Kingwood

History of Kingwood

Kingwood, the county seat of Preston County, was founded in 1811 and officially chartered in 1853. Named for its location near a grove of tall, stately trees, Kingwood is home to the first organized Court of Quarter Sessions, a group of justices who initially met at the home of William Price. Preston County was formed from Monongalia County by the act of Assembly passed on January 19, 1818. County court justices convened at the house, known as the “Herndon Hotel,” of William Price in Kingwood. The warm community is recognized for the many hard-working leaders and families who live there.

Kingwood Today: What Makes Us Unique

Kingwood is a safe community where you can take a relaxing walk or attend social outings. Children play with friends at neighborhood parks and neighbors create lifelong relationships. Neighbors come together to meet the needs of the community, including food drives, donations for causes and church mission projects for school supplies. Kingwood encourages and celebrates community members’ talents and interests.

Surrounded by many unusual and rare trees and shrubs imported by the builder, McGrew House invites all to witness Preston County’s place in West Virginia’s history. As a rich resource for students, McGrew House offers the Bill Williams Gallery, the Bill Prince photo gallery and the Leo Kotchek Museum as well as Civil War area artifacts. Aspiring architects can experience two contrasting styles of architecture that Mr. McGrew was involved in constructing his house. The McGrew House is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

zoo

Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo

Nestled in the woods, the Kingwood treasure began with a small array of black bear, deer, tigers and cougars that has blossomed into an eclectic display of grizzlies, chimpanzees, white and orange tigers, spotted leopards and more.

hikingWV Northern Rail-Trail

Kingwood is one terminus of the WV Northern Rail-Trail. The scenic greenway runs 10 miles to Tunnelton for walking, biking, cross-country skiing, and more along the former West Virginia Northern Railroad.

city poolKingwood City Pool

What’s more inviting on a warm, sunshine-filled day, than a refreshing pool with all of the amenities? Kingwood proudly supports youth sports and exercise. Bring your family and friends for day and night swimming, lessons, and private pool parties. Dressing rooms and concessions are offered.

mcgrew houseMcGrew House

The home of one of Preston County’s most influential citizens and one of its founding fathers, James Clark McGrew, is available for tours, parties, and receptions. The McGrew Society’s mission includes preserving James C. McGrew House and its place in West Virginia’s history as a State Founder who led through obstacles of his day, including the Civil War and its aftermath. Deep historical and moral lessons come from their courage and persistence in the face of adversity and destruction. 

senior centerPreston County Senior Center

Those 60+ years of age will find the Preston County Senior Center as the place to be for healthy activities and camaraderie. In addition, services are offered for health, medical and financial needs. 

county clubPreston Country Club

Kingwood is home to the pristine 18-hole golf course offering beautiful scenery along the Cheat River. Highlighted as one of West Virginia’s longest golf courses at 7001 yards from the tips, Preston County Country Club has proudly hosted the Men’s and Women’s Tri-State for more than 20 years, the Senior Tri-State and other tournaments. End your unforgettable round of golf with dinner at Rosemary’s Thyme Mexican Restaurant.

tout for the cheatTrout for Cheat

As a non-profit organization, Trout for Cheat stocks Rainbow Trout in an eight-mile section of the Cheat River. Multiple stockings in the Spring and Fall keep the river plentiful. Come cast your line for fresh trout, ranging from 2-8 pounds. 

clownPreston County Buckwheat Festival

The Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department hosts the Preston County Buckwheat Festival each year! The four-day event serves up mouthwatering Buckwheat Cake dinners all weekend and is filled with events, including a carnival, arts and crafts, parades, livestock and a celebrated pageant.

high schoolLocal Schools

The Preston County School District operates several schools in Kingwood, including Kingwood Elementary, Central Preston Middle School and Preston High School.

libraryKingwood Public Library

The Kingwood Public Library is an excellent community resource. Beyond standard reading materials, it has a tremendous collection of genealogical information on West Virginia history in the form of cemetery record books, census records and microfilms.

mon healthPreston Memorial Hospital (PMH)

Originally opened in 1955, Kingwood’s Preston Memorial Hospital (PMH) is a nonprofit, 25-bed, Critical Access Hospital with a new facility dedicated in 2015. PMH operates a 24/7 Emergency Department with a Level IV Trauma designation and has two nationally recognized Centers of Excellence in Bariatrics and Sleep Medicine.

