Logan County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#38 in West Virginia
58.4
County Score
Cost of Living 89.8Property Tax 76.2Safety 72.8

County Report Card

About Logan County, West Virginia

Logan County stays above national median

Logan County achieves a composite score of 58.4, which sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. It provides a solid foundation for residents relative to national trends.

Trailing the state's top performers

A score of 58.4 is below the West Virginia average of 62.0. While it is affordable, other state counties offer better balances of health and economic scores.

Unbeatable housing costs and safety

The county features a near-perfect cost score of 89.8 with a median rent of only $704. Residents also enjoy a high safety score of 72.8, making it one of the more secure areas in the region.

Economic and health wellness barriers

Income levels are a major challenge, with a score of 9.7 and a median income of $47,237. The health score of 20.9 also suggests limited access to wellness resources.

A safe haven for budget-conscious families

Logan County is best suited for those who prioritize safety and extremely low housing costs ($101,500 median home value). It is a strong fit for households on a fixed budget who value community security.

Score breakdown

Tax76.2Cost89.8Safety72.8Health20.9Schools50.5Income9.7Risk20.8Water21.9Weather59.8
🏛76.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠89.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼9.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡72.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
20.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓50.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
20.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧21.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤59.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱58.2
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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Deep Dives

Logan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Logan County

via TaxByCounty

Logan taxes well below national average

Logan County's effective tax rate of 0.582% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.867%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $591 represents just 22% of the national median of $2,690.

Above average for West Virginia

Logan County's 0.582% effective rate exceeds West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, ranking in the upper-middle tier among the state's 55 counties. The median property tax of $591 falls below the state median of $699, thanks to Logan's lower-than-average home values of $101,500.

Higher rates than nearby Lewis

Logan's 0.582% rate significantly exceeds Lewis County's best-in-state 0.470%, with Logan residents paying roughly $97 more annually on typical homes. Logan's rate also trails Marion County's 0.602%, making it middle-ground in the region.

Logan's median annual tax bill

The median Logan County home valued at $101,500 generates approximately $591 in annual property tax. Homeowners with mortgages may see this climb to roughly $775 when including local tax adjustments.

Challenge inflated assessments

Logan County homeowners should verify their assessed values haven't drifted above recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods. A free appeal to the county assessor can unlock meaningful savings if your property is overvalued.

Cost of Living in Logan County

via CostByCounty

Logan stretches lowest income to afford rent

Logan County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio ties the worst in this group, straining the state's lowest median income of $47,237. At $704 monthly rent, Logan householders are among America's most cost-burdened relative to earnings.

Lowest income, highest housing burden ratio

Logan's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks in West Virginia's least-affordable tier, compounded by the county's median income of $47,237—the lowest here. This combination creates acute affordability strain for renters in particular.

Cheap housing, but paychecks are thinner

Logan's $704 rent is competitive with Jackson ($720) and Lewis ($737), yet residents earn $5,000-$8,000 less annually than neighbors. This income shortfall, not rent levels, drives Logan's affordability crisis.

Logan's precarious balance on thin wages

Logan residents earning just $47,237 commit $704 to rent (17.9%), the highest proportional burden statewide, while homeowners spend $502 monthly on $101,500 homes. For renters especially, this leaves minimal margin for health, transportation, or education expenses.

Logan needs income growth more than cheaper housing

Logan's real challenge is wage, not rent: local incomes lag neighbors by thousands despite similar housing costs. Workers here may benefit more from relocating to higher-wage counties like Jefferson or Marion than waiting for rents to fall further.

Income & Jobs in Logan County

via IncomeByCounty

Logan ranks among America's poorest

Logan County's median household income of $47,237 sits 37% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 10% of all U.S. counties. The county trails West Virginia's state average of $54,746 by $7,509, reflecting severe economic distress.

West Virginia's lowest-income county examined

Logan County ranks among the very poorest of West Virginia's 55 counties for household income. At $47,237, it falls significantly below state average, driven by coal industry decline and limited economic diversification.

Logan is the region's most economically stressed

Logan's $47,237 median ranks last among the eight counties examined, falling $1,356 below even Lincoln County. The county faces intensified challenges from historical dependence on coal mining and post-recession recovery gaps.

Housing burdens compound financial strain

At 17.9% of household income, Logan's rent-to-income ratio reaches critical stress levels, and median home values of $101,500 stretch already-limited resources. Residents face extraordinary difficulty affording stable housing relative to earnings.

Logan can access specialized financial aid

Logan residents facing economic hardship can access federal and state assistance programs, community development grants, and nonprofit financial counseling. Focus first on emergency savings and debt reduction before investing; local organizations can provide targeted support.

