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Fayette County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#51 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
50.7
County Score
Lawn Care 78.3Cost of Living 77.1Weather & Climate 70.2

County Report Card

About Fayette County, West Virginia

Fayette County Matches National Median

Fayette County earns a composite score of 50.7, landing it almost exactly on the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard level of American livability despite facing specific regional economic pressures.

Trailing the West Virginia Average

While the county matches the national midpoint, its 50.7 score sits below the West Virginia state average of 62.0. This suggests there are more competitive living options available in neighboring counties.

Affordable Housing and Low Taxes

Housing affordability is a major draw, evidenced by a cost score of 77.1 and a median home value of just $104,200. Residents also benefit from a favorable tax score of 67.2 and low median rents.

Health and Income Gaps

The county faces significant socioeconomic challenges, including an income score of 20.0 and a health score of 25.3. These metrics reflect lower median household earnings and limited access to medical outcomes.

A Budget-Friendly Outdoor Haven

Fayette County is best suited for individuals or retirees who want ultra-low housing costs and access to natural beauty. It offers an affordable entry point for those with independent income sources.

Score breakdown

Tax67.2Cost77.1Safety41.6Health25.3Schools48.5Income20Risk46.6Water27Weather70.2
🏛67.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡41.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱78.3
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

Fayette County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fayette County

via TaxByCounty

Fayette taxes exceed national average significantly

Fayette County's effective tax rate of 0.662% surpasses the national median of 0.66%, placing it among higher-tax counties nationwide. Despite a modest median home value of $104,200, residents pay $690 annually—still just a quarter of the national median tax of $2,690. This county ranks approximately in the 65th percentile nationally, meaning two-thirds of U.S. counties tax property less aggressively.

Highest tax rate in West Virginia comparison

Fayette County's 0.662% effective rate is the highest among all eight counties analyzed here and well above West Virginia's state average of 0.497%. The median property tax of $690 nearly matches the state median despite a much lower home value, reflecting the steeper rate burden on residents. Fayette stands as one of the more expensive counties for property taxation across the state.

Significantly pricier than surrounding counties

Fayette's 0.662% rate dwarfs neighboring Greenbrier County's 0.470% and Grant County's 0.331%, making it the most expensive option in the region. Even Hancock County, the second-highest at 0.629%, provides slightly better relief for Fayette residents. This tax burden makes Fayette among the least affordable counties for property owners in central West Virginia.

Median annual property tax: $690

A homeowner with a $104,200 property in Fayette County pays approximately $690 annually, or $866 with a mortgage factored in. Those without mortgages typically pay $539, showing how servicing fees affect the final bill. Over 30 years, this amounts to roughly $20,700 in property taxes on a median-valued home.

Assessment appeals could recover hundreds yearly

Given Fayette's higher tax rate, overassessments hit harder on residents' wallets—making an appeal especially worthwhile. Many Fayette County homeowners discover their assessed values exceed actual market value, creating a strong case for reduction. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could save you hundreds annually if successful.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fayette County

via CostByCounty

Fayette's affordability gap widens nationally

Fayette County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% exceeds both the state average (16.9%) and reflects tighter affordability than most U.S. counties. With median household income at $52,672—$22,083 below the national median—residents face compounded pressure despite rents that appear low in isolation.

Among West Virginia's least affordable

Fayette's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks it below most state peers, signaling housing stress relative to local earnings. The county's median income trails the state average, amplifying the burden even though rents themselves remain modest.

Cheapest rents but weakest incomes

Fayette's $777 monthly rent is the lowest across peer counties, yet its $52,672 median household income is among the weakest. Homeownership costs $583 monthly with a median home value of $104,200, the lowest in the comparison group.

17.7% of income goes to rent

Renters spend $777 monthly on housing, consuming 17.7% of the typical household's $52,672 income. Homeowners pay $583 monthly, but even this modest cost strains budgets in a county where income growth lags state and national trends.

Lowest costs come with income trade-offs

Fayette offers the region's cheapest rents and home prices, but relocating here means accepting lower wage prospects than neighboring counties. Compare local job markets carefully before moving—affordability gains vanish if income declines.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fayette County

via IncomeByCounty

Fayette households earn below state average

Fayette County's median household income of $52,672 trails both the West Virginia average ($54,746) and the national median ($74,755) by significant margins. The $22,083 gap to the national average reflects Fayette's economic challenges.

Below-average earnings within West Virginia

Fayette County ranks below the state median, placing it among the lower-earning counties in West Virginia. At $52,672, household income here lags the state average by $2,074.

Struggles compared to regional counties

Fayette's $52,672 median household income trails several neighboring counties including Doddridge ($61,164), Grant ($61,530), and Hampshire ($60,299). Only Gilmer ($50,991) and Hardy ($49,302) report lower household incomes in the immediate region.

