Mineral County is a county located in the state of West Virginia. As of 2000, the population is 27,078. Its county seat is Keyser6.
History
Mineral County was created in 1866 by an Act of the West Virginia Legislature from the existing Hampshire County. Prior to 1738 the present Orange County, VA, situated on the cast side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, included all of Virginia west of the Blue Ridge. In that year, the Virginia Assembly passed an act dividing this territory into two counties: Frederick and Augusta. Hampshire County was formed from those two counties in 1753 and ultimately Hardy County in 1785 and part of Morgan County in 1820 were formed from Hampshire County it was not until after West Virginia became a state in 1863 that the present Mineral County came into existence. The name was selected due to the vast reserves of minerals, especially coal.
Economic Developement
Mineral County Development Authority, The mission of the Mineral County Development Authority shall be to enhance the welfare of the citizens of Mineral County by promoting and assisting the recruiting, startup, growth and prosperity of responsible business and industry within the County.
Contact: Mineral County Development Authority Executive Director Route 3, Box 3048 Keyser, WV 26726 Phone 304-788-3383 Fax 304-788-0481
Mineral County Chamber of Commerce, The mission of the Mineral Country Chamber of Commerce is to stimulate and enhance the business environment and quality of life in Mineral County.
Contact: Mineral County Chamber of Commerce 1 Grand Central Park Keyser, West Virginia 26726 Phone (304) 788-2513 Fax (304) 788-3887
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 852 km² (329 mi²). 849 km² (328 mi²) of it is land and 4 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.43% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 27,078 people, 10,784 households, and 7,710 families residing in the county. The population density is 32/km² (83/mi²). There are 12,094 housing units at an average density of 14/km² (37/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 96.16% White, 2.55% Black or African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.21% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. 0.58% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 10,784 households out of which 30.40% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.90% are married couples living together, 9.70% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.50% are non-families. 25.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.50% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.46 and the average family size is 2.93.
In the county, the population is spread out with 23.40% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 27.10% from 25 to 44, 25.90% from 45 to 64, and 15.10% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 95.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $31,149, and the median income for a family is $37,866. Males have a median income of $32,337 versus $20,090 for females. The per capita income for the county is $15,384. 14.70% of the population and 11.50% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 21.10% of those under the age of 18 and 11.60% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Cities and towns
Historical Sites
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