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Berkeley County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#48 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
54.7
County Score
Property Tax 81Income & Jobs 80.5Safety 69.9

County Report Card

About Berkeley County, West Virginia

Berkeley County Surpasses National Performance

Berkeley County maintains a composite score of 54.7, which exceeds the national median of 50.0. This performance highlights a robust local economy even as the county faces growth-related cost pressures. It remains a competitive pocket of the Appalachian region.

A High-Income State Outlier

Despite falling below the West Virginia state average composite of 62.0, Berkeley County is an economic leader. Its median household income of $77,329 is significantly higher than most of its neighbors. This trade-off between higher income and lower composite ranking reflects the county's more urbanized, expensive profile.

Economic Prosperity and Favorable Taxes

The county's greatest strengths are its high income score of 80.5 and a strong tax score of 81.0. Residents enjoy an effective tax rate of 0.546%, which helps preserve the higher salaries earned in the region. Safety and schools also perform well, with scores of 69.9 and 61.2 respectively.

Rising Costs and Environmental Risks

The primary challenge is affordability, evidenced by a low cost score of 15.8 and median home values of $248,000. Additionally, the risk score of 31.8 suggests vulnerability to environmental or climate factors that require local attention. Health outcomes also lag behind economic indicators with a score of 49.6.

Best for Professionals and Commuters

Berkeley County is the premier choice for professionals seeking the highest incomes in the state without the tax burdens of nearby metropolitan areas. It suits families who value safety and good schools and can afford the higher-than-average $1,238 monthly rent. It represents a more traditional suburban lifestyle than much of West Virginia.

Score breakdown

Tax81Cost15.8Safety69.9Health49.6Schools61.2Income80.5Risk31.8Water59.9Weather57.1
🏛81
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠15.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡31.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧59.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Berkeley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Berkeley County

via TaxByCounty

Berkeley's effective rate beats the nation

Berkeley County's 0.546% effective tax rate is notably lower than the national median of 0.81%, placing it in the bottom half of U.S. counties despite higher-than-average home values. The median tax bill of $1,353 remains well below the national median of $2,690.

Berkeley ranks above West Virginia average

At 0.546%, Berkeley's rate exceeds the state average of 0.497%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of West Virginia counties. The median tax of $1,353 is significantly higher than the state average of $699, reflecting the county's stronger property values.

Berkeley vs. surrounding counties

Berkeley has a higher rate than Barbour (0.427%) and Braxton (0.450%) but lower than Cabell County (0.634%). Berkeley's median home value of $248,000 is the strongest in this regional comparison, driving higher absolute tax amounts.

Your annual property tax in Berkeley

On the median home value of $248,000, you'll pay roughly $1,353 per year—or about $113 monthly. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,426 due to escrow arrangements.

Could you be overassessed?

Even in higher-value counties like Berkeley, properties are sometimes assessed above fair market value. Reviewing your assessment and filing an appeal if needed could recoup hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Berkeley County

via CostByCounty

Berkeley rents climb above national threshold

Berkeley County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national affordability standard of 15%, indicating housing costs strain even this relatively affluent county. With a median household income of $77,329—above the national average of $74,755—residents still allocate nearly one-fifth of earnings to rent.

Berkeley ranks second-highest in housing burden

Berkeley's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio is among West Virginia's highest, approaching the statewide average of 16.9% from above. The county's median rent of $1,238 is the steepest in this dataset, reflecting Berkeley's position as West Virginia's most expensive housing market.

Berkeley's rents outpace regional peers

Berkeley County renters pay $1,238 monthly, far exceeding nearby Boone County ($823) and Braxton County ($578). Despite higher incomes, Berkeley households allocate a larger percentage to rent than most neighboring counties, driven by the region's stronger housing demand.

Berkeley's dual housing cost picture

Berkeley households earn a median $77,329 annually and spend $1,238 on rent or $1,218 on mortgage payments monthly. Remarkably, both renters and homeowners face similar affordability burdens here—around 19%—making Berkeley unique among West Virginia counties for balanced (but stretched) housing costs across tenure types.

Is Berkeley County worth the premium?

Berkeley offers the highest incomes in this dataset but also the highest housing costs, with median homes valued at $248,000. Relocating here requires stronger earning power than neighboring counties—compare your household income to the $77,329 median to gauge fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Berkeley County

via IncomeByCounty

Berkeley outpaces the national average

Berkeley County's median household income of $77,329 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 3%, making it one of West Virginia's economic bright spots. This strong performance reflects proximity to the Northern Virginia job market and a diversified employment base.

Economic leader in West Virginia

Berkeley County's $77,329 median household income ranks among the highest in West Virginia, outpacing the state average of $54,746 by 41%. Its per capita income of $37,533 also significantly exceeds the state average of $30,335, indicating both higher earners and more income per resident.

