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Kanawha County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#55 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
41.5
County Score
Water Quality 69.3Property Tax 64.9Weather & Climate 64.2

County Report Card

About Kanawha County, West Virginia

Livability challenges relative to national levels

Kanawha County scores a 41.5, falling behind the national median composite of 50.0. This suggests residents face more systemic hurdles than the average American county.

Trailing the West Virginia state average

The county's 41.5 score is significantly lower than the state average of 62.0. As a major population hub, its challenges in safety and risk pull it below more rural peers.

Better water quality than state neighbors

A water score of 69.3 is one of the county's highest metrics, indicating reliable infrastructure for the capital region. Taxes also remain relatively manageable with a score of 64.9.

High environmental risk and safety concerns

The county faces a very low risk score of 5.5 and a safety score of 6.1. These numbers highlight significant challenges regarding natural disasters and local crime rates.

Suited for urban access and infrastructure

Kanawha County is best for those who need the amenities and water infrastructure of a capital city. It appeals to residents who prioritize urban convenience over environmental risk or safety scores.

Score breakdown

Tax64.9Cost57.2Safety6.1Health35.2Schools52.1Income35.2Risk5.5Water69.3Weather64.2
🏛64.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡6.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧69.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱63.2
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

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Deep Dives

Kanawha County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kanawha County

via TaxByCounty

Kanawha leads West Virginia in tax rates

Kanawha County's effective tax rate of 0.683% is the highest in West Virginia and still substantially below the national median of 0.867%. Though Kanawha's median home value of $135,000 is well below the national median, its steeper tax rate creates a median bill of $922.

Highest effective rate in the state

Kanawha County's 0.683% effective tax rate significantly exceeds West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, making it the steepest in the state. The median property tax of $922 is among the highest despite lower-than-average home values of $135,000.

Kanawha stands out for high rates

Kanawha's 0.683% rate substantially exceeds nearby Logan County at 0.582% and Lewis County at 0.470%. A Kanawha homeowner pays roughly $331 more annually than a Lewis County resident on a typical home, even though Kanawha homes are similarly priced.

Kanawha's tax burden per home

The median Kanawha County home valued at $135,000 carries approximately $922 in annual property tax. With mortgage-related adjustments, the annual bill may climb to $1,071.

Assess your property value today

Kanawha's higher-than-average tax rate makes accurate assessment even more critical for homeowners seeking relief. An appeal to the county assessor can be filed free of charge if you believe your property is valued above its current market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kanawha County

via CostByCounty

Kanawha's rent strain exceeds national typical

Kanawha County residents spend 17.9% of income on rent, among the highest in this group and above the U.S. average of around 15%. At $879 monthly on a $58,887 income, Kanawha renters face tighter budgets than most Americans.

Above-average burden in West Virginia terms

Kanawha's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio edges above the state average of 16.9%, placing it in the less-affordable tier statewide. The median rent of $879 runs $119 higher than West Virginia's $760 norm.

Pricier than rural counterparts

Kanawha's $879 rent tops Jackson ($720), Lewis ($737), and Lincoln ($727), reflecting its larger urban footprint as West Virginia's most populous county. Only Harrison ($848) and Marion ($901) rival its rental rates.

Kanawha's housing takes a bigger slice

Kanawha households earning $58,887 commit $879 to rent (17.9%), while homeowners spend $698 monthly on median-valued homes of just $135,000. The rent burden stands out as notably higher than the ownership cost, a pattern unique in this county group.

Consider owning over renting in Kanawha

If you're flexible on housing type, Kanawha's median home value of $135,000 offers better math than renting at $879 monthly. Owners paying $698 monthly save substantially, making homeownership a smarter financial move than elsewhere in the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kanawha County

via IncomeByCounty

Kanawha's income slightly outpaces state

Kanawha County's median household income of $58,887 sits 21% below the national median of $74,755, ranking it in the lower third nationally. Yet the county exceeds West Virginia's state average of $54,746, making it one of the state's stronger earners.

Strong performer among West Virginia counties

Kanawha County ranks in the upper-middle tier of West Virginia's 55 counties for median household income. At $58,887, it exceeds the state average by $4,141, benefiting from Charleston's regional economic center and diverse employment base.

Kanawha leads many nearby counties

Kanawha's $58,887 median surpasses Lewis ($52,279), Lincoln ($48,593), and Logan ($47,237), placing it among the region's stronger economies. As home to West Virginia's capital, the county attracts government and service sector employment.

Rent costs press tightly on budgets

At 17.9% of household income, Kanawha's rent-to-income ratio edges toward the threshold of affordability stress. With median home values at $135,000, purchasing power exists, but renters face noticeable cost pressure relative to income.

