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Braxton County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#12 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
68.6
County Score
Cost of Living 98.6Property Tax 90.6Schools 73.9

County Report Card

About Braxton County, West Virginia

Top-Tier Living in the Heartland

Braxton County boasts an impressive composite score of 68.6, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in a high percentile for overall livability nationwide. Its ranking is driven by exceptional scores in affordability and fiscal management.

A Leader Among West Virginia Counties

With a score of 68.6, Braxton County significantly outperforms the state average of 62.0. It distinguishes itself with some of the best school and cost scores in the region. The effective tax rate of 0.450% is a major draw for residents compared to neighboring districts.

Unmatched Affordability and Strong Schools

The county excels with a cost score of 98.6, meaning housing is more affordable here than in almost any other U.S. county. This is paired with a high tax score of 90.6 and a solid school score of 73.9. Median rent is a very low $578 per month, providing immense financial breathing room.

Addressing Income and Health Gaps

Economic opportunity remains the biggest hurdle, with an income score of only 6.6. Health outcomes also lag behind the county's other high marks, scoring 33.2. While the cost of living is low, the median household income of $44,449 limits local purchasing power.

Perfect for Young Families and Seniors

Braxton County is a hidden gem for those who want their dollars to go as far as possible without sacrificing education quality. It is a perfect fit for young families starting out or retirees looking to preserve their savings. The combination of safety, good schools, and low costs makes it a highly desirable rural hub.

Score breakdown

Tax90.6Cost98.6Safety64.4Health33.2Schools73.9Income6.6Risk63.9Water55Weather59.5
🏛90.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠98.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼6.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡64.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓73.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡63.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧55
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65
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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Nearby counties

Gilmer County
West Virginia
73.7
Lewis County
West Virginia
62.2
Webster County
West Virginia
69.7
Clay County
West Virginia
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Calhoun County
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Nicholas County
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Upshur County
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Roane County
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Deep Dives

Braxton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Braxton County

via TaxByCounty

Braxton's rate is well below national average

Braxton County's 0.450% effective tax rate is comfortably below the national median of 0.81%, placing it in the lowest quartile nationally. At $479, the median property tax is less than one-fifth the national median of $2,690.

Braxton ranks among West Virginia's lowest

Braxton's 0.450% rate falls just below the state average of 0.497%, ranking it as one of the more tax-friendly counties statewide. The median tax of $479 is about 31% lower than the state average of $699.

Braxton vs. adjacent counties

Braxton's rate is slightly higher than Barbour (0.427%) and Calhoun (0.397%) but substantially lower than Cabell (0.634%) and Boone (0.650%). It ranks among the more affordable options in its regional peer group.

Your annual property tax in Braxton

On the median home value of $106,400, you'll pay approximately $479 per year—about $40 monthly. Homeowners with mortgages pay $594, slightly higher due to escrow requirements.

Could you be overassessed?

Even in low-tax counties like Braxton, some properties are valued above their fair market worth. A simple appeal process could verify your assessment and potentially lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Braxton County

via CostByCounty

Braxton ranks among nation's most affordable

Braxton County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national affordability threshold of 15%, making it one of West Virginia's better housing markets. With median household income of $44,449 and rent at just $578 monthly, Braxton offers genuine affordability for lower-income households.

Braxton beats statewide affordability average

At 15.6%, Braxton's rent-to-income ratio edges below West Virginia's statewide average of 16.9%, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. Median rent of $578 is the lowest in this dataset, reflecting Braxton's rural character and lower demand.

Braxton offers cheapest regional rents

Braxton's $578 median rent substantially undercuts neighboring Boone ($823), Calhoun ($483), and Clay ($589) counties. While Calhoun edges slightly lower, Braxton's stronger median income of $44,449 creates a better overall affordability profile than its neighbors.

Braxton's affordable housing across tenures

Residents earning a median $44,449 annually pay just $578 on rent (15.6% of income) or $374 on mortgages (10.1%). Both renters and homeowners enjoy reasonable affordability in Braxton, with median home values sitting at just $106,400.

Braxton County: West Virginia's affordability leader

Seeking true affordability in Appalachia? Braxton County delivers the region's lowest rent at $578 monthly and respectable median incomes of $44,449. Whether renting or buying, households here spend less on housing than nearly any other West Virginia county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Braxton County

via IncomeByCounty

Braxton struggles far below national income

Braxton County's median household income of $44,449 ranks 41% below the U.S. median of $74,755, marking it among the lowest-income counties in America. This severe gap reflects limited job diversity and the structural decline of coal and timber industries in rural West Virginia.

