Education, Employment and Housing
Randolph County, WV, has 13 public schools, including Elkins High School and Tygarts Valley High School. The high school graduation rate is around 89%, while approximately 18% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores for public schools are slightly below the state average, with a proficiency rate of about 40% in math and 45% in reading. The district reports a safe learning environment, with fewer than 1 incident per 100 students annually. Educational programs include vocational training and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, supporting diverse learning needs in the county.
As of 2023, Randolph County, WV had an employment rate of approximately 54%, with 11,000 people employed. Key industries include healthcare and social assistance (21%), retail trade (13%), and educational services (10%). Occupation types are mainly management, business, science, and arts (29%), service (21%), and sales and office jobs (20%). About 83% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 23 minutes—major employment locations include Elkins and nearby counties. Approximately 74% of residents work within the county.
Randolph County, WV, has a homeownership rate of around 74%, with median home values near $128,000 and median gross rents about $700 (2022). The market is stable, with slight value appreciation over recent years. Housing types range from single-family homes and historic properties in Elkins and Beverly to rural homes and cabins. Notable neighborhoods include South Elkins and Beverly Historic District. Annual property taxes are low, averaging 0.4% of assessed value (about $500 per year on a $125,000 home), making the area attractive for both homeowners and renters seeking affordability and variety.
County Crime & Safety
Randolph County, WV, has a crime rate lower than the national average, reporting approximately 1,000 total crimes in 2022. Violent crime is relatively rare, with 2.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime stands at 12.8 per 1,000. The local sheriff’s office actively promotes community engagement and prompt reporting, resulting in a clearance rate above 30%. Recent initiatives and increased patrols contribute to a steady decline in both violent and property crimes over the past five years, enhancing overall safety in the county.
Elections
Randolph County, WV, has around 16,100 registered voters as of 2024, with Republicans holding approximately 50%, Democrats 32%, and Independents 17%. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with 27 polling locations. In the 2022 general election, Republican candidates won most local offices; voter turnout was roughly 48%. Local issues include broadband access and education. Elections are managed by the Randolph County Clerk’s office, ensuring compliance with state regulations. Major parties active are Republican, Democratic, and Mountain. Recent voting trends show a shift toward Republican dominance in countywide races.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Randolph County, WV, had a population of 27,932. The median age is approximately 44 years. About 50.3% of the population is male and 49.7% female. The racial composition is predominantly White (94.9%), with African American (1.1%), Native American (0.3%), Asian (0.5%), and individuals of two or more races (2.6%). Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 1.2% of the population.
Popular names
- James Smith
- Richard Smith
- Jerry Arbogast
- Matthew Smith
- William Simmons
- Deborah White
- Gary Arbogast
- Michael Judy
- Sandra Arbogast
- Sherry Smith
- William Arbogast
- William Phillips
- Amanda Smith
- Angela Biller
- Brian Smith
- David Lambert
- Donna Scott
- Gary Hart
- James Lambert
- James Vance
- James Weese
- James White
- Jason Scott
- John Daniels
- John Smith
- Justin Carr
- Kenneth Wilson
- Linda Collins
- Lonnie Gibson
- Matthew Zirkle
- Megan Bennett
- Milton Phillips
- Patricia Bennett
- Rebecca Arbogast
- Rebecca Smith
- Richard Kisner
- Robert Smith
- Ronald Davis
- Sarah Davis
- Timothy White
- William Scott
- Amanda Jones
- Andrea Simmons
- Angela Miller
- Ashley Scott
- Austin Hazen
- Betty Booth
- Betty Davis
- Billy Davis
- Brenda Pritt
- Brenda Sharp
- Brenda Simmons
- Brenda Vanscoy
- Christopher Smith
- Christopher Turner
- Courtney Harper
- Damon Phillips
- Daniel Ferrell
- Daniel Worles
- David Arbogast
Other Counties in West Virginia
- Barbour
- Berkeley
- Boone
- Braxton
- Brooke
- Cabell
- Calhoun
- Clay
- Doddridge
- Fayette
- Gilmer
- Grant
- Greenbrier
- Hampshire
- Hancock
- Hardy
- Harrison
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Kanawha
- Lewis
- Lincoln
- Logan
- Marion
- Marshall
- Mason
- Mcdowell
- Mercer
- Mineral
- Mingo
- Monongalia
- Monroe
- Morgan
- Nicholas
- Ohio
- Pendleton
- Pleasants
- Pocahontas
- Preston
- Putnam
- Raleigh
- Ritchie
- Roane
- Summers
- Taylor
- Tucker
- Tyler
- Upshur
- Wayne
- Webster