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Greenbrier County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#36 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
59
County Score
Property Tax 89Schools 76.4Cost of Living 68.8

County Report Card

About Greenbrier County, West Virginia

Strong National Standing for Greenbrier

Greenbrier County earns a 59.0 composite score, which sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a solid baseline of livability for those considering the area.

A Typical West Virginia Experience

The county's score of 59.0 is just slightly below the West Virginia state average of 62.0. It offers a profile that is very much in line with the broader state experience.

Favorable Taxes and Strong Schools

A tax score of 89.0 is a major highlight, driven by an effective rate of 0.470%. Education is another strength, with a school score of 76.4 that outperforms many neighboring counties.

Water Quality and Economic Risk

The county struggles with a water score of 11.7 and an income score of 12.2. Additionally, a risk score of 24.2 suggests higher vulnerability to environmental or economic volatility.

Suits Families and Cultural Enthusiasts

Greenbrier County is a good fit for families who value quality schools and a low tax burden. It is especially attractive for those who appreciate the county's unique cultural and historical status within the state.

Score breakdown

Tax89Cost68.8Safety60.6Health29.7Schools76.4Income12.2Risk24.2Water11.7Weather64.9
🏛89
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓76.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.7
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

Greenbrier County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Greenbrier County

via TaxByCounty

Greenbrier's rate moderately below national median

Greenbrier County's effective tax rate of 0.470% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.66%, providing meaningful relief for property owners. The median annual property tax of $640 on a $136,300 home represents just 24% of the national median tax of $2,690. This county ranks in approximately the 15th percentile nationally—placing homeowners in a favorable position compared to 85% of U.S. counties.

Slightly below West Virginia average

Greenbrier County's 0.470% effective rate falls marginally below West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, offering modest tax advantage. The median property tax of $640 slightly exceeds the state median of $699 due to higher home values, but the rate advantage helps keep overall burdens reasonable. Greenbrier represents a balanced, middle-tier tax environment within the state.

More favorable than Fayette, Hancock

Greenbrier's 0.470% rate beats Fayette County's 0.662% and Hancock County's 0.629%, offering substantial savings for the region. Grant County at 0.331% and Hardy County at 0.367% provide slightly better rates, while Doddridge matches Greenbrier exactly at 0.470%. Among this cluster of central West Virginia counties, Greenbrier occupies the competitive middle ground.

Median annual property tax: $640

A homeowner with a $136,300 property in Greenbrier County pays approximately $640 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $825, while without one it falls to $536, reflecting loan servicing fee adjustments. Over 30 years, this totals roughly $19,200 in property taxes on a median-valued home.

Assessment appeals help high-value properties most

Greenbrier County homeowners with higher-valued properties should especially verify their assessments, since small percentage overvaluations compound into larger annual losses. If your home was recently reassessed or you question its valuation relative to comparable sales, filing an appeal costs nothing and could recover hundreds yearly. Many Greenbrier residents discover successful appeals that lower their annual bills by 5–15%.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Greenbrier County

via CostByCounty

Greenbrier's rent burden tops the region

Greenbrier County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties and well above the national average, driven by a median income of just $48,662 and rents of $834 monthly. One in five dollars earned goes to housing—a squeeze that limits discretionary spending and savings.

Second-worst affordability in state peers

Only Gilmer and Hardy counties rival Greenbrier's housing burden, but Greenbrier's 20.6% ratio stands second-worst statewide among these comparisons. The county's low median income amplifies the squeeze despite moderate rental costs.

High rents, low incomes collide

Greenbrier's $834 monthly rent is among the region's highest, while its $48,662 median income is among the lowest, creating the perfect affordability storm. Homeownership costs $599 monthly with a $136,300 median home value—solid assets, but unaffordable for median-income households.

20.6% of income consumed by rent

Renters spend $834 monthly, consuming one-fifth of the typical household's $48,662 income, while homeowners pay $599. This leaves Greenbrier households significantly constrained compared to neighboring Grant County, where the ratio sits at 11.9%.

Affordability challenges warrant careful planning

Greenbrier's housing costs outpace local incomes, making relocation here risky without guaranteed wage growth or secure employment. Compare job markets and salary potential carefully—Greenbrier's median home value of $136,300 attracts buyers, but income stagnation erodes affordability gains.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Greenbrier County

via IncomeByCounty

Greenbrier trails both state and national averages

Greenbrier County's median household income of $48,662 falls below West Virginia's state average ($54,746) by $6,084 and trails the national median ($74,755) by $26,093. This $35% deficit to the national figure marks a significant economic disadvantage.

Below-average earnings within West Virginia

Greenbrier County ranks below the state median, placing it among West Virginia's lower-income counties at $48,662. The county struggles with income levels relative to state performance.

Among the region's lower earners

Greenbrier's $48,662 median household income ranks it in the bottom tier of its neighboring counties, surpassed by Doddridge ($61,164), Grant ($61,530), Hampshire ($60,299), Hancock ($61,017), and only slightly ahead of Hardy ($49,302).

