Charles Town
RANK #268 / 996 NAT · #3 / 11 WV · POP 58,043
1YR FORECAST: +2.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +30%
Jefferson County, West Virginia, is defined by its rich history and scenic location where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains. Harpers Ferry, a notable town within the county, is a National Historical Park and a significant site from the Civil War, also serving as the "psychological halfway point" of the Appalachian Trail. The county is the easternmost in West Virginia, approximately an hour's drive from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland, making it accessible for commuters. The community offers a blend of historic charm and natural beauty, with opportunities for whitewater rafting, hiking, and exploring numerous parks.
Life in Jefferson County often appeals to families and professionals seeking a balance between rural charm and access to metropolitan areas. Many residents commute to jobs outside the county, including to the Washington metropolitan area, drawn by a lower cost of living. The public school system in Jefferson County is considered above average. The local economy is driven by a mix of agriculture, tourism, and the equine industry, with Charles Town Racetrack being a major employer. Recently, there has been interest in developing data centers and energy projects in the county, which could further diversify the economic landscape.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.5x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
QTS Data Center Campus
QTS Realty Trust
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Rippon Solar Project
Rippon Energy (subsidiary of Torch Clean Energy LLC)
|
$125M | Planned |
|
Wild Hill Solar Project
Wild Hill Solar LLC (subsidiary of EDF Renewables)
|
$125M | Operating |
|
Blake Solar Plant
Horus West Virginia 1, LLC
|
$96M | Operating |
|
Franklintown Farms Solar Project
Enel Green Power
|
$80M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 73/100, Jefferson County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +5.5%, and median household income stands at $93,744 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in WV.
Housing in Jefferson County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $303,400 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $1,073/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Jefferson County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.9% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +5.5% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +3.5% over the past 12 months.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.17% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Jefferson County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.