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Kanawha County, West Virginia facts for kids

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For the census-designated place in Wood County, see Kanawha, West Virginia.
Quick facts for kids
Kanawha County
U.S. county
Kanawha County Courthouse in Charleston
Kanawha County Courthouse in Charleston
Flag of Kanawha County
Flag
 Official seal of Kanawha County
Seal
Map of West Virginia highlighting Kanawha County
Location within the U.S. state of West Virginia
Map of the United States highlighting West Virginia
West Virginia's location within the U.S.
Country  United States
State  West Virginia
Founded October 5, 1789
Named for Kanawha River
Seat Charleston
Largest city Charleston
Area
 • Total 911 sq mi (2,360 km2)
 • Land 902 sq mi (2,340 km2)
 • Water 9.3 sq mi (24 km2)  1.0%%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 180,745
 • Estimate 
(2021)
 177,952 Decrease
 • Density 198.40/sq mi (76.60/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district 1st

Kanawha County is a county in the state of West Virginia. It is the most populated county in West Virginia. In 2020, about 180,745 people lived here. The main city and county seat is Charleston. Charleston is also the capital city of West Virginia.

Kanawha County is part of the larger Charleston, WV Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History of Kanawha County

Kanawha County was officially created on October 5, 1789. It was named after the Kanawha River. The river itself was named after a Native American tribe that once lived in this area.

During the American Civil War, many soldiers from Kanawha County joined the fight. They formed groups for both the Confederate Army and the Union Army.

In 1863, West Virginia counties were divided into smaller areas called townships. This was to help local governments. Later, in 1872, these townships became "magisterial districts." These districts helped manage local affairs. Over time, the number of districts changed. Today, Kanawha County has four main magisterial districts.

Kanawha County has also been the site of important events. In 1912, there was a large strike by miners. In 1974, a disagreement over school textbooks gained national attention.

Geography and Nature

Kanawha County covers a total area of about 911 square miles. Most of this area, about 902 square miles, is land. The rest, about 9.3 square miles, is water. This makes it the fourth-largest county in West Virginia by land area.

Neighboring Counties

Kanawha County shares its borders with several other counties:

Main Roads and Highways

Several important roads and highways pass through Kanawha County:

  • I-64 (WV).svg Interstate 64
  • I-77 (WV).svg Interstate 77
  • I-79 (WV).svg Interstate 79
  • US 60.svg U.S. Route 60
  • US 119.svg U.S. Route 119
  • WV-4.svg West Virginia Route 4
  • WV-25.svg West Virginia Route 25
  • WV-34.svg West Virginia Route 34
  • WV-61.svg West Virginia Route 61
  • WV-62.svg West Virginia Route 62
  • WV-94.svg West Virginia Route 94
  • WV-114.svg West Virginia Route 114
  • WV-214.svg West Virginia Route 214
  • WV-501.svg West Virginia Route 501
  • WV-601.svg West Virginia Route 601
  • WV-622.svg West Virginia Route 622
  • WV-817.svg West Virginia Route 817

People and Population

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1800 3,239 —
1810 3,866 19.4%
1820 6,399 65.5%
1830 9,326 45.7%
1840 13,567 45.5%
1850 15,353 13.2%
1860 16,150 5.2%
1870 22,349 38.4%
1880 32,466 45.3%
1890 42,756 31.7%
1900 54,696 27.9%
1910 81,457 48.9%
1920 119,650 46.9%
1930 157,667 31.8%
1940 195,619 24.1%
1950 239,629 22.5%
1960 252,925 5.5%
1970 229,515 −9.3%
1980 231,414 0.8%
1990 207,619 −10.3%
2000 200,073 −3.6%
2010 193,063 −3.5%
2020 180,745 −6.4%
2023 (est.) 174,805 −9.5%
U.S. Decennial Census
1790–1960 1900–1990
1990–2000 2010–2020

Population in 2020

In 2020, Kanawha County had 180,745 people. There were 77,634 households. Most people (85%) were White. About 7.5% were African American, and 1.2% were Asian. A small number were Native American or from other backgrounds. About 1.6% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

The average age in the county was 43.7 years. About 20.2% of the people were under 18 years old. The average income for a household was $56,112.

