countyscore

Boone County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#37 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
58.8
County Score
Cost of Living 76.2Safety 70.7Property Tax 68.7

County Report Card

About Boone County, West Virginia

Stable Living Above the National Median

Boone County earns a composite score of 58.8, placing it securely above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high degree of safety and extreme housing affordability for its residents. It presents a resilient profile despite economic shifts in the region.

Consistent Performance Within West Virginia

Boone's score of 58.8 sits slightly below the state average of 62.0. The county remains a staple of the state's central region, offering a lower median home value of $90,300 compared to many peers. This creates a low barrier to entry for homeownership within the state.

Exceptional Safety and Affordable Housing

Boone County shines with a safety score of 70.7 and a cost score of 76.2. Its property tax rate is also competitive at 0.650%, supporting a predictable cost of living. Homeowners benefit from some of the lowest median home values in the state.

Healthcare Access and Environmental Risks

Public health is a primary concern, with a score of 28.5 reflecting limited access or outcomes. Environmental risk is also a factor, with a score of 30.6, while water quality data is not yet available for this location. Income scores remain low at 28.0, indicating limited local high-wage opportunities.

Suited for Budget-Conscious Homeowners

Boone County is ideal for individuals or families looking for a safe, low-cost environment where homeownership is highly attainable. It attracts those who prioritize community safety and low monthly overhead over high-income growth. Residents should be prepared to travel for specialized healthcare services.

Score breakdown

Tax68.7Cost76.2Safety70.7Health28.5Schools57.2Income28Risk30.6WaterComing SoonWeather61.1
🏛68.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡30.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨48.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.7
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

Boone County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Boone County

via TaxByCounty

Boone's rate is among America's highest

Boone County's 0.650% effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.81%, placing it in the top quartile for property tax burden nationwide. Despite modest home values, the rate structure creates an outsized tax burden relative to property wealth.

Boone has West Virginia's steepest rates

At 0.650%, Boone County has the highest effective tax rate among all West Virginia counties shown here, well above the state average of 0.497%. The median tax of $587 ranks among the highest despite lower median home values.

Boone vs. peer counties in the region

Boone's 0.650% rate significantly outpaces all neighboring counties—Barbour (0.427%), Braxton (0.450%), and Cabell (0.634%). This elevated rate structure creates a notably heavier tax burden for Boone residents.

Your annual property tax in Boone

On the median home value of $90,300, you'll pay approximately $587 annually, or about $49 per month. With a mortgage, the figure climbs to $797, reflecting the county's higher effective rate.

Could you be overassessed?

In counties with elevated tax rates like Boone, a professional assessment review is especially worthwhile. Many homeowners who challenge their valuations successfully reduce their annual bills by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Boone County

via CostByCounty

Boone approaches—but doesn't cross—affordability line

Boone County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio sits above the national affordability benchmark of 15%, though it's closer than most West Virginia counties. The median household income of $56,152 is below the national average of $74,755, making housing costs relatively steeper for residents here.

Boone's affordability ranks mid-pack statewide

At 17.6%, Boone's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above West Virginia's statewide average of 16.9%, placing it in the upper half of the state's affordability challenges. Median rent of $823 reflects Boone's position between rural and more developed county housing markets.

Boone offers middle-ground housing costs

Boone's $823 median rent falls between pricier Berkeley County ($1,238) and more affordable Braxton County ($578). At 17.6%, Boone's rent burden is lower than neighboring Barbour (19.9%) but higher than Brooke County (13.9%), making it a moderate option regionally.

Boone's split between renters and owners

Median household income of $56,152 means renters spend about $823 monthly (17.6% of income) while homeowners allocate $490 (10.5%) to mortgages. Boone's homeownership path offers significantly better affordability, with median home value of just $90,300.

Boone offers balanced affordability

If you're seeking reasonable housing costs without rural isolation, Boone County strikes a middle ground with $823 median rent and $90,300 median home values. Compare Boone to neighboring Braxton and Clay counties to find your affordability sweet spot in central West Virginia.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Boone County

via IncomeByCounty

Boone's income gap from national average

Boone County's median household income of $56,152 falls 25% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting the economic pressures facing coal-dependent regions in central Appalachia. Despite this gap, Boone performs slightly better than many neighboring counties in the state.

Boone ranks mid-tier in state earnings

At $56,152, Boone County's median household income edges slightly above the state average of $54,746, placing it near the middle of West Virginia's county rankings. Its per capita income of $26,984 remains below the state average of $30,335, suggesting concentrated earnings in fewer households.

