Davis is a town in Tucker County,

West Virginia West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian, Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States.The Census Bureau and the Association of American Geographers classify West Virginia as part of the Southern United States while the ...

, United States, situated along the

Blackwater River A blackwater river is a type of river with a slow-moving channel flowing through forested swamps or wetlands. As vegetation decays, tannins leach into the water, making a transparent, acidic water that is darkly stained, resembling black tea ...

. The population was 595 at the 2020 census.

History

Davis was named either for Senator

Henry Gassaway Davis Henry Gassaway Davis (November 16, 1823 – March 11, 1916) was a millionaire and Senator from West Virginia. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for Vice President of the United States in 1904. Born on a farm in Howard County, Maryland, he be ...

, or for his family generally. The Herman August Meyer House was listed on the

National Register of Historic Places The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the United States federal government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance or "great artistic ...

in 2010.

Geography

Davis is located at (39.131110, -79.466318). It is located in the northern portion of Canaan Valley, West Virginia near the

Canaan Valley State Resort Park Canaan Valley Resort State Park is a state park in the eastern United States, within Canaan Valley in Tucker County, West Virginia. Located in the highest valley east of the Mississippi River, the park contains the second-largest inland wet ...

, and is partially surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest, including scenic Blackwater Falls. At an elevation of 3,520 feet, Davis has the highest elevation of any West Virginia town. According to the

United States Census Bureau The United States Census Bureau (USCB), officially the Bureau of the Census, is a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System, responsible for producing data about the American people and economy. The Census Bureau is part of th ...

, the town has a total area of , all land.

Mountain biking

The area surrounding Davis is renowned for its mountain biking trails and bike culture. The most notable trails include the Plantation Trail, Hoo Doo Hustle and Moon Rocks. Many more miles of trails are also easily accessible at nearby Blackwater Falls State Park. The area also hosts several mountain bike races each year. One of these races, the Revenge of the Rattlesnake, is considered one of the toughest bike races in the country.

Demographics

2010 census

At the 2010 census there were 660 people, 305 households, and 173 families living in the town. The population density was . There were 425 housing units at an average density of . The

racial makeup A race is a categorization of humans based on shared physical or social qualities into groups generally viewed as distinct within a given society. The term came into common usage during the 1500s, when it was used to refer to groups of variou ...

of the town was 98.0% White, 0.5% Native American, 0.5% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.9%. Of the 305 households 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.3% were non-families. 37.4% of households were one person and 15.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.82. The median age in the town was 46.1 years. 17.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.1% were from 25 to 44; 34.9% were from 45 to 64; and 16.5% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.0% male and 53.0% female.

2000 census

At the 2000 census there were 624 people, 290 households, and 176 families living in the town. The population density was 546.0 inhabitants per square mile (211.3/km²). There were 380 housing units at an average density of 332.5 per square mile (128.7/km²). The

of the town was 97.92% White, 0.16% Native American, and 1.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.32%. Of the 290 households 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.5% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.3% were non-families. 36.9% of households were one person and 20.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.76. The age distribution was 22.0% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 22.0% 65 or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males. The median household income was $25,221 and the median family income was $31,333. Males had a median income of $21,607 versus $17,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $22,399. About 14.6% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the

poverty line The poverty threshold, poverty limit, poverty line or breadline is the minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country. The poverty line is usually calculated by estimating the total cost of one year's worth of necessities for ...

, including 19.4% of those under age 18 and 10.9% of those age 65 or over.

Climate

The climate in this area has mild differences between highs and lows, and there is adequate rainfall year-round. According to the

Köppen Climate Classification The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems. It was first published by German-Russian climatologist Wladimir Köppen (1846–1940) in 1884, with several later modifications by Köppen, nota ...

system, Davis has a

marine west coast climate An oceanic climate, also known as a marine climate, is the humid temperate climate sub-type in Köppen classification ''Cfb'', typical of west coasts in higher middle latitudes of continents, generally featuring cool summers and mild winters ...

, abbreviated "Cfb" on climate maps.Climate Summary for Davis, West Virginia
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Notable people

* Eddie Baker, film actor * Karl Lashley, psychologist * Frankie Yankovic, known as "America's Polka King"

References

{{authority control Coal towns in West Virginia Davis and Elkins family Towns in Tucker County, West Virginia Towns in West Virginia