countyscore

Harrison County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#44 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
56
County Score
Schools 83.8Property Tax 78.8Lawn Care 77.8

County Report Card

About Harrison County, West Virginia

Harrison County outpaces the national median

Harrison County earns a composite score of 56.3, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds the typical American county experience.

Falling short of the West Virginia average

Despite its national standing, Harrison's 56.3 score sits below the West Virginia state average of 62.0. This gap suggests that while the county is stable, it trails several state neighbors in overall livability.

Top-tier schools and low tax rates

The county boasts an impressive school score of 83.8, significantly outperforming regional standards. Residents also benefit from a low 0.550% effective tax rate, which drives a strong tax score of 80.6.

Environmental and water infrastructure concerns

Water quality is a notable concern with a score of 19.0, the lowest for the county. Environmental risk also presents challenges, as evidenced by a risk score of 26.4.

A hub for families prioritizing education

With high school scores and moderate rent of $848, Harrison County is ideal for families seeking quality education. It suits those who value institutional stability over environmental metrics.

2040608010078.864.535.741.483.834.726.41965.5Tax78.8Cost64.5Safety35.7Health41.4Schools83.8Income34.7Risk26.4Water19Weather65.556/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Harrison County DNA

Foverall

How Harrison County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Harrison County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (83.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (19/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
78.8+26.799999999999997
Cost
64.5+16.5
Safety
35.7-19.299999999999997
Health
41.4-8.600000000000001
Schools
83.8+29.799999999999997
Income
34.7-16.299999999999997
Risk
26.4-20.6
Water
19-39
Weather
65.5+9.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$166,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$879/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$166,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,377/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Doddridge County
West Virginia
68.6
Marion County
West Virginia
54.1
Taylor County
West Virginia
63.9
Barbour County
West Virginia
63.3
Lewis County
West Virginia
62.5
Wetzel County
West Virginia
66.3
Upshur County
West Virginia
61.9
Monongalia County
West Virginia
51.5

Deep Dives

Harrison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Harrison County

via TaxByCounty

Harrison's tax rate beats the nation

Harrison County's effective tax rate of 0.550% sits well below the national median of 0.867%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. The typical Harrison homeowner pays $872 annually in property tax—less than a third of the national median of $2,690—thanks to both lower rates and lower home values.

Slightly above average in West Virginia

Harrison ranks in the middle of West Virginia's 55 counties at 0.550% effective rate, slightly higher than the state average of 0.497%. The county's median property tax of $872 exceeds the state median of $699, reflecting Harrison's relatively higher home values in the region.

Higher taxes than most nearby counties

Among neighboring counties, Harrison's 0.550% rate falls between Lewis County's lower 0.470% and Marion County's higher 0.602%. Harrison homeowners pay $172 more annually than Lewis County residents but $117 less than Marion County on comparable-value homes.

What you'll pay on a typical home

The median Harrison home valued at $158,500 generates approximately $872 in annual property tax. For a homeowner with a mortgage, add an estimated $191 to cover homestead tax adjustments, bringing the total to about $1,063 per year.

You might be overassessed

Across West Virginia, many homeowners discover their properties are valued above market rates during reassessment cycles. If you believe your Harrison home is overassessed, filing an appeal with the county assessor's office could lower your tax bill at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Harrison County

via IncomeByCounty

Harrison's income trails national average

Harrison County's median household income of $58,326 sits 22% below the U.S. median of $74,755, ranking it in the lower third nationally. However, the county outpaces West Virginia's state average of $54,746, positioning it among the state's stronger earners.

Mid-pack performer in West Virginia

Harrison County ranks in the upper-middle tier of West Virginia's 55 counties for household income. At $58,326, it exceeds the state average by $3,580, reflecting stronger employment opportunities than much of rural West Virginia.

Harrison outearns most regional peers

Harrison's $58,326 median surpasses neighboring Lewis ($52,279) and Marion ($67,537) offers a nearby comparison at the upper range. The county attracts workers seeking stability between rural and urban economies.

Housing costs remain manageable here

At 17.4% of household income, Harrison County's rent-to-income ratio sits at a healthy level, meaning housing doesn't squeeze budgets. The median home value of $158,500 remains accessible for households earning near the county median.

Build financial security in Harrison

With median incomes above state average, Harrison households have room to invest and save beyond basic needs. Start by directing 10–15% of household earnings toward retirement accounts and emergency funds to weather economic shifts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Harrison County

via CrimeByCounty

Harrison County Outperforms the National Crime Average

Harrison County reports a total crime rate of 1491.0 per 100,000 residents, which sits significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a high safety score of 97.6 out of 100. This data reflects a community that is notably safer than many other regions across the United States.

