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
56.3
County Score
Schools 83.8Property Tax 80.6Lawn 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.

Score breakdown

Tax80.6Cost65Safety35.7Health41.4Schools83.8Income33.7Risk26.4Water19Weather65.5
🏛80.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓83.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.8
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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Nearby counties

Doddridge County
West Virginia
70.6
Marion County
West Virginia
54.4
Taylor County
West Virginia
67.8
Barbour County
West Virginia
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Lewis County
West Virginia
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Wetzel County
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Upshur County
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Monongalia County
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Deep Dives

Harrison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Harrison County

via CostByCounty

Harrison's rent burden tops national norm

Harrison County residents spend 17.4% of income on rent, higher than the U.S. average of around 15%. This means the typical household earning $58,326 annually pays $848 monthly in rent—a burden that eats into savings and other essentials faster than most Americans experience.

Slightly less affordable than West Virginia

At 17.4%, Harrison's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 16.9%, ranking it among the less affordable West Virginia counties. The county's median rent of $848 also runs $88 above the state median of $760.

More expensive than nearby rural counties

Harrison's $848 rent is steeper than Marion County ($901 puts Marion higher), but significantly above Jackson County ($720) and Lewis County ($737) just across county lines. Renters in Harrison pay a premium compared to less urbanized neighbors.

Where Harrison's income goes

On a $58,326 annual income, renters allocate $848 monthly to rent (17.4%), while homeowners commit $637 monthly toward costs on a median home valued at $158,500. Together, these figures show housing absorbs a significant but manageable share of most households' budgets.

Considering a move within West Virginia?

If affordability matters, Jackson County and Lewis County offer lower rents ($720 and $737) with similar incomes, reducing housing burden by 2-3 percentage points. Conversely, Jefferson County offers higher incomes ($95,523) that better offset its pricier housing market ($1,103 rent).

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Harrison County

via HealthByCounty

Harrison lives longer than the nation

At 73.1 years, Harrison County residents live nearly a year longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years—though the gap reflects a national trend of declining life expectancy. Just 21.7% report poor or fair health, better than the national average of 23%, signaling stronger baseline health outcomes here.

Harrison ranks strong statewide

Harrison's 73.1-year life expectancy sits above West Virginia's state average of 72.2 years, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 55 counties. The county's lower poor/fair health rate of 21.7% further distinguishes it as one of the healthier regions in West Virginia.

Better health than nearby counties

Harrison outperforms its regional neighbors: residents live over a year longer than Logan County (66.2 years) and 2.8 years longer than Lincoln County (68.7 years). Harrison's primary care provider density of 126 per 100K is also triple that of Jackson County's 36 per 100K, improving access to routine care.

High provider access, low uninsured rates

Harrison's 7.7% uninsured rate nearly matches the state average of 7.6%, meaning over 9 in 10 residents have health coverage. With 126 primary care providers and 337 mental health providers per 100K population, Harrison has robust medical infrastructure—among the best-staffed in West Virginia.

Keep coverage strong in Harrison

Harrison's high insurance rates mean most residents already have protection, but don't assume coverage is automatic. Visit healthcare.gov or WV DHHR to confirm your plan covers preventive care, prescriptions, and mental health services—and explore options if your employer coverage changes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Harrison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Network of 26 Public Schools

Harrison County operates a comprehensive system of 12 elementary, 5 middle, and 5 high schools, along with four specialized facilities. This infrastructure supports a total enrollment of 9,920 students under a single unified school district.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Composite Scores

The county boasts an impressive 98.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 92.8% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $8,258 sits below the $13,000 national average, the county achieves a school score of 60.5, which leads the state average of 56.7.

Harrison County Schools Leads the Region

Harrison County Schools serves as the sole district for the area, managing all 9,920 students across 26 individual campuses. The county currently offers no charter school options, maintaining a traditional public school model for 100% of its student body.

Town-Centered Schools with Mid-Sized Classrooms

Education here largely happens in town settings, which host 17 of the 26 schools, while nine schools serve rural areas. The average school size is 397 students, ranging from the large Bridgeport High School with 808 students to smaller specialized campuses.

High-Performing Schools Make Harrison a Top Choice

With some of the highest graduation rates in West Virginia, Harrison County is a premier destination for families prioritizing academic excellence. Explore local real estate to find a home near top-rated institutions like Bridgeport High or Johnson Elementary.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harrison County

via RiskByCounty

Harrison County's moderate disaster risk profile

Harrison County scores 73.60 on the composite disaster risk scale, putting it above West Virginia's state average of 49.21 but well below the national danger zone. This relatively low risk rating means residents face manageable hazard exposure compared to high-risk counties nationwide.

Mid-range risk among West Virginia counties

Harrison County ranks in the middle tier of West Virginia's 55 counties for overall disaster risk, with several neighbors bearing significantly lower exposure. Its 73.60 score reflects concentrated flood vulnerability rather than across-the-board hazard exposure.

Higher flood risk than nearby Marion County

Harrison County's composite score of 73.60 exceeds Marion County's 71.50, driven mainly by Harrison's stronger flood risk of 86.70 versus Marion's 85.69. Both counties face similar hurricane exposure (Harrison 60.58, Marion 58.78) but diverge on wildfire threats, where Marion is slightly more vulnerable.

Flooding dominates Harrison's hazard landscape

Flooding poses the clearest and most immediate threat to Harrison County residents, with a risk score of 86.70 that demands serious preparedness. Hurricane risk ranks second at 60.58, while earthquake exposure (51.94) and tornado danger (34.99) remain moderate concerns.

Flood insurance is essential for Harrison residents

Given Harrison County's 86.70 flood risk score, standard homeowners insurance will not protect your property from water damage—flood insurance is critical. Couple flood coverage with wind and hail policies to address hurricane and severe weather exposure, and review earthquake coverage if your home sits in a seismic zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 56.3 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 $872, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Harrison County a tax score of 80.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harrison County?
The median household income in Harrison County, West Virginia is $58,326 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harrison County earns an income score of 33.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harrison County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Harrison County scores 56.3/100 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.

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