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Marshall County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#42 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
56.8
County Score
Schools 91.2Property Tax 90.1Lawn Care 73.5

County Report Card

About Marshall County, West Virginia

Above the National Median for Quality of Life

Marshall County scores a 56.8 on the composite index, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This places the county comfortably in the top half of jurisdictions across the United States.

Trailing the West Virginia State Average

While competitive nationally, the county falls below the West Virginia state average composite score of 62.0. It faces steeper local challenges than many of its surrounding neighbors.

Elite Education and Low Tax Burdens

The county excels in education with a School Score of 91.2 and a Tax Score of 90.1. Homeowners benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.456% and affordable monthly rents averaging $823.

Addressing Critical Safety and Income Gaps

Public safety is a significant hurdle with a Safety Score of only 3.9. Additionally, the Income Score of 40.2 reflects a median household income of $60,329, which limits overall economic mobility.

A Haven for Education-Focused Families

This county is ideal for families who prioritize top-tier public schools and low property taxes above all else. It suits those who can navigate local safety concerns to enjoy a low-cost, high-educational environment.

Score breakdown

Tax90.1Cost71.5Safety3.9Health51.3Schools91.2Income40.2Risk43.2Water46.9Weather55.5
🏛90.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓91.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡43.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.5
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

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Marshall County

via TaxByCounty

Marshall County taxes far below national norm

Marshall County's effective tax rate of 0.456% ranks in the lowest 5% nationally—meaning homeowners here pay a fraction of what typical Americans do. The median property tax of $637 annually falls dramatically short of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower home values and lower tax rates.

Below-average rates across West Virginia

Marshall County's 0.456% rate runs slightly below West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, positioning it as a moderate-tax county within the state. The county's median tax of $637 sits below the state median of $699, offering residents a modest tax burden compared to peers.

Competitive taxes in the northern region

Marshall County's rate of 0.456% edges out neighboring Mineral County (0.465%) and sits well below Monongalia County's 0.485%. Among northern West Virginia counties, Marshall offers one of the most favorable tax environments for property owners.

Median home costs $637 yearly in taxes

A typical Marshall County home valued at $139,800 generates $637 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay around $820 when escrow accounts are included.

Many homeowners can reduce their bills

Property assessments often exceed actual market value—meaning many Marshall County residents may qualify for tax reductions through appeal. Consulting your county assessor's office about a reassessment could uncover tax savings you're leaving on the table.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marshall County

via CostByCounty

Marshall County rents eat 16.4% of income

Renters in Marshall County spend 16.4% of their median household income on housing—slightly better than the national average of 16.9% and beating the state norm. With a median income of $60,329 and median rent of $823/month, Marshall County offers below-national-average housing pressure relative to local earning power.

Middle of the pack in West Virginia

Marshall County ranks in the middle tier of West Virginia counties for rental affordability, with its 16.4% rent-to-income ratio matching conditions in neighboring regions. The county's median rent of $823 runs higher than the state average of $760, but local incomes are also stronger than most peers.

Competitive rents among northern counties

Marshall County's $823/month rent falls between Monongalia County's $943 (the priciest in the region) and Mineral County's $684. Renters here pay about $63 more monthly than the state average, reflecting Marshall's position as a more developed northern corridor with slightly higher cost of living.

Renters and owners split differently

Renters spend $823/month (16.4% of income), while homeowners allocate $580/month (11.5%) to mortgage costs—a $243 gap favoring ownership. The median home value of $139,800 positions Marshall County as an accessible market for buyers compared to state leaders like Monongalia ($254,200).

Steady ground for balanced living

If you're seeking a West Virginia county with stable housing costs and above-average income, Marshall County delivers middle-ground affordability without extreme rent burdens. Compare this profile against higher-cost Monongalia or lower-income McDowell to find your fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marshall County

via IncomeByCounty

Marshall outpaces nation on income

Marshall County's median household income of $60,329 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by a notable margin, though the county ranks in the middle tier nationally. This positions Marshall households above average earning potential compared to most U.S. counties, reflecting stronger economic fundamentals than many rural regions.

Stronger than most West Virginia peers

At $60,329, Marshall County's median household income ranks above the West Virginia state average of $54,746, placing it in the upper third of the state's 55 counties. This $5,583 advantage reflects Marshall's economic resilience within West Virginia's income landscape.

Leading regional income growth

Marshall County's $60,329 median income outperforms neighboring Monongalia County ($62,704, slightly higher) and Mason County ($53,454), though it trails Mineral County ($68,049) in the region. Among its immediate peer group, Marshall represents solid middle-income performance with room for continued growth.

