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Mason County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#14 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
68
County Score
Cost of Living 90.7Property Tax 82.3Lawn Care 80.6

County Report Card

About Mason County, West Virginia

Significantly Outperforming the National Benchmark

Mason County earns a 68.0 composite score, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests a superior level of general livability compared to the average U.S. county.

A Top Performer in the Mountain State

The county exceeds the West Virginia state average of 62.0 by six full points. It ranks as a premier choice for residents seeking a high quality of life within state borders.

Unmatched Affordability and Resident Safety

Mason County shines with a Cost Score of 90.7 and a Safety Score of 77.6. With median gross rents at $654 and home values averaging $127,400, your dollar goes incredibly far here.

Opportunities in Health and Local Income

Economic growth remains a focus area as the Income Score sits at 21.6 with a median income of $53,454. Health outcomes also lag behind other dimensions with a score of 36.4.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

Mason County is a perfect match for those seeking high safety and extreme affordability. It offers a high quality of life for individuals who are not dependent on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax82.3Cost90.7Safety77.6Health36.4Schools69.8Income21.6Risk42.6Water53.1Weather57.8
🏛82.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡77.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱80.6
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

Mason County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mason County

via TaxByCounty

Mason County taxes rank among lowest nationally

Mason County's effective rate of 0.535% places it firmly in the lowest 10% across the country—roughly one-fifth the burden of median U.S. homeowners. The median annual tax of $682 demonstrates how low property taxes remain here compared to the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above West Virginia's state average

Mason County's 0.535% rate edges above West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, positioning it as a moderate-to-slightly-above-average county statewide. The median tax of $682 closely tracks the state median of $699, placing residents squarely within typical state ranges.

Mason balances rates across southern region

Mason County's 0.535% rate sits above Mingo County (0.437%) and McDowell County (0.565%), making it competitive within its regional peer group. Among southern West Virginia counties, Mason offers moderate tax positioning.

Annual tax on median home: $682

A typical Mason County home valued at $127,400 carries an annual property tax of $682. With mortgage escrow included, homeowners generally pay approximately $861 yearly.

Consider an assessment appeal today

Overassessments are common across West Virginia, and Mason County homeowners are no exception. Filing an appeal with your county assessor's office could reveal significant tax savings if your property is valued above market rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mason County

via CostByCounty

Mason County beats national affordability

At 14.7%, Mason County's rent-to-income ratio outperforms both the national average (16.9%) and West Virginia's state average, making it one of the more affordable rental markets in the region. Despite a median income of $53,454—below the national median of $74,755—renters here spend less of their earnings on housing.

Among West Virginia's most affordable

Mason County ranks in the top tier of West Virginia counties for rental affordability, with a 14.7% rent-to-income ratio that beats nearly all peers. The combination of modest rents ($654/month) and a cost-conscious local economy creates one of the state's gentler housing burdens.

Lowest rents in southern West Virginia

Mason County's $654/month rent is the cheapest among comparable southern counties, undercutting Mingo ($604) and beating Monroe ($677). This affordability advantage persists despite local incomes being below the regional average, making Mason an outlier in the state's housing value proposition.

Ownership costs run lean too

Renters pay $654/month (14.7% of income) while homeowners spend $556/month (12.5%)—both well below state and national norms. Mason County's median home value of $127,400 reflects affordability across both rental and purchase markets.

Best value for budget-conscious Appalachians

Mason County offers the rare combination of low rents, low homeowner costs, and top-tier affordability ratios—ideal for those prioritizing housing savings over higher regional wages. Its rental market stands apart even from neighboring Mingo County, making it worth close consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mason County

via IncomeByCounty

Mason lags national income benchmark

Mason County's median household income of $53,454 falls below the U.S. median of $74,755 by $21,301, placing the county in the lower-middle range nationally. This $21,301 gap reflects broader economic challenges facing rural Appalachian communities compared to national averages.

Near West Virginia average income

Mason County's $53,454 median household income sits just below the West Virginia state average of $54,746, ranking it near the middle of the state's county distribution. The county performs slightly below state peer performance, indicating typical West Virginia income patterns.

Income trails county neighbors

Mason County's $53,454 median income ranks below neighboring Marshall County ($60,329) and Monroe County ($54,508), though it exceeds Mingo County ($39,527). The county occupies a competitive middle position within its regional peer group.

