CountyScore

Jefferson County

West Virginia · WV

#41 in West Virginia
69.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, West Virginia

Jefferson scores 40% above U.S. median

Jefferson County's composite score of 69.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the top 40% nationally. The county's strength lies in higher incomes and health outcomes that outpace most U.S. benchmarks.

Slightly below state average among peers

Jefferson scores 69.9 compared to West Virginia's 72.2 average, placing it just outside the top tier regionally. The county's profile differs from typical West Virginia benchmarks due to higher incomes and property values.

Higher incomes and better health outcomes

Jefferson leads this group on income (45.7) with a median household income of $95,523 and strong health performance (72.1). Low tax burden (86.7) adds further advantage, creating an upper-middle-income profile.

Housing costs significantly higher than neighbors

The cost score (66.1) reflects median home values of $324,500 and rent of $1,103/month—substantially above regional norms. Risk resilience (52.2) is moderate, suggesting moderate vulnerability to economic downturns.

For well-earning professionals and families

Jefferson County appeals to households earning above-average incomes who can absorb higher housing costs in exchange for better schools, health, and amenities. If you're relocating for a solid job or seeking a prosperous community, Jefferson offers genuine livability quality.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.7Cost66.1SafetyComing SoonHealth72.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome45.7Risk52.2WaterComing Soon
🏛86.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡52.2
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 Jefferson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cullman County
Alabama
69.9
Median income: $60,916
Union County
Arkansas
69.9
Median income: $50,221
Fannin County
Georgia
69.9
Median income: $58,073
Cheyenne County
Kansas
69.9
Median income: $55,765
Jackson County
Kansas
69.9
Median income: $72,703

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson's rate is low, values are high

Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 0.553% falls well below the national median of 0.867%, yet its median home value of $324,500 exceeds the national median of $281,900. This combination means Jefferson residents enjoy some of West Virginia's most valuable homes with below-average tax rates.

Most valuable homes in West Virginia

Jefferson ranks among West Virginia's most affluent counties with a median home value of $324,500—more than double the state average. Despite its higher-value properties, Jefferson's effective rate of 0.553% stays close to the state average of 0.497%, resulting in a median tax bill of $1,796.

Priciest county with moderate rates

Jefferson's median home value of $324,500 far exceeds neighboring Harrison ($158,500) and Jackson ($154,600) counties. However, Jefferson's 0.553% tax rate keeps pace with peers, meaning higher property values—not higher rates—drive its $1,796 median tax bill.

What homeowners pay in Jefferson

The median Jefferson County home valued at $324,500 generates approximately $1,796 in annual property tax. Homeowners with mortgages face an estimated $1,875 total when including mortgage-related tax adjustments.

Appeal if assessed above market

Even in Jefferson County's strong real estate market, some homeowners discover their assessed values lag behind comparable sales. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could provide significant annual savings, especially on higher-value properties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson's income cushions high housing costs

Jefferson County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio is the nation's sweet spot, despite charging $1,103 in monthly rent. The key: a median household income of $95,523—the highest in this group—making housing's bite more manageable than raw numbers suggest.

West Virginia's premium county for homebuying

Jefferson's median home value of $324,500 dwarfs the state trend; homes here cost more than double those in Logan or Lincoln counties. Yet Jefferson residents, earning 28% above the state median, can better absorb this premium.

The region's expensive outlier

Jefferson's $1,103 rent and $324,500 home values far exceed surrounding counties like Harrison ($848 rent, $158,500 homes) and Jackson ($720 rent, $154,600 homes). Jefferson attracts higher-income professionals willing to pay for the premium market.

High income, high costs—balanced trade

Jefferson's $95,523 income supports a 13.9% rent burden ($1,103) and hefty $1,460 monthly owner costs on $324,500 homes. This county reverses the pattern seen elsewhere: housing costs rise, but so do incomes, preserving financial stability.