Among West Virginia's poorest counties

Braxton County's $44,449 median household income falls significantly below the state average of $54,746, ranking in the bottom tier of West Virginia's 55 counties. Per capita income of $23,349 trails the state average of $30,335, indicating few high-earning residents.

Poorest among nearby counties

Braxton's median household income of $44,449 ranks lowest among its immediate peers: Boone ($56,152), Barbour ($48,347), and Clay ($42,790) are the closest comparables. Only Calhoun County ($41,421) and Clay approach Braxton's income levels in the surrounding area.

Low rent burden masks income challenges

Braxton's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% is the healthiest in this profile, partly because low rents reflect depressed property values rather than affordable housing. The median home value of $106,400 is modest, but low household incomes make even this price challenging for first-time buyers.

Start small, build consistent habits

In communities with lower median incomes like Braxton, focus on high-impact, low-cost strategies: keep an emergency fund of just $500–$1,000 to avoid debt spirals, use free retirement accounts, and seek employer matches. Even modest contributions to savings accumulate when compound interest works over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Braxton County

via CrimeByCounty

Secure Living in Braxton

Braxton County reports a safety score of 98.7, indicating a high level of security. Its total crime rate of 831.6 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Strong Rankings within West Virginia

The county's crime rate sits comfortably below the West Virginia average of 949.0. Six reporting agencies ensure that local safety trends are accurately captured and addressed.

Comparative Regional Safety

Braxton sees slightly more property crime than neighboring Boone, but it remains much quieter than the state's urban centers. Its violent crime rate of 183.9 is better than the state average of 213.9.

Low Violent Crime Prevalence

Property crime is the primary concern here, occurring at a rate of 647.7 per 100,000 people. Violent crime is relatively rare, representing only about 22% of all reported incidents.

Deterring Local Property Crimes

Marking valuable tools and installing basic alarm systems can deter property-related offenses. Local residents benefit from a tight-knit community where neighbors look out for one another.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Braxton County

via HealthByCounty

Above-average life expectancy, mixed health picture

Braxton County residents live to 73.5 years on average, exceeding both West Virginia (72.2 years) and narrowing the gap with the U.S. average of 78.0 years. However, 26.9% report poor or fair health, indicating significant chronic disease despite longer life expectancy.

Upper-tier life expectancy in West Virginia

Braxton County's 73.5-year life expectancy places it in the top tier of West Virginia's 55 counties. The 8.2% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 7.6%, suggesting some residents face coverage gaps.

Highest life expectancy among eight counties

Braxton's 73.5 years ties or exceeds all comparison counties, surpassing Berkeley (73.3), Brooke (73.1), and significantly leading Boone (68.9) and Clay (69.3). However, the 26.9% poor/fair health rate remains concerning despite strong longevity metrics.

Strong primary care, moderate mental health support

Braxton offers 49 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the third-highest among these counties—and 99 mental health providers. With 8.2% uninsured, the county still has room to improve health insurance coverage.

Close coverage gaps in your community

Braxton's 8.2% uninsured rate means nearly one in twelve residents lack health coverage. Contact the West Virginia Medicaid office or visit healthcare.gov to find affordable options that fit your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Braxton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Braxton County's Rural School Network

Braxton County operates 8 public schools, consisting of 6 elementary campuses, 1 middle school, and 1 high school. This structure supports 1,726 students across the county's single school district.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

Braxton County achieves an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 87.0%. With a school score of 58.2, the county outperforms the state average despite a per-pupil spend of $7,473.

Focused Management by Braxton County Schools

Braxton County Schools is the central district managing all 1,726 students across 8 campuses. Traditional public education remains the standard here, as the county does not host any charter schools.

The Definition of Rural Education

Every single school in the county is classified as rural, offering an average enrollment of just 216 students per campus. Braxton County High School serves as the largest hub with 503 students, providing a focused secondary education.

Serene Living with High Educational Standards

Braxton County combines a peaceful rural setting with academic outcomes that outpace the rest of the state. Real estate near these high-performing schools offers a unique blend of community and success for growing families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Braxton County

via RiskByCounty

Braxton offers strong natural disaster safety

Braxton County's composite risk score of 36.16 earns a Very Low rating, placing it well below the national average. The county's rural, inland location shields it from major hazard exposure.

Among safest counties in state

Braxton's score of 36.16 sits significantly below West Virginia's 49.21 average, ranking the county among the safest in the state. Only a few counties share this favorable risk profile.

Safe haven in central WV

Braxton is substantially safer than neighboring Boone County (69.37) and Brooke County (54.23), offering residents more protection from major natural hazards. Its low-risk status is one of the county's geographic advantages.

