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Lewis County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#30 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
62.2
County Score
Property Tax 88.8Water Quality 86Cost of Living 85.9

County Report Card

About Lewis County, West Virginia

Lewis County outperforms the national median

With a composite score of 62.2, Lewis County stands well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high standard of living relative to the rest of the country.

Meeting the West Virginia state average

Lewis County's 62.2 score perfectly aligns with the West Virginia state average of 62.0. It serves as a benchmark for high-quality rural living within the state.

Low tax burden and clean water

The county excels with a tax score of 88.8 and an incredibly low 0.470% effective tax rate. Water quality is another major win, earning a high score of 86.0.

Economic opportunities and school performance

The income score of 19.3 reflects a lower median household income of $52,279. Schools also present a challenge for the county, with a score of 33.1.

A haven for retirees and remote workers

This county is a top choice for those with outside income who want to minimize taxes and maximize water quality. It offers exceptional affordability with median home values of $135,800.

Score breakdown

Tax88.8Cost85.9Safety72.2Health31.6Schools33.1Income19.3Risk56.3Water86Weather57.5
🏛88.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.4
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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Harrison County
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Deep Dives

Lewis County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lewis County

via TaxByCounty

Lewis offers some of the lowest rates

Lewis County's effective tax rate of 0.470% ranks among the lowest in America, trailing well below the national median of 0.867%. Residents pay just $639 annually in property tax—less than a quarter of the national median—making Lewis one of the most tax-friendly counties in the nation.

Best tax rate in West Virginia

Lewis County's 0.470% effective rate is the lowest in West Virginia, beating the state average of 0.497% by a measurable margin. The median property tax of $639 is notably lower than the state median of $699, reflecting both lower rates and lower home values.

Clear winner on affordability

Lewis County's 0.470% rate edges out all nearby counties, including Harrison at 0.550% and Marion at 0.602%. Lewis homeowners save approximately $232 annually compared to Jackson County residents on typical homes, despite similar property values.

The lowest tax bill in the region

The median Lewis County home valued at $135,800 generates roughly $639 in annual property tax. After mortgage-related adjustments, the bill may reach approximately $732.

Verify your assessment accuracy

Even in Lewis County's favorable tax environment, homeowners should confirm their assessed values reflect current market conditions. A free appeal to the county assessor ensures you're not paying more than your property's fair market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lewis County

via CostByCounty

Lewis balances tight income with fair rents

Lewis County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio matches West Virginia's state average, sitting just above the U.S. norm. Residents earning $52,279 annually pay $737 in rent—affordable by state standards but reflective of modest local incomes.

Right at West Virginia's affordability mark

Lewis's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio ties the state average exactly, and its $737 median rent sits just $23 below the statewide norm. This positions Lewis squarely in the middle of West Virginia's housing-cost landscape.

Competitive with Jackson, slightly below Harrison

Lewis's $737 rent trails Jackson's bargain price of $720 but beats Harrison ($848), Marion ($901), and Kanawha ($879). Among rural counties, Lewis ranks as affordable without hitting the absolute lowest rents.

Lewis's modest but tight budget

Lewis households earning $52,279 spend $737 on rent (16.9%), the second-lowest burden in this group, while homeowners pay just $508 monthly on $135,800 homes. This county offers genuine affordability for both renters and modest-income buyers.

Affordable rural living with modern amenities

Lewis County suits budget-conscious renters and homebuyers seeking solid affordability without extreme isolation. Its $737 rent and $508 ownership costs rival Jackson's best rates while maintaining a slightly more developed infrastructure.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lewis County

via IncomeByCounty

Lewis lags far behind national income

Lewis County's median household income of $52,279 falls 30% short of the national median of $74,755, ranking it in the bottom quarter of all U.S. counties. The county also trails West Virginia's state average of $54,746 by $2,467.

Below-state-average earner in West Virginia

Lewis County ranks in the lower half of West Virginia's 55 counties for household income. At $52,279, it falls below the state median, reflecting limited economic diversification and employment growth in rural north-central Appalachia.

Lewis ranks among region's lowest earners

Lewis's $52,279 median trails Harrison ($58,326) and Jackson ($55,671), placing it among the struggle zone for household economics. The county reflects broader challenges in rural manufacturing and resource-dependent communities.

Housing costs stretch limited budgets

At 16.9% of household income, Lewis's rent-to-income ratio sits at the upper boundary of healthy affordability. Median home values of $135,800 require careful planning, and renters face noticeable cost pressure on modest incomes.

