Is Living In Kanawha County, WV Right For You?

Living in Kanawha County, West Virginia

A complete guide of the county from schools to diversity

County

Should You Move to Kanawha County?

Kanawha County is home to 180,745 West Virginia residents. Over the past ten years, the county has seen a drop in growth of -6.82%, ranking it聽#1,726 in the US and #30 in West Virginia for population growth.

Based on the counties residents and economy, Kanawha County, WV is OK for retirees and okay for families.

When considering schools and educational attainment, 90.3% of residents over 25 years of age graduated high school and 27.4% completed their bachelor’s degree or higher. The majority of students in Kanawha County attend public school.

If diversity is essential, Kanawha County received a F grade in diversity.

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How Does Kanawha County Rank?

Retirement

Diversity

Professionals

Raising a Family

Learn about rankings & data

Who Lives in Kanawha County?

Discover more about the people who make up the county

Total Population

180,745

10-Year Change

-6.82%

Households are Families

65.5%

Per Households

Diversity Grade

White alone

85%

Black or African American alone

7.5%

American Indian and Alaska Native alone

0.2%

Asian alone

1.2%

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone

Hispanic or Latino

1.5%

Retirement

Raising a Family

Under 5 years

4.9%

Under 18 years

16.3%

Over 65 years

26.1%

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Housing in Kanawha County

Buying or renting? Here’s more about real estate in the county.

Total Households

Own vs. Rent

Own 69.9%

Rent 30.1%

Connect with a local Kanawha County REALTOR庐

Buying or selling? We’ll help you connect with the right real estate agents in Kanawha County or anywhere you need help.

Typical Age of Homes

1940 to 1959

Common Residence Type

single-family homes

Moving advice

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West Virginia driver's license & registration guide for new residents

Kanawha County Schools

Explore the school district and schools

A+

William J Raglin Center

A

Stonewall Jackson Middle School

A

Bridge Elementary School

A

Chandler Academy

A

Dunbar Primary Center

A-

Holz Elementary School

B+

Weberwood Elementary School

B

Overbrook Elementary School

C+

George Washington High School

C+

Herbert Hoover High School

C-

Riverside High School

C+

Nitro High School

B-

Saint Albans High School

C+

South Charleston High School

C

Du Pont Middle School

C+

Horace Mann Middle School

Charleston Catholic High School

Charleston Montessori Inc.

Cross Lanes Christian School

Elk Valley Christian School

Mountaineer Montessori School

Sacred Heart Grade School

St Agnes School

St Francis Of Assisi

B-

Alban Elementary School

B-

Alum Creek Elementary School

B-

Andrew Jackson Middle School

B

Andrews Heights Elementary School

B-

Anne Bailey Elementary School

C+

Belle Elementary School

NR

Ben Franklin Career Center

A

Bridge Elementary School

Student-Teacher Ratio

Kanawha County School District

The Kanawha County School District in Kanawha County, WV, is home to 24,392 students across 68 schools. Based on enrollment numbers, Kanawha County Schools ranks #1 in West Virginia. Grades from Pre-K to 12 are offered in the district.

Kanawha County School District received a student-teacher ratio grade of A, averaging 14.41 students per teacher.

Learn more about the Kanawha County School District and explore its schools.

District Schools

Student Enrollments

24,392

Student-Teacher Ratio

14.41:1

How does Kanawha County School District compare?

Cost of Living in West Virginia

How Does West Virginia Compare?

in Cost of Living

in Minimum Wage

in Living Wage

West Virginia State Taxes

Don't forget!

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Renter’s insurance protects you, your guests, and your things. Lemonade offers renters insurance plans for as low as $5 per month.

Should you move to West Virginia?

West Virginia, the Mountain State, is a place of rugged beauty, warm hospitality, and a deeply rooted Appalachian culture. Known for its coal mining history, outdoor recreational activities, and unique regional cuisine, West Virginia offers a lifestyle steeped in nature and tradition.

West Virginia’s economy, traditionally based in coal mining, has diversified into healthcare, education, and tourism. Its cities, like Charleston and Morgantown, offer a blend of historical charm and modern development.

Living in West Virginia offers numerous experiences. From rafting on the New River Gorge, hiking in the Monongahela National Forest, exploring the historic Harpers Ferry, or attending a vibrant music festival, West Virginia presents a distinct blend of natural splendor and cultural richness. Education is valued, with improving public schools and universities like West Virginia University and Marshall University.

If you’re seeking a state that offers a connection to nature, a slower pace of life, and a friendly, close-knit community vibe, West Virginia could be your new home. Just be prepared for the hilly terrain and the changing seasons!

Need some help with your move?

Moving labor can be hired by the hour, helping you budget for the heavy stuff or your entire move.

Kanawha County Economy

The industries, jobs, and economics of the zip code

Median Household Income

$50,574

US Average $74,580

How does Kanawha County compare?

Unemployment rate

5.9%

Poverty rate

16.4%

Primary Occupations

Office and administrative support occupations

Secondary Occupations

Sales and related occupations

Crime in Kanawha County

Learn more about the school district for this zip code.

Crime Rating: Very High Crime

Total Crimes (2022)

11,561

Crime Rate

Per 100,000 residents

Violent crimes: 1280.3

Murder: 7.2

Violent crimes: 1280.3

Explore More Places

Check out more of Kanawha County, or explore the surrounding area

West Virginia

Charleston

West Virginia

South Charleston

West Virginia

St. Albans

West Virginia

Cross Lanes

West Virginia

Dunbar

West Virginia

Nitro

West Virginia

Pinch

West Virginia

Sissonville

West Virginia

Chesapeake

25003 Alum Creek, WV

25015 Belle, WV

25035 Cabin Creek, WV

25039 Cedar Grove, WV

25045 Clendenin, WV

25061 Drybranch, WV

25064 Dunbar, WV

25067 East Bank, WV

25071 Elkview, WV

Maryland, West Virginia

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Kanawha County

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Cabell County

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Harrison County

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Mercer County

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Jefferson County

Review Kanawha County, WV

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