Housing costs stay reasonable

Mason County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating housing remains manageable for median earners. With a median home value of $127,400, homeownership requires sustained income but remains realistic for county median households.

Maximize savings despite modest income

Mason County households earning $53,454 should prioritize building emergency savings first, then direct surplus income to retirement and investment accounts. With favorable housing ratios, households can allocate 8-12% of income to wealth-building without financial strain.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mason County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety Levels in Mason County

Mason County is exceptionally safe, posting a total crime rate of just 533.6 per 100K compared to the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents results in an elite safety score of 99.2.

Outperforming the High State Average

Mason County outperforms the already high West Virginia safety average of 98.5. Its total crime rate is nearly half the state average of 949.0 incidents per 100K.

Safer Than Northern Neighbors

Mason is significantly safer than Marshall County to the north, which reports 3,792.3 crimes per 100K. It maintains a profile similar to Mingo County, another low-crime area in the region.

Violent Crime Remains Extremely Rare

The county reports 463.0 property crimes per 100K and only 70.6 violent crimes. This breakdown reveals a community where physical safety is the norm and property incidents remain rare.

Simple Steps Maintain This Safe Haven

While the risk is statistically low, maintaining situational awareness keeps your home secure. Simple steps like locking windows and using smart doorbells ensure Mason County remains one of the safest spots in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mason County

via HealthByCounty

Mason County trails U.S. health benchmarks

Life expectancy in Mason County is 71.1 years, falling 5.3 years short of the national average of 76.4 years and indicating significant health disparities. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (24.4%) report poor or fair health, compared to 17.9% nationally, suggesting chronic disease and lifestyle factors are taking a toll.

Below average for West Virginia

Mason County's 71.1-year life expectancy falls notably below West Virginia's 72.2-year state average, ranking it among the state's less healthy counties. This gap suggests that local health challenges deserve urgent attention and targeted investment.

Worse off than regional peers

Mason County's life expectancy of 71.1 years lags McDowell County (65.1 years) is worse, but significantly trails healthier neighbors like Marshall County (74.3 years) and Mineral County (73.5 years). The uninsured rate of 6.4% is slightly below the state average of 7.6%, providing some protection—though 1 in 15 residents still lack coverage.

Strongest primary care access in its peer group

Mason County boasts 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, exceeding most neighboring counties and providing solid entry-point healthcare access. With 36 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers moderate behavioral health support, though demand may still exceed availability in rural areas.

Healthcare access starts with coverage

Mason County's 6.4% uninsured rate leaves about 1 in 15 residents without protection. Explore plans on healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to find affordable coverage that works for your household.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mason County

via SchoolsByCounty

Mason County’s Distributed Public School System

Mason County supports 12 public schools, including seven elementary schools and three high schools. This single-district system provides education for 3,788 students across various specialized facilities.

Strong Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

Mason County achieves a 94.0% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national benchmarks. Although per-pupil spending of $7,747 is lower than the national average, the county maintains a school score of 57.2, which sits just above the state average.

Mason County Schools Leads the Way

Mason County Schools manages the entire student population of 3,788 within its 12 campuses. The district operates without charter schools, focusing resources on traditional rural and town-based public education.

Rural Roots and Town Hubs

Seven schools are situated in rural locales, while five are located in town settings, creating an average school size of 344 students. Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High School is the largest in the county, enrolling 1,107 students.

Settle Near High-Performing Rural Schools

Mason County offers a high graduation rate that makes it a compelling choice for growing families. Consider the local housing market to secure a residence near the county's leading high schools or town-based elementary centers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mason County

via RiskByCounty

Mason County faces above-average disaster risk

Mason County's composite risk score of 57.44 places it in the "Relatively Low" category but exceeds West Virginia's state average of 49.21 by about 17%. The county's risk profile is driven by elevated flood and hurricane exposure rather than seismic or tornado threats.

Upper-middle risk tier in West Virginia

With a score of 57.44, Mason County ranks above the state median among West Virginia's 55 counties. It faces moderate overall disaster exposure, placing it in the more vulnerable half of the state's counties.

Comparable to Marshall County, lower than Mercer

Mason County's 57.44 score closely mirrors Marshall County's 56.81, reflecting similar flood and hurricane exposure along the Ohio River corridor. Mercer County to the east (65.24) and Mingo County to the south (72.58) carry notably higher overall risk.

