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McDowell County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#40 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
57
County Score
Cost of Living 93.9Safety 83.6Property Tax 78.6

County Report Card

About McDowell County, West Virginia

Competitive Standing Against National Medians

McDowell County posts a 57.0 composite score, which beats the national median of 50.0. Despite economic hurdles, the county maintains a solid baseline of livability on the national stage.

Closing the Gap with State Averages

The county trails the West Virginia state average of 62.0 by five points. This gap highlights the disparity between the county’s affordability and its current infrastructure and health metrics.

Nation-Leading Housing Costs and Safety

The county boasts a near-perfect Cost Score of 93.9 and a median home value of just $49,200. Residents also enjoy a high level of security with a Safety Score of 83.6.

Significant Infrastructure and Income Hurdles

Serious challenges persist with an Income Score of 0.2 and a Water Score of 6.1. Education and health scores also remain in the bottom third of national rankings.

Best for Self-Sufficient, Budget-Conscious Homeowners

McDowell suits adventurous residents looking for the lowest entry prices in the country. It is the best choice for those who prioritize rock-bottom housing costs over modern public infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax78.6Cost93.9Safety83.6Health14.8Schools28.3Income0.2Risk23.4Water6.1Weather71.3
🏛78.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡83.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤14.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡23.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧6.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤71.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨33.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.8
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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51.4
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50
Wyoming County
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61.5
Mingo County
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Deep Dives

McDowell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McDowell County

via TaxByCounty

McDowell County taxes among America's lowest

McDowell County's effective rate of 0.565% ranks in the lowest 5% nationally, with a median property tax of just $278—less than one-tenth the national median of $2,690. The combination of lower home values and modest rates creates an extraordinarily affordable tax environment.

Highest rate in West Virginia but still low

McDowell County's 0.565% rate edges slightly above West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, reflecting the highest effective rate among the eight-county sample. Despite this distinction, the median annual tax of $278 remains well below the state median of $699 due to significantly lower home values.

Highest regional rate but remains competitive

McDowell County's 0.565% rate exceeds Mason County (0.535%) and Mingo County (0.437%), ranking highest in its peer group. Still, the median tax of $278 reflects the county's lower property valuations across the region.

Minimal annual tax burden on median home

A median McDowell County home valued at $49,200 generates just $278 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, homeowners typically pay around $556 per year.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Even in a low-tax environment, property assessments can still exceed actual market value. McDowell County homeowners should verify their assessments through their county assessor's office to ensure they're not paying more than necessary.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McDowell County

via CostByCounty

McDowell faces severe affordability crisis

McDowell County's rent-to-income ratio of 27.5% is nearly 63% higher than the national average of 16.9%—a crisis-level affordability gap driven by an extremely low median household income of just $29,980. Renters here spend more than one-quarter of their earnings on housing, the worst burden in the state.

West Virginia's least affordable county

McDowell County ranks dead last in West Virginia for housing affordability, with renters bearing a 27.5% rent-to-income burden that dwarfs every other county in the state. Economic distress—median income is less than 40% of the national average—drives this severe mismatch between housing costs and local earnings.

Trapped between low income and rent

While McDowell's $686/month rent mirrors nearby Mineral County ($684), McDowell residents earn half as much ($29,980 vs. $68,049), creating a double burden. Even Mingo County, the region's next-poorest, shows better affordability at 18.3% thanks to lower rents and slightly higher incomes.

Every dollar counts for housing

Renters allocate $686/month (27.5% of income) while homeowners spend $361/month (14.5%)—a stark gap that reflects limited buying power despite low home values ($49,200). The county's extreme rent burden consumes resources needed for other essentials, perpetuating economic hardship.

Consider relocation for economic relief

McDowell County faces structural housing challenges tied to income collapse rather than excessive rents—potential residents should evaluate whether job opportunities exist before moving here. Compare this county against higher-income peers like Mineral or Monongalia if housing affordability is your priority.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McDowell County

via IncomeByCounty

McDowell faces severe income gap

McDowell County's median household income of $29,980 represents just 40% of the national median of $74,755—a $44,775 shortfall that places the county among the poorest in America. This dramatic gap reflects decades of economic contraction following the decline of coal mining.

Lowest income in West Virginia

At $29,980, McDowell County's median household income ranks dead last among West Virginia's 55 counties, falling $24,766 below the state average of $54,746. This profound disparity underscores McDowell's exceptional economic struggle within an already economically challenged state.

