Monroe County
countyMonroe County, located in southeastern West Virginia, is a picturesque area characterized by its mountainous terrain and agricultural landscapes. As of 2020, the population was 12,376. The county exudes a rural charm, attracting artisans, retirees, and those seeking a tranquil lifestyle. Historically, Monroe County's economy has been rooted in farming and timber harvesting. The county also saw a period of prosperity in the 19th century with water-powered mills and mineral spring resorts. Today, major employers include the county school system, a rubber fabrication plant, and the Monroe County Health Center. Monroe County is known for its historical significance, dating back to its formation in 1799 and its role in the Civil War. Its natural beauty is highlighted by access to the Appalachian and Allegheny Trails, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, and Moncove Lake State Park.
Monroe County, West Virginia
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 54063
- Country
- United States
- County
- Monroe County
- Region
- Southeastern West Virginia
- Elevation
- 3,862 ft
- Total Area
- 474 sq mi
- Land Area
- 473 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.9 sq mi
- Latitude
- 37.5961
- Longitude
- -80.5439
- Climate
- Monroe County has a climate typical of the Appalachian region, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold, with significant snowfall possible. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and colorful foliage.
- Notable Features
- New River · Appalachian Mountains · Allegheny Highlands
- Neighboring Areas
- Greenbrier County (North) · Alleghany County, Virginia (Northeast) · Craig County, Virginia (East) · Giles County, Virginia (South) · Summers County (West)
- Population (2020)
- 12,376
- Est. Population (2023)
- 12,401
- Median Age
- 46.7
- Median Income
- $54,508
- Poverty Rate
- 15.7%
- Owner-Occupied
- 82.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county is predominantly White. In 2023, 95.6% of the population was White (Non-Hispanic), 2.09% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), and 1.3% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic).
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- County Commission
- Body Size
- 3 members
- School District
- Monroe County Schools
- Municipal Services
- Law enforcement · Road maintenance · Parks and recreation · Financial oversight
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.5%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Timber harvesting · Tourism
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Manufacturing · Educational Services
- Major Employers
- Monroe County School System · Goodrich Corporation · Monroe County Health Center · Twenty/20 Management · WVNH Emp (Worthington Health Care Center)
- Schools
- 5
- Students
- 1,637
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14:1
- School Districts
- Monroe County Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Concord University · West Virginia University · Marshall University · Bluefield State University · West Virginia University Institute of Technology · University of Charleston · Virginia Tech · West Virginia State University · Glenville State University · New River Community & Technical College
- Transportation
- US-219 · WV-3 · WV-12
- Utilities
- Water · Electric · Broadband internet
- Major Facilities
- Monroe County Courthouse · Moncove Lake State Park · Monroe County Health Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Moncove Lake State Park · George Washington and Jefferson National Forests · Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory
- Parks & Trails
- Appalachian Trail · Allegheny Trail
- Founded
- 1799
- Named After
- James Monroe
- Historical Significance
- Monroe County holds significance as an early settlement in the Allegheny Highlands, a region with a rich agricultural history and notable mineral springs resorts. It played a role in the Civil War and retains its rural character with well-preserved historical sites.
- Key Events
- Formation from Greenbrier County · Civil War involvement · Mineral spring resorts era