Preston County Public RecordsWest Virginia

Preston County, WV, had approximately 21,200 registered voters as of 2024, with about 60% Republican, 24% Democrat, and the rest unaffiliated or other parties. Elections include primaries, generals, and school board, held across 29 polling locations. In the 2022 general election, Republicans won most county offices, with voter turnout at around 44%. Administration is handled by the County Clerk, ensuring compliance with state law and addressing issues like polling access and ballot security. Local concerns include school funding and infrastructure. Further details can be found via the Preston County Clerk’s office and official election reports.

As of 2023, Preston County, WV has an estimated population of approximately 34,000. The median age is around 43 years, with 20% under 18 and 20% aged 65 or older. Gender is nearly balanced: about 50.5% male and 49.5% female. The county is predominantly White (about 95%), with small Black (1%), Hispanic/Latino (1.5%), and other/multiracial (2.5%) populations, reflecting limited racial and ethnic diversity.

Preston County, WV, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. According to the FBI's 2022 data, the county reported approximately 150 property crimes and 31 violent crimes, translating to a crime rate of about 8.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement agencies emphasize community policing and encourage public reporting, resulting in 90% clearance rates for violent crimes. While some theft and drug-related offenses occur, serious crimes remain infrequent, making Preston County a generally safe area with proactive safety measures and consistent crime monitoring.

Preston County, WV, has 12 public schools, including Preston High School. The high school graduation rate is about 87%, while only 13.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. The average school test score is 32% (per SchoolDigger). School safety initiatives include anti-bullying programs and campus security enhancements. Preston schools offer vocational training, AP courses, and adult education like GED prep. Despite resource challenges, the district prioritizes student support and career readiness.

As of 2022, Preston County, WV, has an employment rate of approximately 55%, with major industries including health care and social assistance (21%), retail trade (13%), and educational services (11%). Key occupation types are office/administrative support (13%), sales (10%), and management (9%). About 78% of residents commute by car, averaging a 33-minute commute. Most residents work locally; however, over 40% commute to nearby counties, particularly Monongalia County and Morgantown for employment.

Preston County, WV, has a homeownership rate of about 78%, with median home values around $151,000 as of 2024. Median monthly rent is approximately $730. The market remains stable, with property values increasing about 3% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, farmhouses, and new builds, especially in neighborhoods like Kingwood and Terra Alta. Property taxes are low, averaging $500–$700 annually for a median-priced home, making homeownership affordable for many residents. Rental options are available but limited, mostly concentrated in towns.