CountyScore

Lincoln County

West Virginia · WV

#36 in West Virginia
70.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, West Virginia

Lincoln exceeds national median by 41%

Lincoln County's composite score of 70.4 significantly surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties. This solid standing reflects exceptional housing affordability despite modest incomes.

Slightly below average in West Virginia

Lincoln scores 70.4 compared to the state average of 72.2, positioning it in the middle-to-lower tier of West Virginia counties. The county trades health and income for extraordinary affordability advantages.

Most affordable housing in the entire group

Lincoln leads on overall cost (89.0) with the lowest median home value of $103,400 and rent of $727/month. Combined with a minimal effective tax rate of 0.478%, the county offers unmatched affordability for ultra-budget-conscious residents.

Lowest incomes and weakest health performance

Income (15.1) is the lowest among the eight counties at $48,593 median household income, reflecting limited economic opportunity. Health scores (55.6) also rank lowest, indicating significant public health challenges requiring community attention.

For those living on the slimmest budgets

Lincoln County suits individuals and families with very modest incomes who need bare-minimum housing and living costs. If you're stretched financially or living on a fixed income of under $50,000, Lincoln offers the lowest baseline expenses available.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.8Cost89SafetyComing SoonHealth55.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.1Risk40.3WaterComing Soon
🏛88.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡40.3
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 Lincoln County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Chambers County
Alabama
70.4
Median income: $49,295
Wilcox County
Alabama
70.4
Median income: $42,236
Ashley County
Arkansas
70.4
Median income: $44,481
Dixie County
Florida
70.4
Median income: $47,655
Morgan County
Indiana
70.4
Median income: $79,088

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln offers rock-bottom tax rates

Lincoln County's effective tax rate of 0.478% ranks among the lowest in the United States, well below the national median of 0.867%. Residents here pay just $494 annually in property tax—a fraction of the national median of $2,690.

Second-lowest rate in West Virginia

Lincoln County's 0.478% effective rate sits near the bottom of West Virginia's county rankings, just slightly above Lewis County's 0.470%. The median property tax of $494 is the lowest in the state, reflecting both low tax rates and the lowest median home values.

Lowest taxes in its region

Lincoln's 0.478% rate edges out Lewis County at 0.470% and beats Logan County's 0.582% by a significant margin. A Lincoln homeowner pays roughly $97 less annually than a Logan County resident on a comparable home.

Minimal property tax in Lincoln

The median Lincoln County home valued at $103,400 incurs approximately $494 in annual property tax. With mortgage adjustments factored in, the total may reach about $732.

Even small assessments deserve review

Lincoln County's low baseline taxes make assessment accuracy equally important—any overvaluation directly impacts your bottom line. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor is worth your time if you suspect your property is valued above market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln's tight budget strains low-income renters

Lincoln County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in this group, worsening the burden for residents earning just $48,593 annually. At $727 monthly rent, Lincoln householders devote a larger share of tight incomes to housing than the U.S. average suggests is healthy.

Above-average strain for lowest-income county

Lincoln's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds West Virginia's 16.9% average, hitting the least-affordable tier statewide. Combined with the county's lowest median income ($48,593) in this group, Lincoln residents face the sharpest squeeze.

Cheap rent, but income doesn't match

Lincoln's $727 rent is among the state's lowest, but at $48,593 median income, it's the poorest county here. Logan County is similar ($704 rent, $47,237 income), while Jackson and Lewis offer better income-to-rent ratios despite comparable rents.

Lincoln's precarious affordability math

Lincoln residents earning $48,593 spend $727 on rent (17.9%), leaving little buffer for other necessities on already-stretched incomes. Homeowners fare better at $422 monthly on $103,400 homes, making ownership the clear affordability winner here.