Housing costs strain household finances

Greenbrier's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio is among the highest in the region, indicating housing cost stress for median earners. Despite this, median home values of $136,300 suggest some households have accumulated wealth, revealing potential income inequality within the county.

Prioritize financial resilience and planning

With median household income of $48,662 and elevated housing cost burdens, Greenbrier residents should focus on building emergency savings and exploring low-cost investment vehicles. Community resources, credit counseling, and employer retirement plans offer pathways to financial stability despite current income challenges.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greenbrier County

via CrimeByCounty

Greenbrier County Beats National Trends

Greenbrier County reports a total crime rate of 909.2 per 100K, well below the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a strong safety score of 98.6 out of 100. Residents benefit from a level of security that far exceeds most U.S. counties.

Stronger Safety than the State Average

The county's safety score of 98.6 edges out the West Virginia average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 909.2 per 100K is also better than the state average of 949.0. Twelve local reporting agencies cooperate to manage public safety across the county.

Regional Leader in Public Safety

Greenbrier County is notably safer than Fayette County, where the crime rate reaches 1,322.0 per 100K. It also holds its own against Doddridge County's rate of 943.1. These comparisons solidify Greenbrier's standing as a safe haven in the region.

Violent Crime Rates are Exceptionally Low

Violent crime in Greenbrier is just 103.0 per 100K, less than half the state average of 213.9. Property crime accounts for 806.2 incidents per 100K, which is the primary focus for local law enforcement. Personal safety remains very high for residents and visitors alike.

Focus on Securing Your Property

Since property crime is more common than violent crime in Greenbrier, home security is a smart investment. Use smart locks and outdoor lighting to protect your home against the 806.2 property crimes per 100K. Staying informed through local alerts keeps the community safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Greenbrier County

via HealthByCounty

Greenbrier lags national health benchmarks

At 71.4 years, Greenbrier's life expectancy falls 4.7 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, reflecting significant rural health challenges. Though 23.9% report poor or fair health—slightly better than many peers—the lower life expectancy signals deeper mortality concerns.

Below state average despite county strength

Greenbrier's 71.4-year life expectancy sits 0.8 years below the West Virginia average of 72.2 years, placing it in the lower half of state counties. This lag occurs despite the county having some of the highest provider density in the state, suggesting barriers beyond provider supply.

Regional health disadvantage evident

Greenbrier's 71.4-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in its region, trailing Doddridge (76.8 years), Gilmer (75.2 years), Grant (74.3 years), and Hampshire (74.5 years). This disadvantage persists despite Greenbrier having 150 primary care and 156 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest in the region.

Excellent providers, persistent health gaps

Greenbrier leads the region with 150 primary care providers and 156 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, yet life expectancy remains lower than neighboring counties. The 8.6% uninsured rate matches Grant County, but underlying social determinants appear to limit health gains despite robust provider access.

Insurance is just the first step

While Greenbrier has exceptional provider networks, securing coverage ensures you can navigate preventive care, chronic disease management, and emergencies without financial ruin. Visit healthcare.gov to enroll, then partner with your primary care provider to address your specific health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Greenbrier County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of 15 Schools

Greenbrier County features a robust education system with 15 public schools serving 4,702 students. This includes nine elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, and two additional facilities. This extensive network ensures that education is accessible across the county's wide geographic footprint.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

Greenbrier County achieves a standout 95.0% graduation rate, outperforming the state average of 92.8% and the national 87.0% mark. The county spends $8,122 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $7,773. These investments result in a school score of 58.6, exceeding the state median of 56.7.

The Greenbrier County School District

Greenbrier County Schools is the sole district for the area, managing a total of 4,702 students across its 15 campuses. While the county hosts one alternative school, there are zero charter schools in the system. Greenbrier East High is the district's flagship, serving over 1,000 students.

A Mix of Rural and Town Life

With nine rural schools and six town-based schools, the county offers diverse learning environments. The average school size is 336 students, but scale varies from the 1,014 students at Greenbrier East High to several smaller primary centers. This variety allows families to choose between a central town experience or a quieter rural school setting.

Find Your Home in a High-Achieving County

With high graduation rates and healthy per-pupil spending, Greenbrier County is a premier destination for families in West Virginia. The wide variety of school locations means you can find a home that fits your lifestyle without sacrificing education quality. Explore current real estate options near Lewisburg and beyond.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Greenbrier County

via RiskByCounty

Greenbrier faces above-average disaster risk

Greenbrier County's composite risk score of 75.76 and Relatively Low rating indicate elevated natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties. The score sits substantially above West Virginia's average of 49.21, making it one of the state's higher-risk areas.

Highest-risk county in West Virginia

Greenbrier County's score of 75.76 ranks it as West Virginia's most hazard-exposed county, 54% above the state average of 49.21. The county faces multifaceted disaster risks across flooding, seismic activity, and wildfire.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Greenbrier's score of 75.76 far exceeds nearby Fayette County (53.44), Hardy County (42.46), and Hampshire County (38.01). The county's geography creates pronounced vulnerability to multiple hazard types simultaneously.