Build savings habits despite tight budgets

Lewis residents can grow wealth even with modest incomes by automating small, regular savings and avoiding high-interest debt. Start with $50–100 monthly into a dedicated savings account, then graduate to employer retirement plans as income allows.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lewis County

via CrimeByCounty

Lewis County Boasts Exceptional National Safety

Lewis County is among the safest in the country with a total crime rate of just 661.9 per 100,000 residents. This is far below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a near-perfect safety score of 99.0, indicating a very secure environment.

Outperforming West Virginia’s Average Safety

Lewis County’s safety score of 99.0 exceeds the West Virginia state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 661.9 is significantly lower than the state average of 949.0. Six dedicated reporting agencies maintain this high level of public order.

A Safer Alternative to Northern Neighbors

Compared to nearby Harrison County, which has a crime rate of 1491.0, Lewis County is remarkably quiet. Its rate of 661.9 is less than half that of Harrison, highlighting a significant regional difference in safety. This makes it one of the calmest counties in the central part of the state.

Very Low Rates for All Crime Types

Violent crime in Lewis County is rare, occurring at a rate of 118.2 compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also exceptionally low at 543.7, which is a fraction of the 2,015.7 national average. These statistics translate to a high degree of peace of mind for local residents.

Maintain the Peace with Simple Habits

To keep crime rates low, residents should continue to practice basic home security like locking doors and windows. Encouraging neighborhood communication helps reporting agencies identify unusual activity quickly. This community-focused approach helps Lewis County keep its 99.0 safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lewis County

via HealthByCounty

Lewis faces serious health challenges

At 70.3 years, Lewis County's life expectancy is 4.2 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years. With 24.6% reporting poor or fair health—nearly 2 percentage points above the national average—Lewis struggles with chronic disease and limited health outcomes.

Struggling statewide, but not alone

Lewis's 70.3-year life expectancy falls 1.9 years below West Virginia's state average of 72.2 years, placing it in the lower third of the state. The 24.6% poor/fair health rate ranks among the worst in West Virginia, signaling acute health distress.

Worse off than regional counterparts

Lewis residents live 2.8 years fewer than Harrison County (73.1 years) and 5.6 years fewer than Jefferson County (75.9 years). With just 41 primary care providers per 100K, Lewis has fewer doctors than most neighbors, compounding the county's health disadvantage.

Sparse care access, limited coverage

Lewis's 7.2% uninsured rate sits below state average, but with only 41 primary care providers per 100K, insurance alone won't solve access gaps. Mental health support is available at 218 providers per 100K, but physical healthcare infrastructure remains stretched.

Insurance is your foundation

Lewis County residents need every advantage to manage health. Check healthcare.gov or call WV DHHR at 1-855-WVHEALTHYY to confirm coverage and find local providers—telehealth can bridge gaps when doctors are distant.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lewis County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact Education System in Lewis County

Lewis County supports a small but efficient system of six public schools consisting of four elementary, one middle, and one high school. This centralized infrastructure provides a learning environment for 2,403 total students.

Meeting National Graduation Benchmarks

Lewis County achieves an 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national average exactly, though it falls behind the state average of 92.8%. The county operates on a lean per-pupil budget of $6,795, which is among the lowest in the state.

Centralized Governance at Lewis County Schools

Lewis County Schools is the sole district, managing all 2,403 students across its six campuses. There are currently no charter schools in operation, focusing all local educational administration into a single traditional public pipeline.

A Truly Rural Learning Experience

The county features a mostly rural locale with four schools in the countryside and two in town. Students move from the small Roanoke Elementary (156 students) to the much larger Lewis County High, which enrolls 756 students.

Join a Close-Knit Educational Community

Families seeking a more intimate school environment will appreciate the manageable scale of Lewis County's campuses. Researching homes in this area often reveals a community deeply connected to its local school traditions.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lewis County

via RiskByCounty

Lewis County remains among the nation's safest

Lewis County's composite risk score of 43.70 sits well below West Virginia's state average of 49.21, marking it as one of the state's lowest-risk counties. This modest score reflects minimal exposure to major natural hazards compared to disaster-prone regions nationwide.

Lewis County ranks among West Virginia's safest

Lewis County scores just 43.70 on the composite disaster risk scale, placing it in the lowest-risk tier of West Virginia's 55 counties. No single hazard type poses significant threat, making Lewis one of the state's most resilient communities.

Lewis has the lowest wildfire risk in the group

Lewis County's composite score of 43.70 ranks as the second-lowest in this eight-county analysis, with a wildfire risk of just 7.25—by far the safest in the group. Its tornado risk of 11.55 and earthquake risk of 25.95 also rank among the county's best defensive positions.

