Ohio County is a county located in the northern panhandle of the U.S. state of West Virginia. Formed from the District of West Augusta, Virginia in 1776. It was named for the Ohio River which forms its western boundary. West Liberty (formerly Black’s Cabin) was the county seat from 1777 to 1797. The city of Wheeling has been the county seat since that time. As of 2000, the population was 47,427.
Ohio County Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 47,427 people, 19,733 households, and 12,155 families residing in the county. The population density was 447 people per square mile (172/km²). There were 22,166 housing units at an average density of 209 per square mile (81/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 94.50% White, 3.57% Black or African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.13% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. 0.50% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 19,733 households out of which 25.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.30% were married couples living together, 11.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.40% were non-families. 33.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the county, the population was spread out with 21.30% under the age of 18, 10.50% from 18 to 24, 25.10% from 25 to 44, 24.40% from 45 to 64, and 18.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 87.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,836, and the median income for a family was $41,261. Males had a median income of $31,132 versus $21,978 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,734. About 11.50% of families and 15.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.10% of those under age 18 and 10.40% of those age 65 or over.
Attractions in Wheeling
Historical Buildings
The city of Wheeling has a rich and varied history. West Virginia Independence Hall was the site of the Wheeling Convention From 1861-1863, the building housed heated debates on the Virginia Ordinance of Secession, the First Constitutional Convention of West Virginia, and naming the State. Recently, Governor Joe Manchin announced a plan to divert $1 million in state funding to Independence Hall for renovations.
Centre Wheeling is home to Centre Market, formerly Wheeling’s market house. Built in 1853, the market house and the surrounding area are today home to a plethora of shops and restaurants.
Parks and Recreation
Wheeling features several municipal parks including Oglebay Resort & Conference Center and Wheeling Park. Ohio County is home to six golf courses including designs by renowned golfer Arnold Palmer and architect Robert Trent Jones. It is also the site of the Wheeling Suspension Bridge which was once the longest suspension bridge in the world.
In October of 2007 the City of Wheeling opened the State’s first concrete skateboard park. The 12,000 square foot facility was designed and built by world-reknowned skatepark builder, Grindline, of Seattle, Washington. The park consists of 60% bowls and 40% street elements and is located within the Chambers Ballfield Complex in the Elm Grove section of the City. Additional amenities, including a covered shelter, restrooms, & webcam are slated to be installed in late 2008.