Housing costs strain household budgets

At 17.7%, Fayette's rent-to-income ratio approaches the 30% affordability threshold, signaling housing cost pressure for median earners. Median home values of $104,200 remain relatively affordable, but renters may face tighter monthly finances.

Strategic saving is critical in Fayette

With median income near state lows, building financial resilience matters more than ever in Fayette County. Explore low-cost investing options, employer retirement plans, and community financial counseling to protect your $52,672 household income against unexpected expenses.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fayette County

via CrimeByCounty

Fayette County Beats National Crime Averages

Fayette County reports a total crime rate of 1,322.0 per 100K, which is 44% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.9 out of 100, indicating a secure environment for residents. Local authorities manage 11 reporting agencies to maintain this high standard of public safety.

Slightly Below the State Safety Average

Fayette's safety score of 97.9 falls slightly behind the West Virginia state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 1,322.0 per 100K is higher than the state average of 949.0. Despite this, it remains a competitive region for safety within the Appalachian landscape.

Comparing Fayette to Regional Neighbors

Fayette County sees more reported crime than nearby Greenbrier County, which maintains a lower rate of 909.2 per 100K. However, it is significantly safer than many urban centers outside the state. The county works diligently to bridge the gap between its current rates and the state average.

Low Violent Crime, Higher Property Concerns

The violent crime rate in Fayette is 207.2 per 100K, beating both the state average of 213.9 and the national average of 369.8. Property crime represents the bulk of local incidents at 1,114.8 per 100K. This suggests that while personal safety is high, property protection is a priority.

Prioritize Your Property Security

With property crime making up the majority of local incidents, securing your home is essential. Use deadbolts and alarm systems to safeguard against the 1,114.8 property crimes reported per 100K residents. Active community watch programs also play a vital role in keeping Fayette safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Fayette County

via HealthByCounty

Fayette faces significant health challenges

At 69.8 years, Fayette County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years by more than 6 years—among the lowest in America. With 27.7% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county faces one of the steepest health burdens in the nation.

Struggling even for West Virginia

Fayette's 69.8-year life expectancy falls nearly 2.5 years below the state average of 72.2 years, ranking it among West Virginia's most challenged counties. The 27.7% poor/fair health rate is significantly higher than the state median, signaling widespread chronic disease and health inequities.

The county health gap is real

Fayette trails most neighboring counties: Doddridge (76.8 years), Gilmer (75.2 years), and Greenbrier (71.4 years) all report higher life expectancy. This gap suggests deeper structural health challenges specific to Fayette that extend beyond regional patterns.

Strong provider access, complex barriers

Fayette has 40 primary care providers and 90 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—well above county averages—yet faces persistent health disparities. A 7.8% uninsured rate, nearly 2 points above state average, suggests financial barriers and health system navigation challenges limit care access for many.

Get covered and get help

With higher rates of uninsurance and health challenges, securing coverage is crucial for Fayette families. Visit healthcare.gov today to explore Medicaid, ACA marketplace plans, and local health program options that can help you access the care you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Fayette County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large, Diverse Educational Framework

Fayette County supports 12 public schools that educate a total of 5,613 students. The system includes seven elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools, along with one specialized facility. This broad network provides comprehensive coverage across the county's varied geography.

Steady Outcomes Despite Lower Funding

Fayette County maintains a 90.0% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87.0% though it trails the state average of 92.8%. The district operates with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,277, falling slightly below the state average of $7,773 and well under the $13,000 national benchmark. Its overall school score of 54.1 is near the state average of 56.7.

Centralized Management at Fayette County Schools

Fayette County Schools manages all 12 public institutions in the area, serving over 5,600 students. Currently, 0% of the county's schools are charter-based, meaning all students are enrolled in the traditional district system. Oak Hill High is the largest anchor in the district, serving 1,164 students.

A Mix of Suburbs and Rural Towns

Students here experience a diverse mix of settings, with six schools in suburban areas, five in rural zones, and one in a town. Average school size is 510 students, but this varies widely from the large Oak Hill High to smaller primary centers. This geographic variety means the daily school experience depends heavily on whether you live in a town center or the countryside.

Diverse Housing Near Varied School Settings

Fayette County’s mix of suburban and rural schools provides unique options for families searching for a new home. School proximity is a major factor in local home values, especially near the larger hubs like Oak Hill. Start your search today to find a residence that fits your student's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fayette County

via RiskByCounty

Fayette's risk slightly above state average

Fayette County's composite risk score of 53.44 and Relatively Low rating place it modestly above West Virginia's state average of 49.21. Nationally, this score indicates moderate but manageable natural disaster exposure.

Mid-range risk among West Virginia counties

With a score of 53.44, Fayette ranks in the middle tier of West Virginia counties, where the average is 49.21. The county faces more significant hazard exposure than Doddridge or Gilmer but less than Greenbrier County.

Moderate risk in southern West Virginia cluster

Fayette's score of 53.44 sits between Greenbrier County (75.76) to the south and Hardy County (42.46) to the north. The county faces higher earthquake and wildfire risk than most of its immediate neighbors.