Better positioned than southern neighbors

Boone's $56,152 median household income outpaces struggling southern counties like Braxton ($44,449), Clay ($42,790), and Calhoun ($41,421), but trails the Eastern Panhandle leader Berkeley ($77,329). Within its region, Boone represents a moderate-income baseline for central West Virginia.

Affordable housing supports household budgets

Boone County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% falls within the healthy range, and its median home value of just $90,300 makes homeownership highly attainable for most households. This affordability cushion provides residents breathing room despite modestly lower median incomes statewide.

Invest with Boone's lower cost of living

Boone's affordable housing and reasonable cost of living create a unique advantage: residents can allocate income to savings and investments more easily than higher-income, higher-cost regions. Start with employer benefits, then explore automatic monthly investments in diversified funds to build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Boone County

via CrimeByCounty

A National Leader in Safety

Boone County earns a 98.9 safety score, placing it among the safer jurisdictions in the country. The total crime rate of 695.6 per 100,000 people is dramatically lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming State Security Benchmarks

With nine reporting agencies, Boone County tracks a total crime rate that is nearly 27% lower than the state average. This proactive reporting helps maintain a safety score above the state norm of 98.5.

Safer Than Regional Neighbors

Boone outperforms nearby Braxton and Barbour in terms of total crime frequency. Its property crime rate of 474.5 is particularly low compared to many state neighbors.

Analyzing Local Crime Trends

The county reports 221.1 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which aligns closely with the state average. Property crimes, totaling 474.5, make up the bulk of local law enforcement activity.

Securing Your Rural Property

Securing outbuildings and using exterior lighting are simple ways to protect rural properties. These small steps help keep Boone County's property crime rates among the lowest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Boone County

via HealthByCounty

Significant health challenges amid national disparities

Boone County's 68.9-year life expectancy is nearly 10 years below the U.S. average of 78.0 years and 3.3 years below West Virginia's state average. With 27.4% of residents reporting poor or fair health—among the highest in the state—chronic disease is widespread.

Among the lowest life expectancy in West Virginia

Boone County ranks in the bottom tier of West Virginia's 55 counties for life expectancy at 68.9 years. The 6.9% uninsured rate is better than the state average of 7.6%, but this masks deeper health equity challenges in the county.

Health outcomes lag behind similar counties

Boone's 68.9-year life expectancy trails Clay County (69.3 years) and significantly lags Braxton County (73.5 years) and Berkeley County (73.3 years). The 27.4% poor/fair health rate is the second-highest among these eight counties, pointing to entrenched health disparities.

Limited mental health resources amid crisis

Boone has only 33 primary care providers and 44 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—well below peer counties and insufficient to address rising opioid and behavioral health crises. Residents often travel outside the county for specialized mental health care.

Affordable coverage is available now

With significant health challenges in Boone County, having health insurance is critical. Visit healthcare.gov or West Virginia's Medicaid office to find affordable plans and programs that support preventive and chronic disease care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Boone County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Infrastructure in Boone County

Boone County supports 13 public schools, including 7 elementary schools and 3 high schools. A total of 3,188 students are enrolled across these campuses within a single unified school district.

Graduation Success and Fiscal Efficiency

The graduation rate sits at 92.0%, aligning closely with the state average of 92.8% and beating the 87.0% national benchmark. The county spends $7,335 per pupil, which is slightly below the state average but contributes to a respectable 55.3 school score.

Boone County Schools at a Glance

Boone County Schools oversees all 13 campuses and the entire student population of 3,188. No charter schools currently operate in the area, ensuring a focused traditional public education for all local families.

A Rural and Intimate School Setting

Education here is primarily rural, with 11 of 13 schools located in rural settings and an average school size of 266 students. Scott High School is the largest at 529 students, while Madison Elementary provides a small-town primary experience.

Quiet Living Near Dedicated Local Schools

For those seeking a rural lifestyle with reliable public schools, Boone County is an excellent option for new residents. Consider homes near the top-rated schools to enjoy the benefits of a close-knit educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Boone County

via RiskByCounty

Boone combines flood and wildfire risk

Boone County's composite risk score of 69.37 marks it as Relatively Low but above the national median, driven by exceptional flood risk of 85.02 and significant wildfire exposure. The county's coal-country geography creates this unusual hazard combination.

Upper tier of state risk

Boone's score of 69.37 places it well above West Virginia's 49.21 average, ranking among the higher-risk counties statewide. This elevated profile distinguishes Boone from most neighboring counties.

Wildfire risk sets Boone apart

While Boone shares flood concerns with neighbors like Cabell County (85.37), its wildfire risk of 74.27 is exceptional for the region. This dual threat is significantly higher than inland counties like Braxton (36.16).