Economy and Jobs

In 2010, there were about 5,481 private businesses in Kanawha County. Nearly 90,000 people who live in the county have jobs.

Fun and Recreation

Kanawha County offers many parks and golf courses for outdoor fun.

Parks Golf
Coonskin Park Coonskin Golf Course
Shawnee Park Shawnee Golf Course
Meadowood Park Edgewood Country Club
Pioneer Park Little Creek Golf Course
Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve Sleepy Hollow Golf Club
Cato Park Sandy Brae Golf Course
Ridenour Park Berry Hills Country Club
Big Bend Park Big Bend Golf Course
Kanawha State Forest
Saint Albans City Park

Events and Festivals

Many exciting events happen in Kanawha County throughout the year:

  • FestivALL
  • Charleston Sternwheel Regatta (Returning 2022)
  • Live on the Levee
  • Vandalia Gathering
  • Rib Fest
  • Charleston Rod Run Doo Wop
  • Majorette Festival - Daily Mail Kanawha County Majorette and Band Festival
  • Pinch Reunion
  • St. Albans Festival of Lights

Places to Visit

There are several interesting attractions in Kanawha County:

  • Clay Center (West Virginia) - A science and arts center.
  • West Virginia State Capitol - The state government building.
  • West Virginia Cultural Center - Learn about West Virginia's history and culture.
  • South Charleston Mound - An ancient Native American mound.
  • Mardi Gras Casino and Resort
  • Charleston Civic Center - A large event venue.
  • Heritage Tower Museum

Sports Teams

Kanawha County is home to a few sports teams:

  • Charleston Dirty Birds - A baseball team.
  • West Virginia United - A soccer club.

Communities in Kanawha County

Kanawha County has several cities, towns, and other communities.

Cities

Towns

Magisterial Districts

These are the local government areas within the county:

  • District 1
  • District 2
  • District 3
  • District 4

Census-Designated Places

These are areas that are like towns but are not officially incorporated:

Famous People from Kanawha County

Many notable people have come from Kanawha County:

  • Robert Alexander, NFL football player
  • Anthony Bass, NFL football player
  • George Crumb, a well-known composer
  • Aaron Dobson, Super Bowl champion football player
  • Ryan Dorsey, actor
  • Jon Elmore, NBA basketball player
  • Conchata Ferrell, actress (known for Berta on Two and a Half Men)
  • Jennifer Garner, actress and award winner
  • Elizabeth Harden Gilmore, business leader and civil rights supporter
  • Gary Gregor, NBA basketball player
  • Alex Hawkins, two-time NFL champion football player
  • Alexis Hornbuckle, two-time WNBA champion basketball player
  • T. D. Jakes, a famous pastor
  • Carl Lee, NFL football player
  • Earl Lloyd, Basketball Hall of Fame member and the first African-American to play in an NBA game
  • Kathy Mattea, country and bluegrass singer
  • Ann Magnuson, actress and performance artist
  • Renee Montgomery, two-time WNBA champion basketball player
  • Randy Moss, Pro Football Hall of Fame member and NFL record holder
  • Lou Myers, actor (known for Vernon Gaines on A Different World)
  • Les Palmer, NFL champion football player
  • Phil Pfister, strongman competitor and winner of the 2006 World's Strongest Man
  • Kristen Ruhlin, actress
  • Ryan Switzer, NFL football player
  • Booker T. Washington, a very important educator and author
  • Jerry West, Basketball Hall of Fame member and the person on the NBA logo
  • Jason Williams, NBA basketball player

Images for kids

  • Seal of Kanawha County, West Virginia

    Seal of Kanawha County

  • Kanawha County Courthouse

    The Kanawha County Courthouse in Charleston

  • Flag of Kanawha County, West Virginia

    Flag of Kanawha County

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