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Jefferson County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#45 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
55.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 94Property Tax 80Safety 69.8

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, West Virginia

Solid performance against the national median

Jefferson County earns a composite score of 55.9, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. It maintains a strong position compared to thousands of counties nationwide.

A unique high-income state outlier

While its 55.9 score is below the 62.0 state average, Jefferson leads the state in economic metrics. High housing costs drive the overall score down compared to its more affordable neighbors.

Elite income levels and safety

The county features an exceptional income score of 94.0, supported by a $95,523 median household income. Safety is also a major asset, with a score of 69.8 that outpaces most urban areas.

High costs and water infrastructure issues

Jefferson's cost score of 15.1 is the lowest in the group, driven by a $324,500 median home value. Water quality also lags with a score of 22.4, suggesting infrastructure demands.

Best for high-earning commuters

This county is ideal for professionals seeking high wages and safe neighborhoods near the DC metro area. Residents trade housing affordability for significant earning power and physical security.

204060801008015.169.863.355.39452.222.456.8Tax80Cost15.1Safety69.8Health63.3Schools55.3Income94Risk52.2Water22.4Weather56.855.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Jefferson County DNA

Foverall

How Jefferson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jefferson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (94/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (22.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
80+28
Cost
15.1-32.9
Safety
69.8+14.799999999999997
Health
63.3+13.299999999999997
Schools
55.3
Income
94+43
Risk
52.2
Water
22.4-35.6
Weather
56.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$324,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,103/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$324,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $95,523/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.5

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

Berkeley County
West Virginia
54.7
Clarke County
Virginia
63.6
Winchester city
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Loudoun County
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Washington County
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Frederick County
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Frederick County
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Morgan County
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Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jefferson County Leads with Low Crime Rates

Jefferson County presents a very safe profile with a total crime rate of only 708.1 per 100,000 residents. This figure is vastly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an impressive safety score of 98.9, reflecting its status as one of the safest regions in the United States.

A Top Safety Performer in West Virginia

With a total crime rate of 708.1, Jefferson County is significantly safer than the West Virginia state average of 949.0. Its safety score of 98.9 also beats the state average of 98.5. Nine reporting agencies work together to keep the Eastern Panhandle's crime levels consistently low.

Safer than Most Regional Peers

Jefferson County’s rate of 708.1 is significantly lower than more urbanized counties like Marion or Harrison. Even compared to nearby agricultural counties, Jefferson maintains a highly competitive safety standing. Its position as a gateway to the state is marked by remarkably low incident reports.

Minimal Violent Crime Across the County

Violent crime in Jefferson County is extremely rare, with a rate of 94.8 compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 613.3, which is also a fraction of the national 2,015.7 average. This data indicates that residents face very little risk of both theft and physical harm.

Keep Your Community Safe and Secure

While crime rates are low, Jefferson residents can maintain this safety by utilizing smart home technology like doorbell cameras. Keeping vehicles locked and valuables out of sight prevents the opportunistic property crimes that do occur. Constant communication with the nine local law enforcement agencies ensures the county remains a safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jefferson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Large Campuses and Growing Enrollment

Jefferson County features 18 public schools, including 10 elementary and four middle schools, serving a total of 8,927 students. This growing infrastructure includes two high schools and two specialized programs to accommodate the county's increasing student population.

High Graduation Success Despite Lean Funding

The graduation rate stands at 91.0%, outperforming the national average of 87.0% despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,534 that trails state and national norms. The county's school score of 55.2 reflects a solid performance baseline relative to the state average of 56.7.

Diverse District Options and Charter Choice

While Jefferson County Schools manages 16 campuses and 8,389 students, the county also hosts two charter schools representing 11.1% of the total schools. Eastern Panhandle Preparatory Academy and Virtual Preparatory Academy of West Virginia provide alternative options for over 500 local students.

Rural Roots with Massive High Schools

Twelve schools operate in rural locales, yet the average school size is a high 496 students due to large consolidated campuses. Jefferson High School leads with 1,444 students, while Washington High School follows closely with 1,328 students.