Far ahead of surrounding counties

Berkeley's $77,329 median household income dramatically exceeds its nearest neighbors: Brooke County ($52,116) and Boone County ($56,152) trail by $21,000 to $25,000. This regional leadership reflects Berkeley's location on the Eastern Panhandle, closer to Washington D.C. metro employment centers.

Strong incomes support homeownership

Berkeley's rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% sits comfortably in the healthy 15-20% range, and its median home value of $248,000 reflects both higher incomes and stronger property values. Residents here enjoy greater housing options and financial flexibility compared to other West Virginia counties.

Maximize wealth-building opportunities

Berkeley residents with above-average incomes should leverage tax-advantaged investment accounts beyond 401(k)s—consider maxing out HSAs, 529 college plans, and Roth IRAs. With strong household earnings, working with a financial planner to optimize asset allocation and retirement strategies can compound gains significantly.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Berkeley County

via CrimeByCounty

Impressive National Safety Standing

Berkeley County boasts a high safety score of 98.9, reflecting a secure environment for residents. Its crime rate of 706.5 per 100,000 people is less than one-third of the national average.

Leading the State in Safety

Berkeley ranks impressively within West Virginia, with a total crime rate well below the state average of 949.0. This performance highlights the effectiveness of the six reporting agencies serving the region.

Eastern Panhandle Comparison

Compared to urban centers like Cabell, Berkeley offers a much calmer environment with fewer than 160 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. It remains one of the safer options in the eastern panhandle.

Property Concerns Dominate Local Reports

Property crime accounts for the majority of incidents at 548.3 per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, the violent crime rate of 158.2 is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8.

Enhance Your Home's Defense

Consistent property maintenance and smart locks help deter opportunistic theft in suburban neighborhoods. Engaging with community watch groups further strengthens local safety nets.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Berkeley County

via HealthByCounty

Above-average life expectancy for rural West Virginia

Berkeley County residents live to 73.3 years on average, outpacing both West Virginia (72.2 years) and closing the gap with the U.S. average of 78.0 years. Only 19.2% of Berkeley residents report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among these eight counties—signaling better overall health outcomes.

Top-performing county in health metrics

Berkeley County ranks in the upper tier of West Virginia's 55 counties for life expectancy at 73.3 years. The 7.2% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average of 7.6%, suggesting stronger health insurance coverage in the community.

Healthiest outcomes among comparison counties

Berkeley's 73.3-year life expectancy and 19.2% poor/fair health rate outperform Brooke County (73.1 years, 22.0% poor/fair) and significantly exceed Boone County (68.9 years, 27.4% poor/fair). The county also leads in primary care access with 42 providers per 100,000 residents.

Best provider access in the region

Berkeley offers 42 primary care providers and 208 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—nearly double the mental health capacity of neighboring counties. This robust provider network supports easier access to preventive and behavioral health care.

Maintain your coverage year-round

Berkeley's strong uninsured rate of 7.2% reflects good health insurance uptake, but 7.2% of residents still lack coverage. Check healthcare.gov during open enrollment to ensure continuous, affordable coverage for you and your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Berkeley County

via SchoolsByCounty

The State's Growing Educational Hub

Berkeley County manages a massive infrastructure of 32 public schools, including 21 elementary and 6 middle schools. This robust network serves 19,856 students, making it one of the largest educational systems in the state.

Exceeding National Graduation Benchmarks

The county boasts a 95.0% graduation rate, which is 8 percentage points higher than the national average. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,880, the district maintains a school score of 55.9 to remain competitive within the state.

Berkeley County Schools Serve Thousands

Berkeley County Schools is the sole district, overseeing 32 schools without any charter school competition. The district handles nearly 20,000 students, focusing on traditional public school excellence across its vast campus network.

Suburban Living and Large Scale Education

The area features 15 suburban schools and 9 city campuses, with an average school size of 641 students. Musselman High School is the county's largest, enrolling 1,754 students in a dynamic and diverse environment.

Find Your Home in a Thriving District

Berkeley County offers families a variety of city and suburban living options near high-capacity schools. The strong graduation rates and extensive extracurricular options at schools like Spring Mills High make this a top destination for home buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Berkeley County

via RiskByCounty

Berkeley faces multiple hazard threats

Berkeley County's composite risk score of 68.26 ranks it as Relatively Low but notably above the national average, reflecting exposure to multiple natural hazards. The county's proximity to the Eastern Panhandle creates unique vulnerability patterns.

Mid-range risk for West Virginia

Berkeley's score of 68.26 exceeds the state average of 49.21, placing it in the riskier half of West Virginia counties. This reflects the county's diverse hazard landscape.

Riskier than inland neighbors

Berkeley faces notably higher risk than Braxton County (36.16) and Barbour County (24.01) due to stronger hurricane and flood exposure. Its elevated risks align more closely with neighboring Cabell County (85.37).