Flood dominates modest risk profile

Braxton's flood risk of 63.58 represents its primary vulnerability, though still moderate by state standards. Wildfire and tornado risks are extremely low at 5.44 and 6.58 respectively.

Standard coverage provides solid protection

Braxton residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with flood coverage consideration, particularly in low-lying areas near streams. The county's overall low-risk environment means standard protections are generally sufficient.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Braxton County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard temperatures with high rain

At 54.4°F, Braxton County maintains a temperature profile slightly above the national average. Its 50.9 inches of annual rain marks it as a high-precipitation area compared to many interior U.S. regions.

Warmer and wetter than average

Braxton is warmer than the West Virginia state average of 52.8°F. The county receives 50.9 inches of precipitation, making it notably wetter than the 47.0-inch state mean.

Central heartland weather

Located in the heart of the state, Braxton's 25 extreme heat days annually outpace nearby Doddridge but fall behind southern Boone. Its 17.9 inches of snow is typical for the central West Virginia lowlands.

Balanced heat and cold

Summer temperatures peak in July with an average of 74.8°F and 25 days reaching into the 90s. January remains chilly at 32.4°F, providing just enough cold for nearly 18 inches of annual snow.

Focus on HVAC and drainage

Reliable HVAC systems are necessary to handle both the 25 days of 90-degree heat and the freezing winter lows. High annual precipitation requires well-maintained drainage systems to protect homes and property.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Braxton County

via SoilByCounty

Braxton’s Moderate Acidity Levels

The soil in Braxton County has an average pH of 5.68, placing it well above the state average of 5.25. While still more acidic than the national 6.5 median, this level is relatively favorable for many regional forest species. No specific taxonomic order is recorded for the county's dominant soil types.

Balanced Texture for Easy Tilling

The soil contains 23.7% sand and 29.5% silt, creating a medium-textured ground that avoids extreme heaviness. A low clay content of 11.6% ensures that the soil does not become overly sticky or difficult to work when wet. This mix provides a stable base for various land uses.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Braxton County features a remarkable 25.91% organic matter, exceeding the state average of 21.03%. However, the available water capacity is 0.114 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.142 in/in. This suggests that while the soil is nutrient-dense, it requires consistent watering to support lush growth.

Local Hydrologic Insights

Detailed drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unavailable for Braxton County. The combination of high organic matter and low water capacity suggests unique drainage characteristics that gardeners should monitor. Observational testing is recommended before installing permanent irrigation or structures.

Reliable Growing in Zone 6b

Braxton County’s 6b hardiness zone is well-suited for traditional Appalachian crops like beans and squash. The high organic content provides a massive head start for any home garden or small farm. Get outside and plant today to take advantage of this rich, organic earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Braxton County

via LawnByCounty

Typical West Virginia Growing Conditions

Braxton County’s lawn difficulty score of 65.0 aligns closely with the state average of 66.5. It sits well above the national median, indicating a generally favorable environment for home gardeners. The local 6b hardiness zone is perfectly suited for standard Appalachian turf varieties.

Optimal Rainfall and Steady Growing Days

With 50.9 inches of annual precipitation, Braxton County stays naturally well-watered throughout the year. The county sees 25 extreme heat days, which is higher than the state average but manageable with its 3616 growing degree days. This combination creates a vigorous growing environment that requires consistent seasonal maintenance.

Lower Clay Content Supports Drainage

Braxton's soil pH of 5.68 is slightly acidic, so a light application of lime can help reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil features a low 11.6% clay content and 23.7% sand, suggesting a relatively loose structure. This composition typically provides good aeration for grass roots, though it may require more frequent fertilization.

Moderate Drought History, Clear Future

The county experienced 12 weeks of drought in the past year, showing that summer dry spells can occasionally occur. Currently, 0% of the county is under drought stress, allowing lawns to grow without water restrictions. Keeping your mower blades sharp and high helps the grass stay resilient when the rain eventually pauses.

Prepare for an April 22 Start

Zone 6b favors a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue for a lush, durable lawn. Your growing window opens after the last frost on April 22 and extends until the first freeze on October 28. Early fall remains the goldilocks zone for seeding, as it avoids the summer heat while utilizing the ample 50.9 inches of rain.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Braxton County's county score?
Braxton County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 68.6 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 Braxton County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Braxton County ranks #12 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 Braxton County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Braxton County is $479, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Braxton County a tax score of 90.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Braxton County?
The median household income in Braxton County, West Virginia is $44,449 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Braxton County earns an income score of 6.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Braxton County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Braxton County scores 68.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Braxton 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 Braxton 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.