countyscore

Lincoln County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#31 in West Virginia

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
61.9
County Score
Cost of Living 89.7Property Tax 88.2Safety 68.2

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, West Virginia

Exceeding the national livability benchmark

Lincoln County earns a 61.9 composite score, placing it well ahead of the 50.0 national median. It offers a competitive quality of life compared to many other US regions.

A typical West Virginia success story

The score of 61.9 is essentially tied with the West Virginia state average of 62.0. This indicates the county performs consistently with the state's best-scoring regions.

Superior affordability and tax benefits

Lincoln County shines with a cost score of 89.7 and a median home value of just $103,400. The tax score of 88.2 is supported by a very low 0.478% effective tax rate.

Significant income and water hurdles

The income score of 12.1 is among the lowest, reflecting a median household income of $48,593. Water infrastructure is also a critical challenge with a score of 16.1.

Ideal for ultra-low-cost living

Lincoln County is best for families who prioritize affordable homeownership and low taxes above all else. It suits those who can navigate local infrastructure limits in exchange for financial freedom.

Score breakdown

Tax88.2Cost89.7Safety68.2Health25.8Schools58.6Income12.1Risk40.3Water16.1Weather56.2
🏛88.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧16.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Lincoln County?

Many homeowners in Lincoln County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Lincoln County with Geneva County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Geneva County
Alabama
Median income: $50,951
61.9
Jackson County
Alabama
Median income: $49,454
61.9
Madison County
Alabama
Median income: $83,528
61.9
Faribault County
Minnesota
Median income: $64,391
61.9
Linn County
Missouri
Median income: $61,975
61.9
Ralls County
Missouri
Median income: $62,054
61.9
Bon Homme County
South Dakota
Median income: $61,275
61.9
Gregory County
South Dakota
Median income: $52,432
61.9

Nearby counties

Wayne County
West Virginia
55.5
Boone County
West Virginia
58.8
Cabell County
West Virginia
41.6
Logan County
West Virginia
58.4
Putnam County
West Virginia
65
Kanawha County
West Virginia
41.5
Mingo County
West Virginia
63.6
Martin County
Kentucky
67.3

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Record in Lincoln County

Lincoln County reports a low total crime rate of 744.7 per 100,000 people, significantly better than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score is a high 98.8. These figures show that the county is one of the more secure places to live in the United States.

Safety Levels Better than State Average

With a crime rate of 744.7, Lincoln County is safer than the West Virginia state average of 949.0. The county’s safety score of 98.8 also ranks higher than the state average of 98.5. Six law enforcement agencies provide coverage for the region's residents.

Lincoln vs the Rest of the Region

Lincoln County is much safer than neighboring Kanawha County, which sees crime at a rate of 3241.9. It also edges out nearby Jackson County's rate of 872.0. This makes Lincoln a notably quiet area within its geographic cluster.

Low Violent and Property Crime Risks

The violent crime rate in Lincoln is 147.0, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low at 597.7, compared to the national figure of 2,015.7. Residents face far lower risks of theft and assault than the average American.

Protecting Your Home in Lincoln County

Even in safe areas, home security remains important to deter potential property crimes. Motion-activated lights and basic alarm systems are effective tools for maintaining a secure residence. Community awareness and reporting suspicious activity to the six local agencies help keep the county safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

Primary and Secondary Education in Lincoln

Lincoln County operates eight public schools, featuring six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. These facilities provide an educational home for 2,942 students across the county's single district.

High Success Rates in a Rural Setting

The graduation rate of 92.0% stands out as a success, beating the national average and nearly matching the West Virginia state average. The county achieves this with a per-pupil spend of $7,433, trailing the state average slightly by roughly $300 per student.

Unified District Management in Lincoln

Lincoln County Schools manages 100% of the public enrollment, with no charter schools currently available in the area. This unified structure ensures that resources are shared across the eight traditional campuses serving the 2,942 students.

Purely Rural Campuses and Medium Sizes

Every single school in the county is classified as rural, creating a consistent educational feel across the district. While the average school size is 368, Lincoln County High is the largest hub with 852 students, serving as a major community anchor.