Discover Vibrant Neighborhoods Near Top Schools

Jefferson County offers a unique mix of large-scale high schools and innovative charter options for modern families. Prospective homebuyers often find that the area's strong graduation rates make it a compelling choice for long-term investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Jefferson County

via WaterByCounty

Jefferson County Records 33 Health Violations

Jefferson County carries a Grade F for drinking water compliance, driven by 33 health violations over five years. The violation rate of 107.1 per 100,000 residents is lower than the West Virginia average but remains a significant concern for local health. These figures highlight persistent challenges in maintaining Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Watershed Data Coverage Remains Sparse

The 2022 reporting cycle included only one water body assessment for Jefferson County. While this specific site attained its required standards, it does not represent the health of all county waterways. Many local streams have not yet been assessed under federal §303(d) criteria.

Robust Water Quality Monitoring Network

Jefferson County maintains a high density of 40 monitoring sites, producing 16,797 measurements over the last five years. This intensive data collection focuses on nutrients, physical traits, and metals, providing one of the state's most detailed water quality profiles. This high volume of results offers a clear window into the chemical health of the region.

Potomac River Running at Record Lows

The primary USGS gauge on the Potomac River at Shepherdstown shows a discharge of 1,780 cfs. This is just 29% of its long-term mean, indicating severe low-flow conditions for the watershed. Such low levels can negatively impact water temperature and oxygen levels for aquatic life.

Monitor Nutrient Levels and Flow Risks

Low flow on the Potomac River can concentrate pollutants, making home filtration more important for those on surface water systems. Given the high nutrient monitoring in the area, residents should be aware of potential seasonal runoff issues. Use the county’s robust monitoring data to stay informed about specific local contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly acidic Appalachian earth

Jefferson County features a pH of 5.43, which is slightly higher than the state average of 5.25 but still below the national 6.5 median. This mildly acidic profile is common for West Virginia and suits many native forest species.

Silty soils with good workability

The soil is a complex mix of 46.5% silt, 26.3% sand, and 17.9% clay. This silty balance generally offers good workability and prevents the extreme compaction often found in heavier clay soils.

Strong water capacity for crops

Organic matter stands at 3.88%, well above the 2.0% national average. With an available water capacity of 0.160 in/in, these soils hold moisture significantly better than the state average of 0.142.

Retaining the mountain moisture

The high silt content and water capacity suggest the ground retains moisture effectively throughout the season. This requires careful planning for irrigation to avoid oversaturation during wet Appalachian springs.

Thriving in a longer season

Falling into Hardiness Zone 7a, Jefferson County enjoys a relatively long growing season for the state. Gardeners can find great success with tomatoes, peppers, and even more delicate herbs like rosemary.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions for Jefferson County Lawns

Jefferson County faces a significant lawn maintenance challenge with a difficulty score of just 23.9. This is far below the national average of 50.0 and the West Virginia average of 66.5. Despite being in a warmer Zone 7a, the environment demands high-intervention care to keep grass alive.

Environmental Data Shows Regional Struggles

While specific temperature and precipitation figures are missing, the overall difficulty score reflects a harsh local climate for standard turf. The Zone 7a classification indicates warmer winters, but potentially more taxing summers for cool-season grasses. Consistent monitoring of local weather patterns is essential for survival.

Acidic Soil Requires Immediate Attention

The soil pH in Jefferson County is 5.43, which is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. The soil contains 17.9% clay and 26.3% sand, creating a complex texture that may compact easily. Applying lime is a critical step for local homeowners to balance the pH and unlock soil nutrients.

Extensive Drought History Forces Water Conservation

Jefferson County suffered through 39 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as Abnormally Dry (D0). This sustained lack of moisture is the primary driver of the county's low lawn score. Residents must prioritize water-efficient landscaping and drought-hardy species to succeed.

Prioritize Resilient Grass Varieties

In Zone 7a, heat-tolerant grasses like Tall Fescue or even Zoysiagrass are the best bets for surviving the local climate. Since frost data is unavailable, watch for local soil temperatures to reach 55 degrees before seeding. Focus on building deep root systems through infrequent, heavy watering.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 55.9 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Jefferson County ranks #45 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 Jefferson County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $1,796, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 80/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, West Virginia is $95,523 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 94/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 55.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.