CountyScore

Calhoun County

West Virginia · WV

#3 in West Virginia
76.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Calhoun County, West Virginia

Calhoun ranks among nation's best

Calhoun County achieves a composite score of 76.9, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 54%, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for livability. This exceptional score reflects extraordinary housing affordability and tax advantages.

West Virginia's top livability performer

At 76.9, Calhoun County significantly outperforms the state average of 72.2, ranking as the strongest county in West Virginia among these eight. The county demonstrates that exceptional livability is achievable even in rural settings.

Unmatched affordability and tax relief

Calhoun County delivers the region's lowest taxes (91.1 score, 0.397% effective rate) and most affordable housing (95.2 score) with median rent at just $483 monthly and homes at $111,200. These extraordinary advantages make it one of America's most affordable counties.

Income levels severely constrain opportunities

The income score of 10.4—the lowest in this group—reflects a median household income of just $41,421, severely limiting career advancement and wealth building. Health outcomes (58.5) also lag, suggesting healthcare access challenges.

Best for retirees and fixed incomes

Calhoun County is purpose-built for retirees, those living on fixed incomes, and individuals with remote work opportunities seeking maximum affordability. The exceptional composite score masks a county with limited economic dynamism or wage growth.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax91.1Cost95.2SafetyComing SoonHealth58.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome10.4Risk83.2WaterComing Soon
🏛91.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠95.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤58.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡83.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Calhoun County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Hayes County
Nebraska
76.9
Median income: $60,313
White Pine County
Nevada
76.9
Median income: $72,294
West Carroll Parish
Louisiana
77
Median income: $48,514
Craig County
Virginia
77
Median income: $67,778
Lamar County
Alabama
76.8
Median income: $47,447

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Calhoun County

via TaxByCounty

Calhoun has among America's lowest rates

Calhoun County's 0.397% effective tax rate ranks in the very bottom of U.S. counties, well below the national median of 0.81%. The median tax of $441 is just one-sixth the national median of $2,690.

Calhoun ranks lowest in West Virginia

At 0.397%, Calhoun County has the lowest effective tax rate among all West Virginia counties shown here, 20% below the state average of 0.497%. The median tax of $441 is the lowest statewide in this comparison.

Calhoun vs. surrounding counties

Calhoun's 0.397% rate is the lowest in the region, beating Barbour (0.427%), Braxton (0.450%), and all other neighboring counties. For tax-conscious homeowners, Calhoun offers exceptional affordability.

Your annual property tax in Calhoun

On the median home value of $111,200, you'll pay approximately $441 annually—just $37 per month. With a mortgage, the figure rises slightly to $614.

Could you be overassessed?

Even in the most tax-friendly counties, assessment errors happen and overvalued properties get on the rolls. A quick review of your assessment can confirm you're paying only what you owe.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Calhoun County

via CostByCounty

Calhoun County delivers genuine affordability

Calhoun County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio sits below the national affordability threshold of 15%, placing it among America's most affordable housing markets. With median household income of $41,421 and rent at just $483 monthly, Calhoun offers exceptional value despite lower incomes.

Calhoun ranks among West Virginia's best buys

At 14.0%, Calhoun's rent-to-income ratio beats West Virginia's statewide average of 16.9%, making it one of the state's most affordable counties. Median rent of $483 is the lowest in this entire dataset, reflecting Calhoun's rural location and limited housing demand.

Calhoun undercuts all regional competitors

Calhoun's $483 median rent is the cheapest option in this analysis, undercutting even rural Braxton County ($578) and Clay County ($589). At 14.0%, Calhoun's rent burden rivals Brooke County (13.9%) for the state's best affordability.

Calhoun's ultra-affordable housing picture

Households earning just $41,421 annually pay $483 on rent (14.0% of income) or $316 on mortgages (9.1%). Both renters and homeowners enjoy remarkable affordability in Calhoun, with median home values of $111,200 making ownership accessible even to lower-income households.