Find Tranquility and Strong Schools in Lincoln

Lincoln County is an ideal choice for those who value rural beauty and high graduation standards. Explore local properties to secure a home in a district where every student benefits from a consistent, community-oriented environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Annual Temperatures and High Humidity

Lincoln County is warmer than the national median, maintaining an average annual temperature of 55.7°F. The local climate is characterized by 47.1 inches of precipitation, typical for the humid eastern United States.

One of West Virginia's Warmer Regions

Ranking nearly 3 degrees above the state average of 52.8°F, Lincoln is a warm spot in the Mountain State. Its precipitation matches the state average of 47.0 inches almost exactly.

A Heat Leader in the Region

Lincoln experiences 40 days of extreme heat per year, nearly double the count seen in Lewis County to the northeast. This makes it one of the more heat-prone areas in its immediate geographic cluster.

Sweltering Summers and Manageable Winters

The county sees 40 days of 90°F weather annually, with July averages climbing to 76.1°F. Winters are relatively mild for West Virginia, averaging 36.2°F and only 20.8 inches of snowfall.

Prioritize Cooling and Light Winter Gear

Efficient air conditioning is a necessity here to manage the frequent 90-degree summer days. Winter preparation is less intensive than in the mountains, as temperatures remain above freezing on average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Sharp acidity in Lincoln County

Lincoln County has a very acidic soil profile with a pH of 4.36, significantly lower than the state average of 5.25. This is well below the national 6.5 median and usually requires lime for most standard crops.

Silt and sand dominate the mix

The soil consists of 31.3% silt, 20.8% sand, and 12.1% clay. This relatively low clay content helps with drainage but may lead to more frequent leaching of nutrients compared to heavier soils.

Remarkable organic matter levels

The organic matter content is remarkably high at 31.09%, which far exceeds the 21.03% state average. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.124 in/in is slightly below the state benchmark of 0.142.

Acidic and absorbent earth

The high organic matter and lower clay percentage usually indicate a spongy soil texture. However, the extreme acidity can limit the biological activity needed for optimal nutrient cycling and plant health.

Berry-friendly Zone 7a

Lincoln County's Zone 7a status provides a long, warm window for gardeners. If you manage the acidity, the high organic matter offers a massive head start for growing berries and acid-loving shrubs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Lincoln County Lawns Face Uphill Battle

Lincoln County's lawn difficulty score of 54.0 is lower than the state average of 66.5, though still above the national median. The 7a hardiness zone brings warmer winters but much tougher summer conditions for standard grass. Success here requires careful attention to soil chemistry and heat stress.

Intense Summer Heat and Ample Rain

Lincoln County experiences 40 days of extreme heat annually, more than double the state average of 17 days. While 47.1 inches of rain helps, the high 3,907 growing degree days mean your lawn will be under constant growth and heat pressure. This combination often leads to summer dormancy if irrigation isn't managed well.

Highly Acidic Soils Challenge Turf Health

With a pH of 4.36, Lincoln County has very acidic soil that can severely limit grass growth and nutrient absorption. The soil contains 12.1% clay and 20.8% sand, which is a relatively light texture. Corrective liming is mandatory here to raise the pH toward the 6.0-7.0 ideal.

Low Current Drought Risk Despite Heat

The county has avoided significant drought recently, with only 9 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. Currently, 0.0% of the county is dry, providing a good window to strengthen your lawn. Because of the 40 annual heat days, focusing on soil health is your best defense against future moisture loss.

Choose Heat-Hardy Grass for Zone 7a

Because of the frequent 90-degree days, choosing heat-tolerant Tall Fescue or Bermudagrass is wise. Plan your seeding after the last frost on April 23rd but before the early summer heat peaks. Established lawns should be mown high to protect the crowns from intense sun.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 61.9 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Lincoln County ranks #31 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 Lincoln County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $494, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 88.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, West Virginia is $48,593 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 12.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 61.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.