Crime Rates Surpass the West Virginia Average

While safe by national standards, Harrison County's total crime rate of 1491.0 is higher than the West Virginia state average of 949.0. Its safety score of 97.6 also trails slightly behind the state average score of 98.5. Residents experience a higher frequency of reported incidents compared to many neighboring rural counties.

A Similar Profile to Nearby Marion County

Harrison County shares a similar safety profile with its neighbor, Marion County, which has a slightly higher crime rate of 1514.4 per 100,000. However, both counties see much higher activity than Lewis County to the south, where the rate is only 661.9. These figures highlight a busier central corridor compared to more secluded neighbors.

Property Offenses Drive Local Crime Figures

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, occurring at a rate of 1319.4 per 100,000 people. Violent crime remains relatively low at 171.6, which is less than half the national violent crime average of 369.8. This breakdown suggests that theft and burglary are the primary concerns for local law enforcement.

Simple Steps to Secure Your Harrison Home

Since property crime represents the largest share of local offenses, home security is a smart investment. Installing outdoor lighting and high-quality locks can deter opportunistic theft. Consistent reporting to the 13 local law enforcement agencies helps maintain the county’s strong safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Harrison County

via WeatherByCounty

Harrison County fits the national average

With an annual average of 53.8°F, Harrison County aligns closely with the United States median temperature. It experiences a classic humid continental climate with balanced seasonal shifts.

Warmer than the West Virginia norm

Harrison's 53.8°F average is a full degree warmer than the state average of 52.8°F. Precipitation remains consistent with state trends, recording 46.5 inches against the 47.0-inch average.

A warmer pocket in the north-central region

Harrison is notably warmer than neighboring Gilmer County by over a degree. It also experiences slightly less snowfall at 23.8 inches compared to many of its surrounding highland neighbors.

Toasty July afternoons and brisk winters

July is the warmest month at 74.4°F, contributing to 14 days of extreme heat annually. Winter brings a January average of 32.1°F and a predictable 23.8 inches of snowfall.

Standard all-season preparation is key

Residents should maintain standard HVAC systems to handle both the 74°F summer averages and 34°F winters. The 23.8 inches of snow is manageable with basic winter tires and home weatherization.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Harrison County

via SoilByCounty

A mystery in the Appalachian hills

Harrison County's specific soil pH and taxonomic data are currently limited in federal records. While the state average pH is 5.25, local testing is essential to see how your land compares to the national 6.5 median.

The building blocks of Harrison soil

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this region. Local growers should perform a simple jar test to determine if their soil leans toward heavy clay or well-draining sand.

Potential for mountain richness

Without specific local readings for organic matter, we look to the high state average of 21.03%. This benchmark suggests West Virginia soils often hold significant potential for nutrient retention if managed properly.

Navigating the local watershed

Data on drainage classes and hydrologic groups for Harrison County is currently limited. For any new building or farming project, onsite drainage assessments are the safest first step to prevent erosion.

Gardening in the heart of Zone 6b

Harrison County sits in Hardiness Zone 6b, offering a robust season for cool-weather crops and hardy perennials. Start your garden today with staples like kale, carrots, or apple trees that thrive in this climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Harrison County

via LawnByCounty

Harrison County Boasts High Lawn Success Scores

Harrison County earns a lawn difficulty score of 77.8, making it significantly easier to maintain a yard here than the national median of 50.0. This score also outperforms the West Virginia state average of 66.5. In Hardiness Zone 6b, residents enjoy a climate that supports robust turf growth with moderate effort.

Optimal Rain and Mild Summer Heat

The county receives 46.5 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy lawns. With only 14 extreme heat days per year, your grass faces less summer stress than the state average of 17 days. A total of 3,526 growing degree days ensures a productive but manageable mowing schedule.

Baseline Testing Needed for Local Soil

Specific soil texture and pH data are currently unavailable for Harrison County. Local gardeners should conduct a home soil test to check for the ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. This baseline measurement helps determine if your lawn requires lime or specific fertilizers to thrive.

Stable Moisture Conditions Return After Drought

Lawns in Harrison County spent 14 weeks in drought conditions over the past year. Fortunately, current data shows 0.0% of the county is under abnormally dry or severe drought conditions. During dry spells, deep watering early in the morning helps maintain root resilience without wasting water.

Start Seeding After Late April Frosts

Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are excellent choices for Zone 6b lawns. Plan your primary seeding or sodding after the last spring frost on April 22nd to ensure young grass survives. Fall remains a prime time to overseed and strengthen your turf before winter dormancy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harrison County's county score?
Harrison County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 56 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 Harrison County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Harrison County ranks #44 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 Harrison County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Harrison County is $908, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Harrison County a tax score of 78.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harrison County?
The median household income in Harrison County, West Virginia is $60,377 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harrison County earns an income score of 34.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harrison County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Harrison County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Harrison 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 Harrison County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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