Upshur County Public RecordsWest Virginia

As of 2024, Upshur County, WV, has approximately 15,000 registered voters. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with the 2022 general election seeing a turnout of 52%. Polling locations include Buckhannon Academy Elementary and Union Elementary. The county leans Republican, with 68% of votes for GOP candidates in 2022. Key issues include local school levies and infrastructure. Elections are administered by the Upshur County Clerk’s office, overseeing 14 precincts. Major parties active are Republican and Democratic, with 50% Republican, 28% Democratic, and 22% non-affiliated or other registered voters.

Upshur County, WV, experiences relatively low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the violent crime rate was approximately 1.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, with property crime around 8.7 per 1,000, according to local law enforcement reports. The county saw minor fluctuations but remained below West Virginia’s average violent crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000. Law enforcement emphasizes proactive community policing and consistent crime reporting, contributing to a generally safe environment for residents.

As of the 2020 Census, Upshur County, WV, has a population of approximately 23,816. The median age is 43.7 years, with 21% under 18 and 21% aged 65 or older. The gender split is nearly even, with 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The racial composition is predominantly White (95.2%), with smaller populations of Black or African American (1.1%), two or more races (2.6%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.1%).

Upshur County, WV, has around 10 public schools, including Buckhannon-Upshur High School, serving about 3,500 students. The high school graduation rate is 90%, while only approximately 16% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools report average state test scores near the West Virginia median. Safety measures such as SROs and security cameras are in place. Programs include Advanced Placement, career/technical education, and adult learning courses. Adult education enrollment is about 120 annually, supporting GED and workforce skills.

As of 2022, Upshur County, WV, had an employment rate of approximately 54%. The largest industries were Health Care & Social Assistance (17%), Retail Trade (13%), and Educational Services (10%). Major occupations included Office & Administrative Support (13%), Sales (10%), and Education (9%). About 85% of employed residents commuted by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes; 60% worked within the county, while others commuted to nearby counties such as Harrison and Lewis.

Upshur County, WV, has a homeownership rate of approximately 75%, with median home values around $123,000 as of 2023. Rental rates average $750 per month. The housing market has seen a modest annual increase of 3% in property values. Homes mainly consist of single-family and some multi-family units, with neighborhoods such as Buckhannon offering community amenities and rural living nearby. Property tax rates are relatively low, averaging 0.57% of assessed value. The area appeals to those seeking affordable housing and a small-town atmosphere.