Nicholas County Public RecordsWest Virginia

Nicholas County, WV has around 14 public schools, including Nicholas County High School. About 72% of adults hold a high school diploma, while roughly 11% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores in county schools are below the state average, with a math proficiency rate of approximately 32% and reading at 37%. The county offers career and technical education programs, and adult education centers support GED completion. School safety protocols are actively enforced, with recent funding for security upgrades.

Nicholas County, WV, had an unemployment rate of approximately 5.7% in early 2024. Major employment sectors include health care and social assistance (21%), retail trade (15%), and educational services (12%). Common occupations are in sales, office support (23%), and production-related fields (17%). About 83% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes. Most residents work within the county, but around 18% commute to neighboring counties, primarily Fayette and Kanawha.

Nicholas County, WV reports a homeownership rate of about 77%, with a median home value near $109,000 (2022). Median gross rent is approximately $670 per month. Housing consists mainly of single-family homes, with some apartments and mobile homes. Popular neighborhoods include Summersville, Richwood, and Craigsville. Over the past five years, property values have remained stable with slight increases. Property tax rates average 0.56% of home value, lower than the national average. Access to amenities and schools varies by area, with Summersville offering more developed infrastructure and higher property values compared to rural locations.

Nicholas County, WV, has a crime rate below the national average, with recent data from 2022 indicating approximately 210 crimes per 100,000 residents. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, are the most reported, while violent crimes remain relatively rare—averaging about 15 incidents per year. Law enforcement agencies actively encourage public reporting, contributing to a clearance rate of around 45%. Despite periodic fluctuations, Nicholas County is generally considered a safe community, with local initiatives and outreach programs further enhancing residents’ safety and awareness.

Nicholas County, West Virginia had 17,432 registered voters as of 2024, primarily Republican (63%), followed by Democrats (25%) and Independents (12%). The county participates in general, primary, and local elections, with results in 2022 showing Republicans winning 70% of county-level races. Polling locations include Summersville Arena and Richwood City Hall. Key issues include economic development and infrastructure. Voter turnout averaged 54% in the last general election. Elections are administered by the Nicholas County Clerk’s Office, ensuring transparency and compliance with West Virginia state laws. The leading parties are Republican and Democratic.

As of the 2020 Census, Nicholas County, WV had a population of 24,604. The median age was 45.4 years, with 19.7% under 18 and 21.9% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution was approximately 50.2% female and 49.8% male. Racially, the population was 97.6% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.5% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals comprised 0.8% of the population.