Flood exposure dominates Lewis County's profile

Flooding represents Lewis County's primary natural hazard concern with a risk score of 69.08, though this remains below state average. All other hazards—tornado (11.55), wildfire (7.25), earthquake (25.95), and hurricane (47.35)—pose minimal threats to residents.

Flood insurance is Lewis's main protection need

Lewis County's 69.08 flood risk means flood insurance should be your priority coverage, even though overall disaster risk is low. Standard homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage adequately for Lewis's minimal tornado and hurricane exposure, making the county an excellent choice for affordable comprehensive protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lewis County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Mid-Atlantic Climate Profile

Lewis County averages 53.3°F annually, aligning closely with the national median for temperate climates. The region receives 51.5 inches of precipitation, making it significantly wetter than many central U.S. counties.

Warmer and Wetter Than State Averages

The county temperature sits 0.5 degrees above the West Virginia state average of 52.8°F. Its 51.5 inches of annual rain also exceeds the state average of 47.0 inches by nearly 10 percent.

Moderate Temperatures Among Central Neighbors

Lewis County stays cooler than southern neighbors like Lincoln while maintaining higher precipitation levels. Its 23 days of extreme heat represent a middle ground for the central West Virginia region.

Cold Winters and Humid Summer Days

July temperatures average 73.8°F, but the county still faces 23 days of heat exceeding 90°F annually. Winters bring an average of 24.3 inches of snow, with January temperatures dipping to a 31.2°F mean.

Preparedness for Moisture and Winter Chill

Homeowners should maintain robust gutter systems to handle the high 51.5-inch annual rainfall. Reliable heating is essential for the 33.7°F winter average, while moderate snow gear covers the seasonal 24.3-inch accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lewis County

via SoilByCounty

High-scoring soil for the region

Lewis County boasts a soil pH of 5.85, making it much less acidic than the 5.25 state average. While still below the 6.5 national median, this contributes to its impressive overall soil score of 59.6.

Silty-clay mix for stability

The soil is heavy on silt at 46.0%, balanced by 20.4% clay and 18.1% sand. This silty-clay mix provides excellent structure for holding onto nutrients while remaining manageable for backyard farming.

Exceptional organic richness

At 12.47%, the organic matter content is over six times the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.146 in/in also sits comfortably above the state average, indicating high drought resistance.

Superior water retention

The high silt and clay levels suggest a soil that holds water extremely well during dry spells. Farmers should monitor for slow drainage during heavy West Virginia rainfalls to ensure roots stay healthy.

Ideal conditions in Zone 6b

Lewis County is in Hardiness Zone 6b, offering a classic climate for diverse vegetable gardening. The combination of high organic matter and decent pH makes this an ideal spot for a thriving home orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lewis County

via LawnByCounty

Lewis County Matches the State Average

Lewis County earns a 66.4 lawn difficulty score, placing it exactly in line with the West Virginia state average. This indicates a manageable environment that is significantly easier than the national median. Zone 6b conditions support a classic mix of cool-season grasses.

Abundant Rainfall for Thirsty Lawns

At 51.5 inches of annual precipitation, Lewis County is slightly wetter than the ideal 50-inch lawn threshold. While 23 extreme heat days can stress the grass, the 3,386 growing degree days suggest a slightly slower growth rate than warmer neighbors. Good drainage is key here to prevent root rot during rainy months.

Nearly Ideal Soil Foundation

The soil pH in Lewis County is 5.85, which is just shy of the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. The soil composition is 20.4% clay and 18.1% sand, offering a heavy structure that holds water well but may need aeration. A light application of lime can easily bring this soil into the perfect range for turf.

Healthy Moisture Levels Currently Prevail

While the county saw 14 weeks of drought last year, current conditions show no immediate dryness. The abundant 51.5 inches of rain generally keeps the water table high enough to protect established lawns. During the rare dry week, one inch of water is usually sufficient to maintain green blades.

Aim for Late April Seeding

With the last spring frost expected on April 26th, late spring is an ideal time to repair winter patches. Kentucky Bluegrass and Ryegrass thrive in these 6b conditions and the plentiful local rainfall. Ensure you finish any heavy seeding projects before the heat of late June arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lewis County's county score?
Lewis County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 62.2 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 Lewis County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Lewis County ranks #30 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 Lewis County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Lewis County is $639, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Lewis County a tax score of 88.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lewis County?
The median household income in Lewis County, West Virginia is $52,279 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lewis County earns an income score of 19.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lewis County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Lewis County scores 62.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Lewis 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 Lewis County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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