Flood and wildfire are urgent concerns

Boone's flood risk of 85.02 and wildfire risk of 74.27 are the county's defining vulnerabilities, reflecting mountainous terrain and river systems. Tornado risk is minimal at 10.59, and earthquake risk is moderate at 38.80.

Flood and comprehensive coverage essential

Boone residents should invest in separate flood insurance and ensure homeowners policies include coverage for wildfire damage. With both hazards at elevated levels, layered protection is critical for property safety.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Boone County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmth in the southern Appalachians

Boone County is warmer than the national median with an annual average temperature of 56.1°F. Its 49.5 inches of annual precipitation reflects the lush, humid conditions common in the southern mountains.

One of the state's warmest

Boone exceeds the West Virginia average temperature of 52.8°F by over three degrees. It also receives more rain than the 47.0-inch state average, making it both warmer and wetter than most counties.

Heat and moderate snow

With 34 days of extreme heat per year, Boone is much hotter than northern neighbors like Doddridge. Its 17.3 inches of annual snowfall is less than half of what the high-altitude counties to the east receive.

Hot summers and mild winters

July highs average 76.3°F, punctuated by over a month's worth of days hitting 90°F or higher. Winters are relatively mild for the region, featuring a January average of 34.7°F.

Manage heat and moisture

Cooling costs are a significant budget factor due to the 34 days of extreme heat each year. Residents should also prepare for heavy spring rains as the county averages nearly 50 inches of precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Boone County

via SoilByCounty

The Young Soils of Boone

Boone County is dominated by Entisols, which are geologically young soils with limited horizon development. The average pH of 5.56 is more acidic than the national 6.5 benchmark but remains typical for the region. These soils reflect the rugged, shifting landscape of West Virginia's coal country.

Sandy Foundations and Light Texture

With 37.1% sand, these soils are coarser than many neighboring counties, aiding in rapid initial drainage. Silt accounts for 28.7% and clay just 12.2%, resulting in a lighter soil that is easy to work. However, the lower clay content means the soil may struggle to hold onto nutrients over time.

Organic Rich but Water Lean

The soil contains an impressive 17.23% organic matter, dwarfng the national average of 2.0%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.120 in/in falls below the state average of 0.142 in/in. Growers may need to mulch heavily to keep moisture in the ground during dry spells.

Navigating Entisol Drainage

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable for this county. Because Entisols vary widely, local site assessments are the best way to determine how water moves through your property. The high sand content suggests that many areas may drain faster than the state norm.

Gardening in Zone 7a

Boone County enjoys the mild winters of Hardiness Zone 7a, supporting a wide range of plants. The organic-rich soil is excellent for native woodland herbs and fast-draining vegetable plots. Start your garden journey now and benefit from the county's unique soil profile.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Boone County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Heat Challenges in Boone County

Boone County presents a slightly tougher challenge with a lawn score of 60.7, trailing the state average of 66.5. Despite this, it remains easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0. The Zone 7a climate offers a long growing season but requires specific attention to heat management.

Intense Summer Heat and Ample Rain

Boone County endures 34 extreme heat days per year, which is twice the West Virginia average. This heat is balanced by 49.5 inches of annual rain, keeping the ground hydrated for much of the year. The high 3983 growing degree days mean your grass will grow rapidly, necessitating frequent mowing.

Sandy Soils and Low pH Levels

The local soil is notably sandy at 37.1%, which facilitates fast drainage but can lead to nutrient leaching. A pH of 5.56 is lower than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, meaning your grass may struggle to absorb minerals without soil amendments. Regular fertilization and liming are essential strategies for lawns in this sandy terrain.

Reliable Rainfall Limits Drought Stress

Boone County only saw 9 weeks of drought over the past year and currently reports no abnormally dry areas. This consistent moisture profile is a major advantage given the county's high number of extreme heat days. Your primary drought strategy should involve maintaining taller grass heights to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Targeting the Mid-April Planting Window

Heat-tolerant Tall Fescue is the best match for Boone’s 34 annual heat days and Zone 7a climate. The last spring frost typically occurs around April 16, allowing for an early start to the growing season. Plan your major seeding projects for the fall when the heat breaks but before the October 27 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boone County's county score?
Boone County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 58.8 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 Boone County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Boone County ranks #37 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 Boone County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Boone County is $587, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Boone County a tax score of 68.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Boone County?
The median household income in Boone County, West Virginia is $56,152 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Boone County earns an income score of 28/100 on CountyScore.
Is Boone County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Boone County scores 58.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Boone 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 Boone 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.