Kanawha households can invest smartly

With incomes above state average, Kanawha residents have opportunity to redirect surplus earnings toward wealth-building. Consider employer-sponsored retirement plans, automatic savings transfers, and low-fee index funds to compound long-term growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kanawha County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates Exceed National Averages

Kanawha County reports a total crime rate of 3241.9 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, it maintains a safety score of 94.9. As the state's most populous county, it faces urban challenges not seen in more rural areas.

Higher Incident Rates than the State Average

Kanawha County’s crime rate of 3241.9 is more than triple the West Virginia state average of 949.0. Its safety score of 94.9 is also lower than the state's typical 98.5 mark. With 26 reporting agencies, the county is under significant active monitoring.

Comparing Kanawha to Surrounding Counties

Kanawha County has a much higher crime rate than its neighbors, such as Jackson County at 872.0 and Lincoln County at 744.7. The concentration of population and industry in the Charleston area contributes to these higher figures. This makes Kanawha the regional outlier for crime activity.

Property Crime is the Main Factor

Property crime drives the high local rate, sitting at 2719.9 per 100,000 residents compared to the national 2,015.7. Violent crime is also elevated at 522.0, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. These numbers mean residents are more likely to experience theft or burglary than in other parts of the state.

Stay Vigilant to Protect Your Property

Because property crime is prevalent, investing in a robust home security system and motion-sensor lighting is highly recommended. Residents should ensure all entry points are secure and participate in local crime watch programs. Working closely with the 26 reporting agencies can help improve safety for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kanawha County

via HealthByCounty

Kanawha lags national health benchmarks

Kanawha's 71.0-year life expectancy falls 3.5 years short of the U.S. average of 74.5 years. At 22.4% reporting poor or fair health, the county nearly matches the national average of 23%, suggesting systemic health challenges beyond individual behaviors.

Below-average health statewide

Kanawha's 71.0-year life expectancy runs 1.2 years below West Virginia's state average of 72.2 years, placing it in the lower half of the state's counties. The 22.4% poor/fair health rate signals persistent chronic disease burden.

Struggles compared to nearby counties

Kanawha's 71.0-year life expectancy falls 2.1 years below Harrison County (73.1 years) and 4.9 years below Jefferson County (75.9 years). However, Kanawha's 130 primary care providers per 100K ranks among the strongest in the region, suggesting barriers are social or economic rather than access-based.

Good doctors, insurance gaps remain

Kanawha's 7.5% uninsured rate sits just below the state average, meaning about 1 in 13 residents lack coverage. Despite 130 primary care providers per 100K—better than most counties—health outcomes lag, suggesting social determinants like income and education play major roles.

Get insured, get preventive care

If you're among Kanawha's uninsured, healthcare.gov and WV DHHR can connect you to affordable plans or Medicaid. Regular primary care visits catch diseases early and can reverse some of the county's health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kanawha County

via SchoolsByCounty

West Virginia's Largest Educational Infrastructure

Kanawha County operates a massive network of 68 public schools, including 42 elementary, 12 middle, and 8 high schools. This system serves 24,262 students, making it the most significant school population in the state.

Strong Funding Supporting Diverse Student Needs

The county spends $8,092 per pupil, which exceeds the state average of $7,773 to support its broad campus network. While the 88.0% graduation rate is lower than the state average, it remains above the national benchmark of 87.0%.

Major District Management and Virtual Options

Kanawha County Schools oversees 67 schools and nearly 24,000 students, while the West Virginia Virtual Academy offers a charter alternative for 398 students. This dual-district landscape provides families with both traditional brick-and-mortar and digital learning pathways.

A Suburban Powerhouse with City Schools

With 43 suburban and 18 city schools, the county offers a distinctly more developed feel than its neighbors. Large regional high schools like Riverside and George Washington each serve over 1,100 students, creating a bustling, diverse campus atmosphere.

Find Your Home in a Diverse District

From urban centers to quiet suburbs, Kanawha County provides an unparalleled variety of educational settings. Homebuyers can choose from dozens of local school zones to find the perfect fit for their children's academic and social growth.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kanawha County

via RiskByCounty

Kanawha County faces significantly elevated disaster risk

Kanawha County's composite risk score of 94.53 places it nearly twice West Virginia's state average of 49.21 and squarely in the relatively high risk category. This score reflects substantial exposure to multiple hazard types, making Kanawha one of the state's most disaster-prone counties.

Kanawha County ranks among West Virginia's highest-risk

Kanawha County stands out as the highest-risk county in this eight-county analysis group, with a composite score of 94.53 that far exceeds the state average. The county faces serious vulnerability across flood, wildfire, earthquake, and hurricane hazards.

