CountyScore

Doddridge County

West Virginia · WV

#2 in West Virginia
77.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Doddridge County, West Virginia

Well above the national average

Doddridge County scores 77.3 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the top tier nationally, indicating substantially better livability than the typical U.S. county.

Above West Virginia average

At 77.3, Doddridge ranks above the state average of 72.2, making it one of the stronger-performing counties in West Virginia. The county stands out as a solid performer within its state context.

Low taxes and affordable living

Doddridge excels in tax burden (89.1) and housing affordability (87.7), with an effective tax rate of just 0.47% and median home values around $160,000. The county also scores well on financial risk (85.6), suggesting stable economic fundamentals and reasonable cost of living.

Income opportunities lag behind

Income is the county's weakest dimension at 23.3, with a median household income of $61,164—notably below many peer counties. Health outcomes (66.9) could also see improvement to match the county's cost-of-living advantages.

Ideal for retirees and budget-conscious families

Doddridge County suits people prioritizing low taxes, affordable housing, and stable finances over high earning potential. It's an excellent fit for retirees, remote workers, or families seeking small-town living without financial stress.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89.1Cost87.7SafetyComing SoonHealth66.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.3Risk85.6WaterComing Soon
🏛89.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡85.6
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 Doddridge County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Caribou County
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77.3
Median income: $66,653
Stevens County
Minnesota
77.3
Median income: $71,060
Bottineau County
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77.3
Median income: $83,460
Bowman County
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77.3
Median income: $83,773
Renville County
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Median income: $76,311

Deep Dives

Doddridge County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Doddridge County

via TaxByCounty

Doddridge's taxes rank far below national average

Doddridge County's effective tax rate of 0.470% sits well below the national median of 0.66%, placing homeowners in a favorable position compared to most U.S. counties. A median home valued at $160,000 generates just $752 in annual property taxes here, roughly one-quarter of the national median tax bill of $2,690. This county ranks in approximately the 15th percentile nationally—meaning 85% of American counties tax property more heavily.

Slightly below West Virginia average

Doddridge's 0.470% rate falls modestly below West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, though residents pay a median tax of $752 versus the state median of $699. The county ranks in the middle tier statewide, neither among the most tax-friendly nor the most expensive counties in West Virginia. This positioning reflects relatively moderate tax burdens for the state overall.

More affordable than nearby Hancock County

Compared to adjacent Hancock County's 0.629% rate, Doddridge residents enjoy a meaningful tax advantage. Grant County and Hardy County both offer lower rates at 0.331% and 0.367% respectively, while Greenbrier County matches Doddridge at 0.470%. Among this cluster of central West Virginia counties, Doddridge falls solidly in the middle range.

Median annual property tax: $752

A homeowner with a $160,000 property in Doddridge County pays approximately $752 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $787, while those without mortgages pay $733, reflecting typical servicing and administrative variations. Over a 30-year mortgage, this totals roughly $23,610 in property taxes alone.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Many West Virginia homeowners find their properties assessed above fair market value, creating an opportunity to appeal and reduce their tax burden. If your home is assessed higher than comparable properties in Doddridge County, filing an appeal could lower your annual bills. County assessors sometimes miss market shifts or property condition changes—it's worth a review to ensure you're paying only what you owe.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Doddridge County

via CostByCounty

Doddridge's rent burden beats the nation

At 16.2%, Doddridge County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national norm, meaning residents spend less of their paychecks on rent than typical Americans. The county's median household income of $61,164 falls short of the national median by $13,591, yet rents remain modest at $827 monthly, creating unexpected affordability.

Better than most West Virginia counties

Doddridge ranks among the more affordable counties statewide, with a rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% versus West Virginia's 16.9% average. This modest advantage reflects stable housing costs relative to neighbor counties struggling with similar income constraints.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Doddridge's $827 monthly rent exceeds nearby Hancock County ($766) but undercuts Greenbrier County ($834). Homeownership costs $380 monthly—competitive for the region—while the $160,000 median home value offers solid equity-building potential at prices lower than Hampshire County's market.

