and vocational education to support a variety of student interests and post-graduation pathways.

As of 2023, Kanawha County, WV, had an employment rate around 54%, with approximately 86,000 employed civilians. Leading industries include healthcare (17%), retail trade (13%), and educational services (11%). The largest occupational groups are office and administrative support (14%), sales (11%), and healthcare practitioners (10%). About 86% commute by car, with an average travel time of 22 minutes; over 70% work within the county, while others commute to nearby Charleston or Putnam County. Unemployment rate hovered near 4.3%.

Kanawha County, WV, has a homeownership rate of about 68%, with a median home value around $126,000 and median rent near $800 per month. The housing market has seen modest growth, with property values rising roughly 3% annually. Most homes are single-family residences, though apartments and townhouses exist, especially in Charleston and South Hills neighborhoods. Property tax rates average 0.57% of assessed value, making taxes relatively low. Popular neighborhoods include Kanawha City and Elkview, offering diverse housing options and access to amenities.