 

 

 

Population

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Population

Population2000201020242029
Kingwood2,9502,9392,9412,896

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Population by Age

Population2024
0-4168
5-9173
10-14174
15-19170
20-24141
25-29145
30-34157
35-39175
40-44174
45-49166
50-54183
55-59188
60-64203
65-69184
70-74181
75-79155
80-84102
85+102
18+2,320
Median Age45

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Population by Race

Kingwood2024
Total2,941.00
White Alone94.25%
Black Alone0.51%
American Indian Alone0.03%
Asian Alone0.44%
Pacific Islander Alone0.03%
Some Other Race0.14%
Two or More Races4.59%
Hispanic Origin0.99%
Diversity Index12.70

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Growth Rate

Kingwood2024 - 2029
Population-0.31%
Households-0.19%
Families0.00%
Median Household Income4%
Per Capita Income3%

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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Housing

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Households

Population2000201020242029
Households1,2851,2911,2451,233
Housing Units1,4191,4541,4471,448
Owner Occupied Units868876
Renter Occupied Units377357
Vacant Units202215

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Home Value

Kingwood20242029
Median Home Value$166,667$192,361
Average Home Value$189,113$241,638
<$50,0008458
$50,000 - $99,99913093
$100,000 - $149,999144104
$150,000 - $199,999228216
$200,000 - $249,9998385
$250,000 - $299,99981102
$300,000 - $399,9994961
$400,000 - $499,9993984
$500,000 - $749,9993071
$1,000,000 +00

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Housing Year Built

Year RangeHouses Built
2010 or Later44
2000-200925
1990-199945
1980-1989220
1970-1979387
1960-1969156
1950-1959230
1940-194932
1939 or Before310

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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Income

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Income

Kingwood20242029
Median Household$65,517$79,445
Average Household$80,363$90,629
Per Capita$34,070$38,637

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Household Income

Kingwood2024
<$15,000129
$15,000 - $24,999116
$25,000 - $34,999121
$35,000 - $49,999118
$50,000 - $74,999198
$75,000 - $99,999164
$100,000 - $149,999294
$150,000 - $199,99975
$200,000+30

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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Employees

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Commute

CategoryCommuters
Workers 16+1,328
In-County Residents860
Out-of-County Residents409
Drive Alone1,070
Carpooled182
Public Transport0
Work at Home32
Motorcycle0
Bicycle0
Walked44
Other0
Less than 5 minutes159
5-9 minutes297
10-14 minutes150
15-19 minutes100
20-24 minutes89
25-29 minutes15
30-34 minutes73
35-39 minutes31
40-44 minutes85
45-59 minutes77
60-89 minutes211
90+ minutes9
Average Travel Time0

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Employees by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Employees1,938
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt0
Mining14
Utilities4
Construction3
Manufacturing195
Wholesale Trade40
  
Retail Trade314
  
Transportation/Warehouse176
Information28
  
Finance & Insurance72
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing17
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv61
Legal Services9
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises0
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt6
Educational Services88
HealthCare/Social Assist449
Arts/Entertainment/Rec24
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs173
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin96
Auto Repair/Maintenance0
Public Administration Emp171

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Educational Attainment (25+)

Kingwood2024
<9th Grade33
Some High School104
GED190
Graduated High School669
Some College/No Degree342
Associates Degree80
Bachelor's Degree367
Graduate Degree330

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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Businesses

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Businesses by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Businesses175
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus0
Mining Bus1
Utilities Bus1
Construction Bus1
Manufacturing Bus3
Wholesale Trade Bus6
  
Retail Trade Bus22
  
Transportation/Warehouse Bus3
Information Bus6
  
Finance & Insurance Bus14
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing Bus6
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv Bus13
Legal Services Bus4
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises Bus0
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt Bus4
Educational Services Bus2
HealthCare/Social Assist Bus18
Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus5
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus14
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus27
Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus1
Public Administration Bus25

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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