For professionals seeking urban-style living

Jefferson County suits higher earners ($95K+) comfortable with premium rents and home prices for better job markets and amenities. If your income matches the county average or exceeds it, Jefferson's housing affordability actually rivals national standards.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson dominates peers in household income

Jefferson County's median household income of $95,523 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 28%, ranking it in the top 25% of all U.S. counties. This exceptional performance reflects proximity to Washington, D.C., and its robust job market.

West Virginia's clear income leader

Jefferson County ranks decisively first among West Virginia's 55 counties, earning 74% more than the state median of $54,746. Per capita income reaches $44,503—47% above the state average—underscoring its role as the state's economic hub.

Jefferson vastly exceeds all regional rivals

Jefferson's $95,523 median far surpasses Harrison County ($58,326) and all other neighboring counties by $30,000 or more. The county's integration with Northern Virginia's commuter economy drives wages and employment opportunities unmatched in rural Appalachia.

Strong incomes offset premium home costs

Despite median home values of $324,500—the highest in the region—Jefferson's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% remains favorable. Higher incomes absorb elevated housing costs, making homeownership and renting both sustainable for county residents.

Jefferson households have wealth-building power

With median incomes nearly 30% above national average, Jefferson residents enjoy significant capacity for investment and long-term wealth accumulation. Prioritize maxing retirement contributions, diversifying into stock portfolios, and exploring real estate investment to accelerate growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Jefferson leads on life expectancy

Jefferson County residents live to 75.9 years—over 1.4 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. With just 18.6% reporting poor or fair health versus 23% nationally, Jefferson ranks among the healthiest counties in America, regardless of state.

West Virginia's healthiest county

Jefferson's 75.9-year life expectancy towers 3.7 years above West Virginia's state average of 72.2 years—the highest in the state. Its 18.6% poor/fair health rate is the lowest in West Virginia, making it a national outlier in a state facing persistent health challenges.

Vastly outpaces regional peers

Jefferson residents live nearly 10 years longer than Logan County (66.2 years) and 7.2 years longer than Lincoln County (68.7 years). Even compared to Harrison County's strong showing, Jefferson's life expectancy advantage and lower disease burden are substantial and measurable.

Best insurance access in the state

Jefferson's 6.4% uninsured rate is the lowest in West Virginia, meaning over 93% of residents carry coverage. With 58 primary care providers per 100K, the county has solid physician access, supporting preventive care and early disease detection.

Maintain Jefferson's health advantage

Your insurance matters: Jefferson's coverage rate and health outcomes are tightly linked. Renew or upgrade your plan annually at healthcare.gov to ensure you're protecting the health gains your county has achieved.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson County among the safest in West Virginia

Jefferson County's composite risk score of 47.81 sits slightly below West Virginia's state average of 49.21, placing it firmly in the relatively low risk category. This modest score reflects below-average exposure to most major hazards compared to the nation's highest-risk counties.

Lowest-risk county in this analysis group

Jefferson County ranks as the safest county in this eight-county profile, with a composite score of 47.81 that edges below the state average. Its balanced hazard profile means no single disaster type dominates the risk landscape.

Jefferson County's moderate earthquake exposure

Jefferson County's composite score of 47.81 ranks below Harrison County's 73.60, but its earthquake risk of 62.85 is notably higher than Harrison's 51.94. Jefferson also faces substantial hurricane exposure (69.09 versus Harrison's 60.58), offsetting its lower flood risk.

Hurricane and earthquake risks top the list

Hurricane exposure dominates Jefferson County's hazard profile with a risk score of 69.09, the highest among the county's threats. Earthquake risk ranks second at 62.85, followed by flood danger at 64.19—a relatively balanced mix of natural hazards.

Earthquake and wind coverage matter in Jefferson

Jefferson County's 62.85 earthquake risk and 69.09 hurricane risk mean you should carry both earthquake insurance and comprehensive wind/hail coverage on your home. Don't overlook flood insurance despite the lower 64.19 flood risk score, as riverine and localized flooding can still cause devastating losses.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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