Roane County Public RecordsWest Virginia

As of the 2020 Census, Roane County, WV, had a population of 14,028. The median age was 44.7 years, with 20.3% under 18 and 20.4% aged 65 or older. The gender split was about 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The county was predominantly White (96.5%), with small proportions of Black or African American (0.6%), two or more races (2.3%), and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (0.6%).

Roane County, WV, has 6 public schools, including Roane County High School, serving approximately 2,000 students district-wide. Around 78% graduate from high school, but only about 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety ratings are average, with no major incidents reported recently. The district scores 5/10 on GreatSchools. Educational opportunities include career and technical programs, but limited advanced placement courses. Adult education and GED programs are available through Roane-Jackson Technical Center, with roughly 50 adults enrolling annually.

Roane County, WV, has an employment rate of approximately 50.5% (2022), with a labor force participation rate of 46.2%. Major industries include health care & social assistance (20.4%), retail trade (15.6%), and manufacturing (11.3%). Top occupations are management, sales, and office roles. About 75% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 32 minutes; most work within the county, but a significant portion travels to Kanawha and Jackson counties for employment.

Roane County, WV, has a homeownership rate of around 78%, with median home values at approximately $96,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is about $580 per month. Housing stock features mainly single-family homes, with a mix of historic properties and newer builds in areas such as Spencer and Reedy. Recent market trends show stable prices with slight year-over-year increases. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.47% of assessed value, meaning typical annual taxes are under $500. Neighborhoods are largely rural, offering quiet, affordable living with easy access to local schools and amenities.

Roane County, WV, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2023, the county reported a total of 125 criminal incidents, with violent crimes comprising only 10 cases (8% of total crimes). Property crimes remain the most common, totaling 115 incidents. The crime rate stands at 7.1 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than West Virginia’s state average of 15.5 per 1,000. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting, contributing to a clearance rate of approximately 60% for all reported crimes. Overall, Roane County is considered safer than many surrounding areas.

Roane County, WV, has about 9,500 registered voters as of 2024, with roughly 55% Republican, 25% Democrat, and 20% unaffiliated or other parties. Elections include federal, state, and local offices, with polling at 13 precincts across the county. In the 2022 general election, voter turnout was approximately 48%. The County Clerk administers elections, facing issues like aging voting equipment and limited voter engagement. Recent results show Republicans dominating local offices. Key concerns include infrastructure and economic development, with both major parties active but Republicans holding the majority in county leadership.