If you're staying, consider buying early

Lincoln County's rock-bottom home values ($103,400) and cheap ownership costs ($422/month) make homeownership a survival strategy for income-constrained households. For renters, Lincoln's low rents help, but income growth elsewhere may offer better long-term prospects.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln's income falls well below national

Lincoln County's median household income of $48,593 sits 35% below the national median of $74,755, ranking it in the bottom 15% of all U.S. counties. The county also trails West Virginia's state average of $54,746 by $6,153, reflecting significant economic hardship.

Among West Virginia's poorest counties

Lincoln County ranks in the bottom fifth of West Virginia's 55 counties for median household income. At $48,593, it lags the state average significantly, indicating deep structural economic challenges and limited job growth.

Lincoln struggles among already-struggling peers

Lincoln's $48,593 median ranks above only Logan County ($47,237) among the eight-county region examined. The county faces compounding disadvantages from rural geography, declining industries, and limited high-wage employment.

Housing costs create severe budget stress

At 17.9% of household income, Lincoln's rent-to-income ratio approaches affordability crisis levels, and median home values of $103,400 remain difficult for families earning the county median. Many residents spend nearly one-fifth of income on housing alone.

Lincoln residents deserve financial support

While tight budgets limit investment capacity, Lincoln residents can access community development programs and low-income savings matches. Investigate local credit unions, nonprofit financial counseling, and state-sponsored savings programs designed to help build stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln faces acute health crisis

Lincoln County's 68.7-year life expectancy is 5.8 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years—among the lowest in America. Nearly 30% report poor or fair health, nearly double the national average, reflecting a severe and pervasive health burden.

Worst health outcomes in West Virginia

At 68.7 years, Lincoln's life expectancy runs 3.5 years below West Virginia's already-struggling state average of 72.2 years. The county's 29.7% poor/fair health rate is the highest in the state, marking a public health emergency.

Dramatically worse than peers

Lincoln residents live 4.4 years fewer than Harrison County (73.1 years) and 7.2 years fewer than Jefferson County (75.9 years)—a staggering disparity. With only 50 primary care providers per 100K and just 76 mental health providers per 100K, Lincoln's healthcare infrastructure is among the state's weakest.

Insurance alone cannot bridge this gap

Although Lincoln's 7.2% uninsured rate sits below state average, limited healthcare providers mean insurance coverage is only half the solution. The county's 29.7% poor/fair health rate suggests that poverty, limited transportation, and social isolation are driving health decline more than lack of coverage.

Take your first step now

Lincoln County residents must prioritize coverage as a foundation for better health. Contact WV DHHR at 1-855-WVHEALTHYY or visit healthcare.gov—even with limited local providers, coverage can connect you to specialists and preventive programs online or in nearby counties.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County's risk profile stays moderate

Lincoln County's composite risk score of 59.70 exceeds West Virginia's state average of 49.21, placing it in the relatively low risk category. This reflects concentrated wildfire and flood vulnerability rather than broad-based hazard exposure.

Mid-tier risk among West Virginia counties

Lincoln County ranks in the middle tier of West Virginia's disaster risk hierarchy with a composite score of 59.70. The county's risk profile is driven primarily by wildfire and flood exposure, with other hazard types remaining manageable.

Lincoln's wildfire risk stands out among peers

Lincoln County's 71.98 wildfire risk far exceeds Harrison County's 25.22 and Jackson County's 20.39, representing the county's most distinctive vulnerability. Its flood risk of 78.69 aligns with neighboring counties, but the wildfire exposure pushes its composite score to 59.70.

Wildfire and flooding threaten Lincoln County

Wildfire represents Lincoln County's most significant hazard with a risk score of 71.98, considerably higher than most peer counties. Flooding ranks second at 78.69, while earthquake (37.25), hurricane (47.43), and tornado (11.90) hazards pose lower but present risks.

Wildfire and flood coverage are essential

Lincoln County's 71.98 wildfire risk demands that you verify your homeowners insurance includes comprehensive coverage for wildfire damage and invest in defensible space around your property. Add flood insurance to address the 78.69 flood risk, particularly if your home sits near streams, rivers, or flood-prone terrain.

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.