Floods, earthquakes, and wildfires dominate

Greenbrier County residents face substantial flood risk (84.61), significant earthquake exposure (55.98), and notable wildfire danger (57.22). These three hazards drive the county's overall elevated composite risk score and require serious preparedness planning.

Comprehensive insurance coverage is essential

Greenbrier's flood risk of 84.61 makes NFIP or private flood insurance non-negotiable for all residents, not just those in mapped zones. Homeowners should also review earthquake coverage options and maintain property insurance that accounts for wildfire exposure (57.22).

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Greenbrier County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool mountain air below national averages

Greenbrier County averages a crisp 50.1°F annually, placing it among the cooler regions in the country. This high-country climate offers a significant escape from the typical national heat.

One of the state's coolest retreats

The county is nearly 3 degrees cooler than the West Virginia state average of 52.8°F. It records only 3 extreme heat days per year, whereas much of the state faces weeks of 90-degree weather.

The region's sanctuary from summer heat

While nearby Kanawha County swelters through 23 days of 90°F heat, Greenbrier residents enjoy just 3 such days. The county also sees 44.9 inches of snow, nearly double that of its western neighbors.

Gentle summers and brisk, snowy winters

Summer averages are a mild 68.0°F, making it one of the most temperate summer destinations in the region. Winter brings consistent cold, with a January average of 28.8°F and nearly 45 inches of snow.

Focus on heating rather than cooling

Standard air conditioning is rarely stressed here, but high-efficiency heating systems are vital for the long winters. Ensure your vehicle is equipped for significant mountain snowfall during the 45-inch winter season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Greenbrier County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Forest Soils

Greenbrier County has a very acidic soil profile with an average pH of 4.69, which is lower than both the state (5.25) and national (6.5) averages. This acidity is a hallmark of the region's intense organic cycles and forest history. The county earns a soil score of 36.2, indicating significant challenges for traditional alkaline-loving crops.

Unconventional Mineral Content

The soil shows unusually low mineral percentages, with 7.2% sand, 14.8% silt, and 4.6% clay. This suggests the soil is overwhelmingly composed of non-mineral materials or unique geologic formations. Such a profile creates a distinct physical environment that differs from the typical silt-heavy West Virginia landscape.

Exceptional Organic Density

Greenbrier boasts an incredible organic matter content of 51.50%, more than double the state average and 25 times the national average. Despite this, the available water capacity is 0.109 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.142. This indicates that while the soil is nutrient-dense, it may not hold water as effectively as other regions.

Unique Drainage Dynamics

The low clay and silt percentages, combined with massive organic matter, suggest a very porous soil structure. While specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the lower AWC of 0.109 indicates that water may move through this soil quickly. This creates a need for careful irrigation management during dry Appalachian summers.

Ideal for Acid-Loving Plants

In USDA Zone 6b, Greenbrier County is a perfect home for blueberries, huckleberries, and evergreens that thrive in acidic conditions. Most vegetable gardens will require lime amendments to balance the 4.69 pH for better yield. Capitalize on the record-high organic matter to build a unique, productive mountain garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Greenbrier County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Greenbrier's unique growing hurdles

Greenbrier County carries a lawn difficulty score of 57.7, which is lower than the state average of 66.5. This Zone 6b county presents specific challenges, particularly regarding soil chemistry, that set it apart from its neighbors. While the climate is cool, the ground itself requires significant attention to produce lush results.

Cool summers and ample moisture

The county is remarkably cool, with only 3 extreme heat days per year compared to the state average of 17. Annual precipitation of 47.3 inches is well within the ideal range, supporting the 2,674 growing degree days. This low-heat environment prevents grass from burning out, though it can slow the speed of initial germination.

Addressing highly acidic soil

The soil pH is 4.69, which is significantly more acidic than the 6.0-7.0 range required for healthy turf. Combined with a very low clay and sand content (4.6% and 7.2% respectively), this soil requires regular lime applications and organic amendments. Without intervention, grass will struggle to access the nutrients it needs to survive.

Mild drought risk and current stability

Currently, only 1.5% of the county is considered abnormally dry, following a year with 17 weeks in drought. This relatively stable moisture profile is aided by the 47.3 inches of annual rain and the low count of extreme heat days. For lasting resilience, prioritize building up the soil's organic matter to improve its low natural water-holding capacity.

Timing your Greenbrier County planting

Seed your lawn after the last spring frost on May 2 to take advantage of the mild summer temperatures. You should aim to have new grass established before the first fall frost on October 13. Given the acidic soil, focus on hardy varieties and be prepared to use soil conditioners to get the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greenbrier County's county score?
Greenbrier County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 59 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 Greenbrier County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Greenbrier County ranks #36 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 Greenbrier County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Greenbrier County is $640, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Greenbrier County a tax score of 89/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greenbrier County?
The median household income in Greenbrier County, West Virginia is $48,662 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greenbrier County earns an income score of 12.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greenbrier County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Greenbrier County scores 59/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Greenbrier 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 Greenbrier 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.