Randolph County
countyRandolph County, located in east-central West Virginia, is the state's largest county by area. Situated on the western edge of the Potomac Highlands, it's characterized by high, forested mountains and serves as the headwaters for several major rivers. As of 2020, the population was 27,932. The county seat is Elkins, a city known for its arts scene and as a gateway to outdoor recreation. Randolph County's economy is diverse, with key sectors including healthcare, education, and lumber. Major employers include Vandalia Health (CAMC), the county school system, and Armstrong Hardwood Flooring. The county also has a strong presence of federal and state government agencies, including the Monongahela National Forest headquarters. What makes Randolph County distinctive is its rich history and abundant natural beauty. Established in 1787, it was named for Edmund Jennings Randolph. The county played a role in the Civil War, with battles fought at Rich Mountain and Cheat Mountain. Today, it offers a high quality of life with extensive outdoor recreational opportunities in the Monongahela National Forest and a vibrant arts and cultural scene in Elkins.
Randolph County, West Virginia
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 54-083
- Country
- United States
- County
- Randolph County
- Region
- Potomac Highlands
- Elevation
- 4,782 ft
- Total Area
- 1,040 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1,040 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.3 sq mi
- Latitude
- 38.9025
- Longitude
- -79.8578
- Climate
- The county experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and mild summers. Snowfall is common due to its high elevation.
- Notable Features
- Monongahela National Forest · Dolly Sods Wilderness · Seneca Rocks · Cheat Mountain · Tygart Valley River
- Neighboring Areas
- Tucker County · Pendleton County · Pocahontas County · Webster County · Upshur County · Barbour County
- Population (2020)
- 27,932
- Est. Population (2024)
- 27,190
- Median Age
- 44.2
- Median Income
- $55,057
- Poverty Rate
- 15.91%
- Owner-Occupied
- 77.1%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Randolph County is primarily White (90.5%), followed by Two or More Races (4.6%), Black or African American (1.44%), and Other (0.554%).
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- County Commission
- Body Size
- 3 members
- School District
- Randolph County Schools
- Municipal Services
- 911/Office of Emergency Management · Health Department · Community Corrections · Parks
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.0%
- Economic Profile
- Diverse economy with lumber, healthcare, education, and government sectors
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Educational Services
- Major Employers
- Vandalia Health (CAMC) · Randolph County School System · Armstrong Hardwood Flooring · Walmart · Carter Roag Coal
- Schools
- 16
- Students
- 4,000
- Teachers
- 311
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- School Districts
- Randolph County Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Davis & Elkins College
- Transportation
- US-33 · US-219 · WV-92 · WV-55 · West Virginia State Rail Authority
- Utilities
- Not specified in sources.
- Major Facilities
- Davis Medical Center · Courthouse in Elkins · Huttonsville Correctional Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Monongahela National Forest · Dolly Sods Wilderness · Kumbrabow State Forest · Stuart Recreation Area · Camp Pioneer
- Parks & Trails
- Hiking trails in Otter Creek Wilderness · Bickle Knob Observation Tower · Camp Pioneer
- Founded
- 1787
- Named After
- Edmund Jennings Randolph
- Historical Significance
- Randolph County, the largest in West Virginia, has played a significant role in the state's early settlement, Civil War history, and economic development through timber and coal industries.
- Key Events
- Settlement by David Tygart and Robert Files in 1753-54 · Establishment of forts in the 1770s · Battle of Rich Mountain (1861) · Battle of Cheat Mountain (1861)