Kanawha's risk dramatically exceeds surrounding counties

Kanawha County's 94.53 composite score towers over Harrison County's 73.60 and Logan County's 79.23, driven by exceptional flood risk (97.90) that tops most peers. Its 76.30 earthquake risk also surpasses all neighboring counties in this group, creating a compound vulnerability profile.

Flooding poses an exceptional, immediate threat

Kanawha County faces an extraordinary flood risk of 97.90, placing it in the highest-danger category for water-related disasters in the state. Wildfire exposure ranks second at 61.55, earthquake risk third at 76.30, and hurricane risk fourth at 64.41—a dangerous combination of overlapping hazards.

Flood and earthquake insurance are non-negotiable

Kanawha County's 97.90 flood risk score demands immediate action: flood insurance is absolutely essential and should be treated as a core protection, not an option. Couple this with earthquake coverage for your 76.30 seismic exposure, and add comprehensive wind/hail policies to address wildfire and hurricane threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kanawha County

via WeatherByCounty

The warmest of the West Virginia set

Kanawha County averages 55.3°F annually, which is slightly warmer than the national median. This makes it one of the more thermally active regions in the Appalachian range.

Leading the state in average temperature

The county is 2.5 degrees warmer than the West Virginia state average of 52.8°F. It also receives 48.3 inches of rain, making it both warmer and wetter than the state baseline.

Warmer and wetter than its surroundings

Kanawha outpaces neighbors like Jackson and Harrison in both average temperature and total rainfall. It records 23 days of extreme heat, a tally matched only by Jackson County in this group.

Hot, humid summers and moderate winters

July averages a high of 75.3°F, and summer overall stays warm at 73.7°F. Winters are the mildest in the set, with a 36.2°F average and 24.7 inches of annual snow.

Invest in heavy-duty cooling and drainage

Modern HVAC systems must handle 23 days of extreme heat and high humidity. Frequent 48-inch rainfall totals require excellent home drainage systems and sump pumps in low-lying areas.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kanawha County

via SoilByCounty

Classic West Virginia acidity

Kanawha County reports an average soil pH of 5.34, placing it just above the state average of 5.25. Like much of the region, it remains significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median, often requiring lime for vegetables.

A lighter, manageable soil texture

The soil composition is 37.4% silt, 27.3% sand, and 15.7% clay. This balance suggests a lighter texture that is generally easier to till than the heavier clays found in neighboring regions.

Rich organic matter, lower water storage

Organic matter is a strong 13.43%, which far exceeds the 2.0% national average. However, the available water capacity of 0.112 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.142, meaning soils may dry out faster.

Managing moisture levels

The lower water capacity suggests a need for consistent mulching to preserve moisture. Keeping the ground covered will help protect the soil from the intense summer heat typical of the Kanawha Valley.

Diverse options for Zone 7a

As a Zone 7a region, Kanawha County provides a welcoming environment for a diverse garden. It is a fantastic place to grow heat-loving crops like melons and okra alongside hardy perennials.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kanawha County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Care Leads to Success in Kanawha

Kanawha County has a lawn difficulty score of 63.2, which is just slightly under the state average of 66.5. It remains much easier to manage than the national median of 50.0. Being in Zone 7a allows for a long growing season but requires specific grass choices to handle the heat.

High Rainfall Meets Hot Summer Days

The county enjoys 48.3 inches of rain annually, which is toward the high end of the ideal growth range. This water is necessary, as Kanawha endures 23 extreme heat days each year. With 3,778 growing degree days, lawns here grow vigorously and require frequent maintenance.

Acidic Soil Levels Need Balancing

The local soil pH sits at 5.34, well below the preferred 6.0-7.0 range for healthy turf. With 15.7% clay and 27.3% sand, the soil texture is relatively well-balanced but prone to nutrient lockout due to acidity. Regular applications of lime can help neutralize the soil and improve grass health.

Moisture Levels Remain Stable for Now

Kanawha County experienced 10 weeks of drought over the last 12 months, but currently has no area under dry stress. Despite the 0.0% drought status, the high number of heat days means moisture evaporates quickly. Mulching clippings back into the lawn can help retain soil moisture during July and August.

Plant Early to Avoid Summer Heat

The last spring frost typically occurs around April 21st, providing a good window for spring seeding. In Zone 7a, Tall Fescue is highly recommended for its ability to withstand both the winter cold and the 23 days of extreme heat. Start seeding early so roots can establish before the temperatures climb.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kanawha County's county score?
Kanawha County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 41.5 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 Kanawha County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Kanawha County ranks #55 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 Kanawha County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Kanawha County is $922, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Kanawha County a tax score of 64.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kanawha County?
The median household income in Kanawha County, West Virginia is $58,887 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kanawha County earns an income score of 35.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kanawha County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Kanawha County scores 41.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Kanawha 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 Kanawha 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.