Taylor County Public RecordsWest Virginia

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Taylor County, WV, had a population of 16,705. The median age was about 43.2 years, with 19% under 18 and 20% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution was nearly even, with 50.3% female and 49.7% male. Racially, the county was 96.6% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 1.5% identifying as two or more races; Hispanic or Latino residents comprised 1% of the population.

Taylor County, WV, has 6 public schools, including Grafton High School. The high school graduation rate is about 87%, but only 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—below the national average. School safety is a county focus, with zero serious incidents reported in recent years. Average standardized test scores are slightly below state averages. Educational programs include CTE (Career and Technical Education) and special education. Adult education offerings are available through Taylor County Adult Learning Center to support GED attainment and workforce skills.

As of 2022, Taylor County, WV, had an employment rate of approximately 53%, with a labor force participation rate near 51%. Major employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance (20%), educational services (14%), and retail trade (13%). Top occupation types are office/administrative support (16%), sales (11%), and management (10%). About 72% of workers commute outside the county, mainly to Harrison and Marion Counties, with an average commute time of 28 minutes. Local employment hubs include Grafton and surrounding areas.

Taylor County, WV has a homeownership rate of approximately 75%, with median home values around $131,000 and median monthly rents near $725. The housing market remains stable, with modest annual value increases of about 2%. Most homes are single-family houses, though some multi-family units exist in Grafton and Flemington neighborhoods. Property tax rates average 0.58% of assessed value, which is below state and national averages. Popular neighborhoods include Blueville and Knottsville, offering affordable options for both buyers and renters. The county’s housing remains accessible, favoring long-term residents and families.

Taylor County, WV maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2023, the violent crime rate was approximately 1.7 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at 6.5 per 1,000 residents. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and Grafton Police Department promptly report incidents, focusing on community policing. Recent trends show a slight decrease in property crimes, with overall crime rates 30% lower than the West Virginia state average. Residents generally regard the county as safe, particularly outside the few urban areas, with regular neighborhood patrols enhancing local security.

As of 2024, Taylor County, WV has approximately 10,100 registered voters. Voters participate in federal, state, county, and municipal elections, including primaries and generals. In the 2020 presidential election, 76% of ballots favored the Republican candidate. There are six polling locations, such as Grafton High School and Flemington Elementary. Local issues include economic development and opioid response. The county is overseen by the Taylor County Clerk’s Office. Republicans hold most local offices, with Democrats constituting about 30% of registered voters. Election results and details are managed and published by the West Virginia Secretary of State.