Flooding and earthquakes pose greatest threats

Fayette residents face substantial flood risk (72.93) and earthquake exposure (52.26), making these the county's primary concerns. Wildfire risk is also notable at 49.52, while tornado danger remains relatively low at 10.69.

Prioritize flood and earthquake preparedness

Fayette's flood risk score of 72.93 makes flood insurance critical, especially in low-lying areas and near waterways. Consider earthquake coverage or retrofit assessments for older structures, given the county's 52.26 seismic risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fayette County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler plateau air

Fayette County averages 53.0°F annually, reflecting the cooler air of the Appalachian Plateau. Its 48.0 inches of precipitation is slightly above the national average, supporting the region's dense forests.

A typical state profile

Fayette is very close to the state average of 52.8°F and 47.0 inches of precipitation. This makes its climate highly representative of the typical West Virginia plateau experience.

Cooler than the coalfields

While neighboring Boone swelters with 34 extreme heat days, Fayette sees only 7. This cooler profile is due to the higher elevation and rugged terrain of the New River Gorge area.

Exceptionally mild summers

Summer is exceptionally mild, as July temperatures average just 72.2°F. Winters are typical for the region with a January average of 32.1°F, though official snowfall records are currently limited.

Ideal for outdoor recreation

Outdoor enthusiasts benefit from having only 7 days of extreme heat, making this a prime area for summer activity. Heating efficiency is more important than cooling capacity given the freezing winter averages.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fayette County

via SoilByCounty

A Rugged Appalachian Baseline

Specific local pH and taxonomic data for Fayette County are currently limited in the public record. However, the region typically reflects the state's baseline acidic profile, which averages a pH of 5.25. This acidity often favors native mountain flora and timber over alkaline-loving commercial crops.

Traditional Mountain Soil Textures

While precise percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable, the county's landscape is characterized by its steep topography and rocky outcrops. These conditions generally create a mix that prioritizes drainage over fine-particle retention. Gardeners here often look to the state's general soil trends to guide their local management practices.

High Organic Potential

Fayette County benefits from a state-wide organic matter average of 21.03%, which is significantly higher than the 2.0% national average. Although local AWC data is restricted, the surrounding region maintains a healthy state average of 0.142 in/in. This suggests that with proper management, the soil can support robust native vegetation.

Managing the Mountain Slopes

The county's hydrology is heavily influenced by its elevation changes and river proximity rather than just soil class. Without specific hydrologic group data, residents focus on managing runoff and preventing erosion on steep hillsides. Building and farming here require careful attention to the natural movement of water across the landscape.

Versatile Planting in Zone 6b

USDA Zone 6b gives Fayette County residents a generous window for growing everything from potatoes to hardy perennials. Native azaleas and rhododendrons thrive in these conditions, making it a paradise for ornamental gardening. Even with limited data, the region's climate provides a strong foundation for home growers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fayette County

via LawnByCounty

Top-tier lawn conditions in Fayette County

Fayette County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 78.3, signaling some of the easiest maintenance conditions in the state. This score is significantly higher than the West Virginia average of 66.5 and far exceeds the national median of 50.0. In Zone 6b, the local environment does much of the heavy lifting for you.

Cool summers and ample rainfall

With only 7 extreme heat days per year, Fayette County is much cooler than the state average of 17 days, reducing heat stress on cool-season grasses. The 48.0 inches of annual precipitation provides nearly all the water a lawn needs to stay green through the 3,243 growing degree days. This temperate climate allows for a steady mowing rhythm without the risk of summer dormancy.

Managing local soil variations

While specific soil pH and texture data for the county are limited, local growers should test for acidity common in the Appalachian plateau. Standard amendments may be needed if the soil deviates from the 6.0-7.0 ideal range for nutrient availability. Proper aeration remains a best practice to ensure rainfall reaches the root zone effectively.

High resilience against dry spells

The county is currently free of any abnormally dry conditions, having spent just 11 weeks in drought over the past year. This consistent moisture profile makes Fayette County highly resilient, requiring less supplemental watering than many other West Virginia counties. Using mulch-mowing techniques can further help your lawn retain moisture during the short summer dry gaps.

Planting dates for a lush landscape

The window for seeding opens after the typical last spring frost on April 22 and closes before the first fall frost on October 22. Fine fescue and perennial ryegrass perform exceptionally well in this mild Zone 6b climate. Start your project now to take advantage of one of the best lawn-growing environments in the country.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fayette County's county score?
Fayette County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 50.7 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 Fayette County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Fayette County ranks #51 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 Fayette County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Fayette County is $690, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Fayette County a tax score of 67.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fayette County?
The median household income in Fayette County, West Virginia is $52,672 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fayette County earns an income score of 20/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fayette County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Fayette County scores 50.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Fayette 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 Fayette 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.