Hurricanes, floods dominate hazard profile

Berkeley's hurricane risk of 80.35 and flood risk of 79.83 are its most serious threats, driven by proximity to Atlantic storm systems and river flooding patterns. Tornado and earthquake risks are more moderate at 42.59 and 66.06 respectively.

Flood insurance strongly recommended

Berkeley residents should prioritize flood insurance beyond standard homeowners coverage, as standard policies exclude flood damage. With hurricane and water-related risks elevated, comprehensive protection is a smart investment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Berkeley County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate mid-Atlantic weather patterns

Berkeley County averages 54.0°F annually, placing it within the temperate range of the mid-Atlantic zone. Its 40.2 inches of precipitation is lower than the wetter national averages found further south.

Warmer and drier than average

The county is warmer than the West Virginia average of 52.8°F and significantly drier than the 47.0-inch state mean. This puts Berkeley among the state’s warmer and less rainy Eastern Panhandle regions.

Transitioning from mountains to coast

Berkeley experiences 28 days of extreme heat annually, far more than the cooler uplands found in central West Virginia. It represents a transition zone where the Appalachian ridges meet the Atlantic coastal plain.

A month of extreme heat

Summers bring substantial heat with a July average of 75.7°F and 28 days hitting 90°F or higher. January stays slightly above freezing at 32.3°F, though specific snowfall records for the county are currently limited.

Cooling and conservation needs

Homeowners should ensure robust cooling systems are in place to manage nearly a month of extreme heat. Landscaping should account for the relatively low 40.2 inches of annual rainfall compared to the rest of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Berkeley County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Productive Acidic Grounds

Berkeley County boasts a soil score of 61.3, significantly higher than the state average of 49.2. The average pH sits at 5.60, which is less acidic than the state's 5.25 but still below the national 6.5 median. Local growers often adjust this acidity to optimize nutrient availability for diverse crops.

Balanced Silt and Sand Mix

The soil composition is 40.9% silt and 25.9% sand, creating a versatile medium for farming. With 17.5% clay, the soil maintains decent structure without becoming overly heavy or difficult to till. This blend provides a reliable balance of drainage and moisture retention for the Eastern Panhandle.

Superior Moisture Storage for Crops

Organic matter levels reach 10.02%, far surpassing the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.174 in/in is among the highest in the state, well above the 0.142 in/in average. These figures indicate a highly resilient soil capable of supporting intensive vegetable production.

Local Hydrologic Observations

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently documented for Berkeley County. Despite the missing data, the high water capacity suggests the soil manages moisture effectively for agricultural use. Farmers should monitor local field conditions to ensure optimal drainage for specific crop varieties.

Warm Starts in Zone 7a

Berkeley County resides in Hardiness Zone 7a, offering a longer growing season than much of West Virginia. The high-quality soil is perfect for stone fruits like peaches or late-summer tomatoes. Take advantage of the superior soil score and plant a productive garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Berkeley County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth in Berkeley's Zone 7a

Berkeley County matches the state's moderate difficulty with a score of 62.4, remaining much friendlier for lawns than the national average. As a Zone 7a region, it experiences slightly warmer winters than its neighbors to the west. This creates a longer window for outdoor maintenance and turf establishment.

High Heat and Targeted Watering Needs

At 40.2 inches of annual precipitation, Berkeley is drier than the state average of 46.8 inches. The county faces 28 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average, which can stress grass during July and August. You will likely need a more rigorous watering schedule to combat these higher temperatures and the 3526 growing degree days.

Berkeley's Sandy Loam Soil Profile

The soil pH here stands at 5.60, indicating a need for lime to reach the preferred 6.0 threshold. A sand content of 25.9% helps with drainage, while 17.5% clay provides enough structure to hold some moisture. Adding organic matter can help improve the water-holding capacity of this soil, especially during hot summers.

Staying Vigilant Against Dry Spells

The county spent 39 weeks in drought last year, and currently, 100% of the area is classified as abnormally dry. These conditions make water conservation critical, so consider watering deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can also help retain precious surface moisture.

Start Your Lawn in Late April

Tall Fescue is an excellent choice for Berkeley County because it handles the 28 annual heat days better than other cool-season varieties. Your growing season begins after the last spring frost on April 20, providing a long window before the October 23 fall frost. Planting in early autumn is often the most successful strategy for this specific climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Berkeley County's county score?
Berkeley County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 54.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Berkeley County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Berkeley County ranks #48 among all counties in West Virginia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Berkeley County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Berkeley County is $1,353, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Berkeley County a tax score of 81/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Berkeley County?
The median household income in Berkeley County, West Virginia is $77,329 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Berkeley County earns an income score of 80.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Berkeley County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Berkeley County scores 54.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Berkeley County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Berkeley County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.