Rent remains manageable here

Marshall County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio falls well below the national affordability threshold of 30%, suggesting households can comfortably cover housing costs. With median home values at $139,800, homeownership remains accessible for households earning the county median, indicating genuine economic stability.

Build on Marshall's income foundation

Marshall households earning $60,329 have real opportunity to invest beyond basic expenses, with manageable housing costs leaving room for retirement savings and wealth-building. Financial advisors recommend households here direct 10-15% of income to long-term investments, leveraging the county's affordability advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marshall County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Levels Above the National Average

Marshall County reports a total crime rate of 3,792.3 per 100K, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite these higher incident rates, the county maintains a strong safety score of 94.0 out of 100.

High Activity Compared to West Virginia Norms

The county's crime rate of 3,792.3 is nearly four times the state average of 949.0 per 100K. Consequently, its 94.0 safety score sits below the West Virginia state average of 98.5.

A Regional High in the Northern Panhandle

Marshall sees much more reported activity than southern Mason County, which reports only 533.6 crimes per 100K. This contrast highlights Marshall's status as a more active hub for law enforcement within the region.

Property Crimes Outpace Violent Incidents

Property crime accounts for 2,592.7 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 1,199.6. These figures indicate that residents are more likely to encounter theft or burglary than physical confrontation.

Stay Vigilant to Protect Your Property

Given the local property crime rates, investing in modern alarm systems and outdoor lighting provides a strong deterrent. Monitoring local crime trends helps you stay proactive about your home's security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Marshall County

via HealthByCounty

Marshall County lives longer than most

At 74.3 years, Marshall County residents live 2.4 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a notable achievement for a rural West Virginia county. Just 21.7% report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 17.9%, suggesting health challenges remain despite the strong life expectancy figure.

Outperforming West Virginia by two years

Marshall County's 74.3-year life expectancy ranks it well above West Virginia's 72.2-year state average, placing it among the healthier counties in the state. This 2.1-year advantage reflects better health outcomes and fewer preventable deaths than most of its neighboring counties.

Healthier than Mineral, slightly ahead of Monroe

Marshall County's life expectancy of 74.3 years outpaces neighboring Mineral County (73.5 years) and Monroe County (72.3 years), though Monongalia County's 77.6 years shows what region-wide health investments can achieve. Marshall's uninsured rate of 6.3% is lower than the state average of 7.6%, giving residents better access to preventive care.

Moderate provider access supports community health

With 37 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Marshall County offers adequate baseline access, though the state average of 41 suggests room for growth. Mental health providers at 27 per 100,000 are below state capacity, meaning residents seeking behavioral health support may face wait times or travel.

Check insurance options to stay protected

Marshall County's 6.3% uninsured rate is better than the state average, but 1 in 16 residents still lack coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or your state marketplace to explore plans that fit your family's needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marshall County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Network of Thirteen Public Schools

Marshall County operates 13 public schools, including eight elementary, two middle, and two high schools. A single district manages this infrastructure, which serves a total enrollment of 4,239 students.

Elite Graduation Rates Outpace the Nation

The county boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $9,838 remains below the national average of $13,000, it exceeds the state average of $7,773 and contributes to a strong school score of 63.3.

Unified Management Through Marshall County Schools

Marshall County Schools is the sole district, overseeing all 13 schools and 4,239 students. Currently, there are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school model for all families.

A Blend of Suburban and Rural Learning

The educational environment is split between seven suburban and six rural schools, with an average school size of 326 students. John Marshall High School is the largest campus with 1,046 students, offering a stark contrast to the county's smaller primary facilities.

Find a Home Near Top-Tier Schools

With graduation rates that lead the state, Marshall County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing education. Explore local real estate to find a home within reach of these high-performing suburban and rural campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marshall County

via RiskByCounty

Marshall County's disaster risk: above average

Marshall County scores 56.81 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category but 15% higher than West Virginia's average of 49.21. The county faces moderately elevated exposure compared to the typical U.S. county, driven primarily by significant flood vulnerability.

Mid-tier risk among West Virginia counties

Marshall County ranks in the middle range of West Virginia's 55 counties by overall disaster risk. Its 56.81 score exceeds the state average, making it one of the more exposed counties, though several neighbors carry substantially higher risk profiles.