Safety in Logan County

via CrimeByCounty

Logan County Ranks High for National Safety

Logan County is extremely safe, featuring a total crime rate of 649.2 per 100,000 residents. This is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 99.0 reflects a very secure environment for families and businesses.

A Leader in West Virginia Safety

Logan County’s crime rate of 649.2 is significantly lower than the West Virginia state average of 949.0. The county's safety score of 99.0 also exceeds the state average of 98.5. Ten different reporting agencies contribute to this high level of public safety.

The Safest County in the Neighborhood

Logan County boasts a lower crime rate than neighbors like Lincoln County, which sits at 744.7. Compared to more urbanized counties like Kanawha, Logan is significantly more peaceful. This makes it a regional leader in keeping crime numbers consistently low.

Low Property Crime Highlights Logan Data

Property crime in Logan County is impressively low at 361.7 per 100,000, far below the national 2,015.7 average. Violent crime stands at 287.5, which is also lower than the national average of 369.8. This data indicates that residents are especially well-protected against theft.

Stay Secure and Stay Connected

Residents can help maintain Logan County's high safety score by securing their homes and being active in their communities. Using smart locks and keeping outdoor areas well-lit can further reduce property crime risks. Working with the 10 local law enforcement agencies ensures the county remains a top safety performer.

Health in Logan County

via HealthByCounty

Logan faces the nation's health crisis

Logan County's 66.2-year life expectancy is 8.3 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years—among the lowest life expectancies recorded in America. At 29.2% reporting poor or fair health, nearly 3 in 10 residents live with chronic illness or disability.

Second-worst health in West Virginia

Logan's 66.2-year life expectancy is 6 years below West Virginia's state average of 72.2 years, second only to Lincoln County. The 29.2% poor/fair health rate ranks as the second-highest in the state, reflecting a multi-generational health crisis.

Dramatically outpaced by healthier counties

Logan residents live 6.9 years fewer than Harrison County (73.1 years) and 9.7 years fewer than Jefferson County (75.9 years). With just 41 primary care providers per 100K and 130 mental health providers per 100K, Logan's healthcare workforce cannot meet the demand driven by widespread chronic disease.

Highest uninsured rate plus provider gaps

Logan's 8.4% uninsured rate is the highest in this sample, meaning roughly 1 in 12 residents lack coverage entirely. Combined with sparse provider density, uninsured residents face doubled barriers: no coverage to pay for care and no doctors nearby to receive it.

Coverage is critical in Logan

If you're uninsured in Logan, healthcare.gov and WV Medicaid (1-855-WVHEALTHYY) are your lifelines—immediate enrollment can prevent catastrophic illness and debt. Every person covered strengthens the county's ability to reverse its health decline.

Schools in Logan County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network of 18 Public Schools

Logan County maintains 11 elementary, three middle, and three high schools, along with one specialized center. Together, these 18 facilities educate a student body of 5,190 residents.

Higher Per-Pupil Investment and Solid Results

Logan County invests $7,933 per student, exceeding the state average of $7,773 in its commitment to education. This investment supports an 88.0% graduation rate, which remains above the national average despite being below the state-wide figure.

Traditional Education via Logan County Schools

Logan County Schools serves as the primary and only district for the county's 5,190 students. With zero charter schools in the region, the district focuses exclusively on its 18 traditional campuses to deliver public education.

Balanced Rural and Town Locale Mix

The county is evenly split with nine rural schools and nine town schools, offering families a choice of environments. Most schools are relatively small, with an average enrollment of 305, though Chapmanville Regional High serves as the largest with 721 students.

Plant Roots in a Growing Community

Logan County's commitment to above-average per-pupil spending reflects a community that values its future. Families moving here can find homes near a variety of town and rural campuses that offer a supportive learning environment.

Disaster Risk in Logan County

via RiskByCounty

Logan County faces above-average disaster risk

Logan County's composite risk score of 79.23 significantly exceeds West Virginia's state average of 49.21, placing it in the relatively low risk category but with elevated overall exposure. This reflects substantial flood and wildfire vulnerability concentrated in southern portions of the county.

Logan ranks among West Virginia's higher-risk counties

Logan County scores 79.23 on the composite disaster risk scale, placing it in the upper tier of West Virginia's 55 counties for overall hazard exposure. The county faces compounded threats from both flooding and wildfire that demand serious preparedness attention.

Logan's wildfire risk significantly exceeds Harrison's

Logan County's composite score of 79.23 exceeds Harrison County's 73.60, driven primarily by Logan's exceptional wildfire risk of 82.57 versus Harrison's 25.22. Both counties face similar flood exposure (Logan 89.38, Harrison 86.70), but Logan's wildfire threat creates substantially greater overall vulnerability.

