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Ritchie County, West Virginia was established in 1843 by the Virginia General Assembly. Oil was discovered in the area during the early 20th century and numerous derricks dot the landscape. The Ritchie County economy has historically been agriculturally based with cattle raising operations and some crop production. Oil and gas production supplemented the farming operations during the early to mid 20th century. More recently (mid to late 20th century) manufacturing facilities have been an increasingly important component of the local economy. The latest population estimates available (2005) for Ritchie County reflects a population of 10,540 people. About twenty-three percent (22.9%) of the population is under 18 years of age and fifteen percent (15.2%) is 65 years of age or older. There are 4,181 households in the county and about 3,000 families.
Community Profile (PDF)
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