CountyScore

Marshall County

West Virginia · WV

#24 in West Virginia
73.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Marshall County, West Virginia

Marshall outpaces the nation

Marshall County scores 73.2 out of 100 on livability, well above the national median of 50.0—placing it in the top 46th percentile nationally. This score reflects a county that offers a fundamentally stronger quality of life than typical American counties across multiple dimensions.

Slightly ahead of West Virginia

Marshall ranks above the state average of 72.2, making it one of West Virginia's more livable counties. The county's 73.2 score positions it solidly in the upper half of the state's county rankings.

Tax burden and affordability shine

Marshall excels with a Tax Score of 89.5 (effective rate just 0.456%) and a Cost Score of 84.8, reflecting genuinely affordable housing with a median home value of $139,800. The county also scores respectable marks in Health (68.3) and Income (22.8), making it accessible to working-class and middle-class families alike.

Income growth and risk need work

The Income Score of 22.8 signals that median household earnings ($60,329) lag behind wealthier counties, while the Risk Score of 43.2 suggests moderate exposure to economic or environmental volatility. These areas represent the primary trade-offs in choosing Marshall as a place to settle.

Ideal for budget-conscious families

Marshall County suits families and workers seeking low taxes, affordable housing, and moderate living costs without breaking the bank on health or services. It's the right fit for people who value stability and fiscal responsibility over rapid income growth or cutting-edge amenities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89.5Cost84.8SafetyComing SoonHealth68.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.8Risk43.2WaterComing Soon
🏛89.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡43.2
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 Marshall County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Perry County
Alabama
73.2
Median income: $34,368
Crowley County
Colorado
73.2
Median income: $47,563
Jay County
Indiana
73.2
Median income: $54,114
Putnam County
Indiana
73.2
Median income: $76,182
Vermillion County
Indiana
73.2
Median income: $59,363

Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.