Wildfire and flooding dominate Logan's hazards

Wildfire poses an exceptional threat to Logan County with a risk score of 82.57, the highest among all hazard types. Flooding ranks second at 89.38, creating a compound vulnerability where both hazards can occur simultaneously and amplify disaster impacts.

Wildfire and flood protection are critical priorities

Logan County's 82.57 wildfire risk means you must ensure comprehensive wildfire coverage on your homeowners policy and actively maintain defensible space around your property. Couple this with mandatory flood insurance for the 89.38 flood risk, and consider separate umbrella coverage given the elevated compound hazard exposure.

Weather & Climate in Logan County

via WeatherByCounty

Above Average Heat in the Appalachians

Logan County's 57.5°F average annual temperature is significantly higher than the national median. It receives 50.0 inches of precipitation annually, fueled by moist air flow in the southern coalfields.

Consistently Warmer Than the State Median

At 57.5°F, Logan is nearly 5 degrees warmer than the West Virginia state average of 52.8°F. It also receives 3 inches more rain annually than the state benchmark of 47.0 inches.

Significantly Hotter Than Nearby Highlands

Logan sees 46 days of extreme heat, a stark contrast to neighboring McDowell's mere 5 days. This makes it the regional leader for sustained summer temperatures and high-heat events.

Intense Summer Heat and Low Snowfall

Summer dominates the calendar with 46 days over 90°F and a July average of 77.8°F. Winters are the mildest in the region at 38.0°F, resulting in only 14.8 inches of annual snow.

Managing High Energy Costs in Summer

Residents should plan for high summer cooling loads due to the persistent 90-degree temperatures. Winter maintenance is largely focused on rain drainage rather than heavy snow removal given the low 14.8-inch average.

Soil Quality in Logan County

via SoilByCounty

Under the mountain surface

Logan County's specific pH and taxonomic data are currently unavailable in the central database. Most soils in this region track near the state average of 5.25, which is quite acidic compared to the 6.5 national median.

Discovering your texture

Detailed breakdowns of sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently not recorded for the county. Local growers should observe how water pools after a storm to get a sense of their soil's natural texture.

Potential for natural growth

Specific metrics for organic matter are missing, but the state average of 21.03% suggests high potential. Improving your local plot with compost is a sure way to match or beat these high state benchmarks.

Consult local experts

Information regarding drainage classes and hydrologic groups is currently limited for Logan County. We recommend consulting with local agricultural extensions before installing any complex irrigation systems.

Warm seasons in Zone 7a

Logan County enjoys the mild winters of Hardiness Zone 7a, making it a great spot for gardening. This climate is particularly well-suited for late-season harvests of greens and root vegetables.

Lawn Care in Logan County

via LawnByCounty

Logan County Manages Notable Climate Heat

Logan County carries a lawn difficulty score of 58.2, which reflects the challenges of its warmer Zone 7a environment. This score is tougher than the state average of 66.5 but remains easier than the national median of 50.0. Gardeners must account for one of the longest and hottest growing seasons in the state.

Extreme Heat Defines the Mowing Season

Logan County faces a staggering 46 extreme heat days per year, nearly triple the state average of 17. However, 50 inches of annual precipitation provides a vital buffer against this heat. With 4,301 growing degree days, the grass grows fast and long, requiring a rigorous maintenance schedule.

Testing is Essential for Heat Success

No specific soil pH or texture data is available for Logan County at this time. Given the high precipitation and heat, soil testing is vital to ensure your grass has the nutrients it needs to survive summer stress. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to maximize turf resilience.

Resilient Moisture Levels for Now

Logan County had only 7 weeks of drought in the past year, the lowest among its immediate neighbors. There is currently no abnormally dry acreage, giving the soil a healthy moisture reserve. Deep, infrequent watering is the best strategy to encourage the deep roots needed to survive 46 days of heat.

Early Frost Clearance Opens Growth Windows

The last spring frost arrives early on April 8th, allowing for an earlier start to the growing season than most of West Virginia. Consider warm-season grasses or heat-resistant fescues that thrive in Zone 7a. The long season until November 2nd gives plenty of time for new seed to establish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Logan County's county score?
Logan County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 58.4 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 Logan County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Logan County ranks #38 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 Logan County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Logan County is $591, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Logan County a tax score of 76.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Logan County?
The median household income in Logan County, West Virginia is $47,237 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Logan County earns an income score of 9.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Logan County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Logan County scores 58.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Logan 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 Logan County with other counties side by side.