Calhoun County: West Virginia's most affordable

Seeking the cheapest housing in West Virginia? Calhoun County delivers the lowest median rent at $483 monthly and comparable affordability for homebuyers. This rural county rewards residents prioritizing affordability and accessibility over urban amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Calhoun County

via IncomeByCounty

Calhoun among America's poorest counties

Calhoun County's median household income of $41,421 ranks 45% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-income counties nationwide. This severe gap reflects the concentrated effects of post-industrial decline in a rural, isolated county with limited job diversity.

Lowest in West Virginia's profile

Calhoun County's $41,421 median household income ranks among the absolute lowest in West Virginia, trailing the state average of $54,746 by 24%. Its per capita income of $24,520 also ranks near the bottom, suggesting few household members earn significant income.

Poorest in this eight-county sample

Calhoun's $41,421 median household income is the lowest among these eight counties, trailing even Clay ($42,790) and Braxton ($44,449) by over $1,000. Only in isolation does it outpace some other West Virginia counties, emphasizing the depth of economic distress in Calhoun.

Affordable housing helps tight budgets

Calhoun County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.0% is among the healthiest in this profile, and its median home value of $111,200 reflects affordability rather than prosperity. Low housing costs provide crucial relief for households earning among America's lowest incomes.

Focus on security and skill-building

In Calhoun's constrained income environment, prioritize job training and credential programs that expand earning potential—even small income increases yield significant percentage gains. Build a small emergency fund, explore free or low-cost financial literacy resources, and investigate remote work opportunities that leverage broadband infrastructure.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Calhoun County

via HealthByCounty

Below-average life expectancy, widespread poor health

Calhoun County residents live to 71.5 years on average, falling 0.7 years below West Virginia's state average and more than 6 years below the U.S. average of 78.0 years. At 28.7%, Calhoun has the highest poor/fair health rate among these eight counties.

Bottom-tier health outcomes in West Virginia

Calhoun County ranks in the bottom third of West Virginia's 55 counties for life expectancy at 71.5 years. The 7.5% uninsured rate is close to the state average of 7.6%, but widespread poor health reflects deeper health challenges.

Poorest health indicators in the region

Calhoun's 71.5-year life expectancy ranks just above Clay (69.3) but trails all other comparison counties, and its 28.7% poor/fair health rate is the worst in the group. The county faces entrenched socioeconomic and health disparities.

Improved primary care, limited mental health depth

Calhoun offers 65 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the second-highest in this group—but only 50 mental health providers per 100,000. With 7.5% uninsured, many residents rely on Medicaid for both primary and behavioral health care.

Health insurance is your first step

Calhoun County's health challenges make insurance coverage essential for accessing the primary and mental health care you need. Call West Virginia's Medicaid office or visit healthcare.gov to enroll in affordable coverage that supports your family's health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Calhoun County

via RiskByCounty

Calhoun ranks safest in entire state

Calhoun County's composite risk score of 16.83 earns a Very Low rating, placing it among America's safest counties for natural disasters. The score reflects the county's protected inland location and minimal hazard exposure.

State's lowest natural disaster risk

Calhoun's score of 16.83 is the lowest in West Virginia, standing far below the state average of 49.21. The county offers residents exceptional protection from major natural hazards.

Safest corner of central West Virginia

Calhoun is significantly safer than all neighboring counties, including Braxton County (36.16) and Barbour County (24.01). This safety advantage makes Calhoun the most secure location in its region.

Minimal hazard exposure statewide

Calhoun's flood risk of 45.55 is its highest score, though still modest by state standards. Wildfire and tornado risks are extraordinarily low at 3.79 and 5.69 respectively, with earthquake risk at 24.55.

Standard insurance provides ample coverage

Calhoun residents can rely on conventional homeowners insurance for excellent protection, as the county's overall hazard environment is exceptionally favorable. Basic coverage typically meets all reasonable needs.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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