Barbour County, West Virginia

Barbour County is a county located in the State of West Virginia. It was formed in 1843 and named for Virginia jurist, Philip Pendleton Barbour. Philippi, the county seat, was established in 1844. The Battle of Philippi (1861)[?], also known as the "Philippi Races", was fought here on June 3, 1861. It was the first land battle of the American Civil War. Alderson-Broaddus College for the Baptists of West Virginia is located here. As of 2000, the population is 15,557.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 888 km² (343 mi²). 883 km² (341 mi²) of it is land and 5 km² (2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.57% water.

Demographics As of the census¹ of 2000, there are 15,557 people, 6,123 households, and 4,365 families residing in the county. The population density is 18/km² (46/mi²). There are 7,348 housing units at an average density of 8/km² (22/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 97.36% White, 0.49% African American, 0.71% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.12% from other races, and 1.03% from two or more races. 0.47% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 6,123 households out of which 30.10% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.20% are married couples living together, 10.30% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.70% are non-families. 25.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.60% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.47 and the average family size is 2.94.

In the county, the population is spread out with 23.00% under the age of 18, 9.40% from 18 to 24, 26.80% from 25 to 44, 25.20% from 45 to 64, and 15.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 96.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $24,729, and the median income for a family is $29,722. Males have a median income of $24,861 versus $17,433 for females. The per capita income for the county is $12,440. 22.60% of the population and 18.40% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 32.00% are under the age of 18 and 16.70% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Belington
• Junior
• Philippi