Harrison County, West Virginia

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,079 km² (417 mi²). 1,078 km² (416 mi²) of it is land and 1 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.13% water.

Demographics As of the census¹ of 2000, there are 68,652 people, 27,867 households, and 19,088 families residing in the county. The population density is 64/km² (165/mi²). There are 31,112 housing units at an average density of 29/km² (75/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 96.55% White, 1.61% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.21% from other races, and 0.86% from two or more races. 0.96% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 27,867 households out of which 29.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.30% are married couples living together, 11.40% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% are non-families. 27.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.20% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.42 and the average family size is 2.94.

In the county, the population is spread out with 23.10% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 24.50% from 45 to 64, and 16.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 91.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 88.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $30,562, and the median income for a family is $36,870. Males have a median income of $30,721 versus $22,110 for females. The per capita income for the county is $16,810. 17.20% of the population and 13.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 24.10% are under the age of 18 and 9.40% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Anmoore
• Bridgeport
• Clarksburg
• Despard
• Enterprise
• Lost Creek
• Lumberport
• Nutter Fort
• Salem
• Shinnston
• Stonewood
• West Milford

History

Harrison County was created in 1784, formed from Monongalia County and named for Benjamin Harrison, a Virginian who was the father of William Henry Harrison, ninth President of the United States and great-grandfather of Benjamin Harrison, twenty-third president.