Housing takes 16% of income here

Renters spend $827 monthly while homeowners pay $380, yet both groups live within reasonable affordability thresholds. With median household income at $61,164, the typical Doddridge household dedicates about 16.2% to rent, leaving room for other essentials.

Consider Doddridge for balanced costs

If you're weighing moves across West Virginia, Doddridge delivers below-state-average housing costs without sacrificing income potential. Compare rents and home values here against Fayette, Gilmer, and Hardy counties to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Doddridge County

via IncomeByCounty

Doddridge earns above the state, below the nation

Doddridge County's median household income of $61,164 exceeds West Virginia's state average of $54,746 by 12%, but falls short of the national median of $74,755. This $13,591 gap to the national average reflects regional economic patterns common across Appalachia.

Top tier in West Virginia earnings

Doddridge ranks among the stronger-earning counties in West Virginia, placing it well above the median. The county's $61,164 household income puts it in competitive position within its state's economic landscape.

Higher income than most regional peers

Doddridge's $61,164 median household income outpaces several neighboring counties: Gilmer ($50,991), Hardy ($49,302), and Greenbrier ($48,662). Only Grant County ($61,530) edges slightly ahead in this regional comparison.

Rent remains affordable for most households

At 16.2%, Doddridge County's rent-to-income ratio falls well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs remain manageable for median earners. Median home values of $160,000 are accessible for households earning $61,164 annually.

Build on solid income foundation here

With above-average state income and affordable housing, Doddridge residents have room in their budgets for savings and investments. Consider working with a financial advisor to build emergency funds and retirement accounts that grow your $61,164 household income over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Doddridge County

via HealthByCounty

Doddridge lives longer than most

At 76.8 years, Doddridge County residents live nearly 5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—a striking health advantage. Just 24% report poor or fair health, a rate well below the national baseline, suggesting the county's residents enjoy some of West Virginia's better health outcomes overall.

County outpaces West Virginia

Doddridge's life expectancy of 76.8 years far exceeds the state average of 72.2 years, putting it among the healthier counties in West Virginia. This 4.6-year advantage reflects stronger health profiles and lower rates of chronic disease compared to state peers.

A regional health leader

Doddridge ranks among the strongest in its region for life expectancy, outpacing nearby Hancock County (72.6 years) and Hardy County (72.7 years). The county's 24% poor/fair health rate also beats most neighboring counties, signaling better population health status across the board.

Access challenges despite good health

While Doddridge's residents are healthier overall, the county has only 13 primary care providers per 100,000 people—less than half the state average—creating potential access barriers. With a 7.7% uninsured rate matching the state average, most residents have coverage, but getting to a doctor remains a daily challenge for many.

Make sure you're covered

Even in a healthy county, having insurance makes a difference in managing health care costs and preventive visits. Check your coverage options today at healthcare.gov or contact your employer's benefits office to ensure you and your family have protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Doddridge County

via RiskByCounty

Doddridge ranks among safest counties

With a composite risk score of 14.44 and a Very Low rating, Doddridge County faces significantly less natural disaster risk than the typical U.S. county. This score places it well below the national average, making it one of West Virginia's lowest-risk communities.

Second-safest county in West Virginia

Doddridge's composite risk score of 14.44 ranks it among the lowest in the state, where the average is 49.21. Only a handful of West Virginia counties enjoy comparable protection from natural hazards.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Doddridge's score of 14.44 compares favorably to neighboring Gilmer County (11.45) and significantly outperforms Grant County (33.17) and Hancock County (40.68). The county benefits from geography that shields it from major tornado and wildfire activity.

Flood and hurricane exposure most elevated

Doddridge's primary natural disaster risks are flooding (43.58) and hurricane impact (36.71), both moderate concerns for the region. Tornado risk is minimal at 9.86, and wildfire danger is negligible at 10.69.

Flood insurance remains essential protection

Even in low-risk Doddridge, flood coverage protects against the county's most likely hazard, with a flood risk score of 43.58. Standard homeowners insurance won't cover flood damage, making a separate NFIP or private policy a practical safeguard.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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