Is Living In Preston County, WV Right For You?

Living in Preston County, West Virginia

A complete guide of the county from schools to diversity

County

Should You Move to Preston County?

Preston County is home to 34,216 West Virginia residents. Over the past ten years, the county has seen an increase in growth of 2.03%, ranking it聽#1,534 in the US and #6 in West Virginia for population growth.

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

When considering schools and educational attainment, 87% of residents over 25 years of age graduated high school and 16.8% completed their bachelor’s degree or higher. The majority of students in Preston County attend public school.

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

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How Does Preston County Rank?

Retirement

Diversity

Professionals

Raising a Family

Learn about rankings & data

Who Lives in Preston County?

Discover more about the people who make up the county

Total Population

34,216

10-Year Change

2.03%

Households are Families

73.3%

Per Households

Diversity Grade

White alone

90.1%

Black or African American alone

American Indian and Alaska Native alone

0.2%

Asian alone

0.2%

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone

Hispanic or Latino

Retirement

Raising a Family

Under 5 years

4.9%

Under 18 years

16.2%

Over 65 years

24.2%

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Housing in Preston County

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

Total Households

Own vs. Rent

Own 80.7%

Rent 19.3%

Connect with a local Preston County REALTOR庐

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

Typical Age of Homes

1980 to 1999

Common Residence Type

single-family homes

Moving advice

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

Preston County Schools

Explore the school district and schools

B+

Fellowsville Elementary

B-

Bruceton School

B-

Central Preston Middle School

B-

Kingwood Elementary

B-

Terra Alta/East Preston School

B-

Aurora School

B-

Rowlesburg School

C+

Preston High School

C

West Preston School

B-

Bruceton School

C+

South Preston School

C+

Preston High School

B-

Central Preston Middle School

B-

Kingwood Elementary

B-

Terra Alta/East Preston School

B-

Aurora School

B-

Aurora School

B-

Bruceton School

B-

Central Preston Middle School

B+

Fellowsville Elementary

B-

Kingwood Elementary

C+

Preston High School

B-

Rowlesburg School

C+

South Preston School

Student-Teacher Ratio

Preston County School District

The Preston County School District in Preston County, WV, is home to 4,239 students across 10 schools. Based on enrollment numbers, Preston County Schools ranks #18 in West Virginia. Grades from Pre-K to 12 are offered in the district.

Preston County School District received a student-teacher ratio grade of A, averaging 14.22 students per teacher.

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

District Schools

Student Enrollments

4,239

Student-Teacher Ratio

14.22:1

How does Preston 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

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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.

Preston County Economy

The industries, jobs, and economics of the zip code

Median Household Income

$55,755

US Average $74,580

How does Preston County compare?

Unemployment rate

8.5%

Poverty rate

14.4%

Primary Occupations

Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations

Secondary Occupations

Office and administrative support occupations

Crime in Preston County

Learn more about the school district for this zip code.

Crime Rating: Very Low Crime

Total Crimes (2022)

548

Crime Rate

Per 100,000 residents

Violent crimes: 263.0

Murder: 11.7

Violent crimes: 263.0

Explore More Places

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

West Virginia

Kingwood

West Virginia

Terra Alta

West Virginia

Arthurdale

West Virginia

Rowlesburg

West Virginia

Reedsville

West Virginia

Masontown

West Virginia

Tunnelton

West Virginia

Albright

West Virginia

Newburg

26374 Independence, WV

26410 Newburg, WV

26425 Rowlesburg, WV

26444 Tunnelton, WV

26519 Albright, WV

26520 Arthurdale, WV

26524 Bretz, WV

26525 Bruceton Mills, WV

26537 Kingwood, WV

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Review Preston County, WV

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