Riskier than nearby Mineral County

Marshall County's score of 56.81 exceeds Mineral County's 52.83 and Monroe County's very low 28.28, but trails McDowell County (76.65) and Mercer County (65.24) to the south. Your county sits in the moderate range compared to regional peers, with flood risk as the primary differentiator.

Flooding and hurricanes are primary concerns

Marshall County's flood risk score of 76.75 is its most pressing hazard—nearly double its wildfire risk of 23.86. Hurricane preparedness also matters: the county scores 51.73 on hurricane risk, reflecting exposure to remnant tropical systems that occasionally reach West Virginia.

Prioritize flood insurance for Marshall County

With flood risk at 76.75, flood insurance is essential for any home in a flood zone or with significant water exposure. Consider also reviewing hurricane and wind coverage on homeowners policies, given the county's 51.73 hurricane risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marshall County

via WeatherByCounty

Brisk Average Temperatures in the Panhandle

Marshall County maintains an annual average of 52.4°F, which is slightly cooler than the national median. It receives 46.1 inches of annual precipitation, typical for the Ohio River Valley.

Aligning With State Temperature Norms

The county temperature of 52.4°F is nearly identical to the West Virginia state average of 52.8°F. It is slightly drier than the rest of the state, falling 0.9 inches below the state average rainfall.

Warmer Summers Than Its Southern Neighbors

Despite its northern location, Marshall sees 22 days of 90-degree heat, nearly double the 13 days recorded in Marion. This creates a more volatile summer temperature profile compared to nearby counties.

Standard Winters and Warm July Peaks

Winters feature 15.8 inches of snowfall and an average low of 29.5°F in January. July temperatures peak at 73.8°F, contributing to a total of 22 extreme heat days each year.

Winter Preparedness and Summer Cooling

Residents should keep snow removal tools ready for the 15.8 inches of annual snow. Balanced HVAC systems are necessary to bridge the gap between sub-freezing January nights and 90-degree summer peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marshall County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced and Neutral Soil Profile

Marshall's soil shows a pH of 6.00, which is significantly more neutral than the West Virginia state average of 5.25. While it sits just below the national median of 6.5, this balance supports a wide variety of plant life across the county.

Silt-Heavy Texture for Easy Working

The ground consists of 55.9% silt and 19.2% clay, creating a fine-textured environment that holds moisture well. The 24.1% sand component ensures the earth remains manageable and easy to work for local farmers.

Superior Water Retention for Crops

At 2.87%, the organic matter content exceeds the national average of 2.0%. Its available water capacity of 0.184 in/in is higher than the state average, providing a reliable reservoir for crops during dry spells.

High Soil Score for Local Agriculture

Marshall County earns a soil score of 60.1, indicating a relatively high-performing landscape for the region. The blend of silt and clay suggests steady moisture retention with moderate percolation, even where specific drainage classes aren't recorded.

Plant Your Zone 6b Garden

Falling within Hardiness Zone 6b, this county provides an excellent foundation for vegetable gardens and orchards. The favorable soil score and water capacity make it an ideal spot to start a sustainable home garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marshall County

via LawnByCounty

A High-Performing Haven for Lawns

Marshall County earns a lawn difficulty score of 73.5, indicating it is significantly easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. The county's location in Hardiness Zone 6b provides a stable environment for traditional cool-season grasses to thrive.

Ample Rainfall Meets Summer Heat

The county receives 46.1 inches of annual precipitation, sitting comfortably within the ideal range for grass health. While there are 22 extreme heat days per year, which is more than the state average of 17, the 3280 growing degree days support a robust growing schedule.

A Balanced Foundation for Roots

The soil pH stands at a solid 6.00, hitting the lower threshold of the ideal range for most turfgrasses. With 19.2% clay and 24.1% sand, the ground offers a reliable structure for root development, though specific drainage data is limited.

Managing Seasonal Dry Spells

Despite 11 weeks of drought over the past year, the county currently reports 0% of its area as abnormally dry. To maintain resilience, local homeowners should focus on deep watering sessions that penetrate the clay-sand soil mix.

Start Your Marshall Greenery

Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for this zone, especially when seeded after the last frost on April 26. Your lawn has until the first frost on October 21 to establish itself before winter dormancy sets in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marshall County's county score?
Marshall County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 56.8 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 Marshall County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Marshall County ranks #42 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 Marshall County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Marshall County is $637, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Marshall County a tax score of 90.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marshall County?
The median household income in Marshall County, West Virginia is $60,329 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marshall County earns an income score of 40.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marshall County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Marshall County scores 56.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Marshall 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 Marshall 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.