Raleigh County, West Virginia

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,578 km² (609 mi²). 1,572 km² (607 mi²) of it is land and 6 km² (2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.40% water.

Demographics As of the census¹ of 2000, there are 79,220 people, 31,793 households, and 22,096 families residing in the county. The population density is 50/km² (130/mi²). There are 35,678 housing units at an average density of 23/km² (59/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 89.63% White, 8.52% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.72% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.12% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. 0.92% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 31,793 households out of which 28.60% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.30% are married couples living together, 11.90% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.50% are non-families. 27.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.90% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.38 and the average family size is 2.88.

In the county, the population is spread out with 21.50% under the age of 18, 8.70% from 18 to 24, 28.60% from 25 to 44, 25.70% from 45 to 64, and 15.40% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 96.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 94.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $28,181, and the median income for a family is $35,315. Males have a median income of $33,000 versus $20,672 for females. The per capita income for the county is $16,233. 18.50% of the population and 14.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 28.70% are under the age of 18 and 10.50% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Beaver
• Beckley
• Bradley
• Coal City
• Crab Orchard
• Daniels
• Lester
• Mabscott
• MacArthur
• Piney View
• Prosperity
• Rhodell
• Shady Spring
• Sophia
• Stanaford