Flood and hurricane risk dominate the profile

Mason County's flood risk score of 76.30 is the highest hazard, followed by hurricane risk at 57.53—both well above the county's wildfire (30.92) and tornado (15.97) scores. River-adjacent areas face acute flood vulnerability, while hurricane remnants pose seasonal concerns.

Flood insurance is critical for Mason County

With flood risk at 76.30, flood insurance should be a top priority, especially for properties near the Ohio River or floodplain areas. Review homeowners policies for hurricane and wind coverage as well, given the county's 57.53 hurricane risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mason County

via WeatherByCounty

Average National Temperatures and Lower Rainfall

Mason County's 53.0°F annual average aligns perfectly with the national median for temperate zones. It is drier than many eastern counties, receiving 44.2 inches of annual precipitation.

A Drier Pocket in the Mountain State

Mason is slightly warmer than the state average of 52.8°F but receives significantly less rain. Its 44.2 inches of precipitation is nearly 3 inches below the West Virginia state average of 47.0 inches.

Moderate Extremes Along the Ohio River

The county sees 21 days of extreme heat, roughly half of what is experienced in Logan County to the south. This makes Mason a more moderate choice for those avoiding intense Appalachian summer heat.

Cold Mid-Winters and Balanced Summers

July temperatures average 73.9°F, while January cools down to a 30.8°F mean. While snowfall data is not recorded, the county experiences 21 days where temperatures exceed 90°F.

Protect Pipes and Plan Outdoor Activities

The 30.8°F January average requires winterizing outdoor plumbing to prevent freezing. With 44.2 inches of rain, this is one of the better West Virginia counties for planning consistent outdoor recreation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mason County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring Mason's Regional Soil Profile

Local soil records for Mason County are currently limited, though regional trends suggest more acidic conditions than the 6.5 national pH median. We know the area shares the broader West Virginia climate, which typically features a 5.25 state average pH.

Varied Texture Across the Landscape

Detailed sand and clay percentages are not recorded for this specific location. Most regional soils in this area require site-specific testing to determine the best approach for drainage and workability.

Nutrient Potential in the Valley

Data on organic matter and water capacity is currently unavailable for this county. Gardeners should consider a home test kit to see how their specific plot compares to the high state average of 21.03% organic matter.

Planning for Proper Runoff

Information regarding drainage classes and hydrologic groups is not currently in the database. Building or farming projects should start with a local perk test to ensure the ground can handle runoff and structural loads effectively.

Sustainable Growing in Zone 6b

Mason County sits in Hardiness Zone 6b, which supports a diverse range of perennials and cold-hardy vegetables. Despite the lack of county-wide soil data, the climate remains very friendly for those looking to plant their first garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mason County

via LawnByCounty

Mason County’s Effortless Growing Edge

With a difficulty score of 80.6, Mason County is one of the easiest places in West Virginia to keep a lawn looking its best. This score far exceeds the state average of 66.5, making the local Hardiness Zone 6b a gardener's delight.

Consistent Moisture for Greener Grass

Annual precipitation of 44.2 inches provides plenty of natural hydration for local landscapes. The 3379 growing degree days and 21 extreme heat days suggest a standard mowing schedule is usually sufficient to manage growth.

Navigating Local Soil Variations

While specific soil testing data is unavailable for the county, most areas in this region benefit from regular aeration to combat compacting. Homeowners should conduct a local pH test to ensure their soil matches the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range found elsewhere in the state.

Short Dry Windows, Long-Term Health

Mason County experienced only 7 weeks of drought in the past year, and current conditions are entirely clear of drought stress. This lack of prolonged water scarcity makes it much easier to maintain a lush green appearance throughout the summer.

Maximize Your Growing Season

The long window between the last frost on April 28 and the first frost on October 29 is perfect for Tall Fescue blends. Early spring seeding allows your grass to take full advantage of the mild 6b climate before any summer heat kicks in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mason County's county score?
Mason County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 68 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 Mason County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Mason County ranks #14 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 Mason County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Mason County is $682, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Mason County a tax score of 82.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mason County?
The median household income in Mason County, West Virginia is $53,454 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mason County earns an income score of 21.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mason County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Mason County scores 68/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Mason 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 Mason 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.