Significantly behind regional peers

McDowell County's $29,980 median income trails all neighboring counties dramatically: Mercer County ($47,799), Mingo County ($39,527), and Wyoming County are substantially ahead. The county's isolation at the income bottom reflects concentrated economic distress not seen in surrounding areas.

Housing costs consume household income

McDowell County's 27.5% rent-to-income ratio approaches the danger threshold of 30%, meaning housing consumes more than one-quarter of median earnings. Even at bargain median home values of $49,200, homeownership stretches household finances dangerously thin.

Urgent need for economic intervention

McDowell County households face immediate financial precarity, with median incomes barely covering basic needs before wealth-building is possible. Residents should prioritize accessing job training, education programs, and community economic development initiatives designed to raise earning potential and break cycles of poverty.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McDowell County

via CrimeByCounty

McDowell Boasts a Remarkable Safety Profile

McDowell County features a safety score of 99.4, reflecting its low total crime rate of 386.0 per 100K. This rate is a mere fraction of the national average, which stands at 2,385.5 per 100K.

One of West Virginia’s Safest Counties

McDowell ranks as one of the safest counties in the state, easily beating the state safety score average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 386.0 is less than half the state average of 949.0.

Tranquility Compared to Regional Hubs

McDowell is safer than neighboring Mercer County, where the crime rate reaches 1,184.3 per 100K. It offers a very quiet environment compared to the higher activity seen in nearby regional hubs.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

Violent crime accounts for 158.6 incidents per 100K, while property crime is slightly higher at 227.4. These numbers show that McDowell residents experience very low levels of both personal and property-related offenses.

Consistency is Key for Home Security

Low crime rates should not lead to complacency in your personal security routine. Keeping high-value items out of sight and securing entry points preserves the peace of mind McDowell is known for.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in McDowell County

via HealthByCounty

McDowell County faces a health crisis

At 65.1 years, McDowell County has the lowest life expectancy in this group—a devastating 11.3 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 33.6% of residents reporting poor or fair health, nearly twice the national rate of 17.9%, McDowell faces structural health challenges that demand immediate, sustained action.

Worst health outcomes in West Virginia

McDowell County's 65.1-year life expectancy sits 7.1 years below West Virginia's state average of 72.2 years, making it a critical public health concern. This dramatic gap reflects deep-rooted poverty, limited economic opportunity, and decades of underinvestment in healthcare infrastructure.

Crisis conditions compared to regional peers

McDowell County's 65.1-year life expectancy is only matched by Mingo County (65.8 years) in this region; all other neighbors report 5+ year advantages. The 10.4% uninsured rate is the highest in the group, nearly 40% above the state average, leaving thousands without basic healthcare access.

Severe shortage of primary care doctors

McDowell County has just 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below the state baseline—making routine medical care difficult to access. While mental health providers at 46 per 100,000 offer some behavioral health capacity, residents struggle with basic preventive and acute care due to provider scarcity.

Get covered now—McDowell needs you healthy

With 1 in 10 residents uninsured, coverage gaps worsen outcomes in McDowell. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 today to enroll in a plan and access the care your community desperately needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McDowell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Ten Schools Serving the McDowell Community

McDowell County operates 10 public schools, which include six elementary schools and two high schools. A single district manages the education of 2,537 students across this rural landscape.

Facing Challenges in Academic Outcomes

The county reports an 82.0% graduation rate, which falls below the state average of 92.8% and the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,139, and the composite school score currently stands at 49.6.

A Consolidated Rural School District

McDowell County Schools serves as the sole educational provider for the area's 2,537 students. The district utilizes a traditional public school framework, as there are no charter schools currently operating in the county.

Small, Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Education here is almost exclusively rural, with nine out of ten schools located in rural settings. While Mount View High School enrolls 560 students, the average school size across the county remains small at 282 students.

Community-Focused Living Near Rural Schools

For those looking for a close-knit educational environment, McDowell County offers intimate school sizes. Research available homes near the county's central high schools to stay connected to the community's educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McDowell County

via RiskByCounty

McDowell County has elevated national disaster risk

McDowell County's composite risk score of 76.65 is significantly above the national average and West Virginia's state average of 49.21—nearly 56% higher. This places McDowell in the upper tier of the nation's more hazard-exposed counties, despite its "Relatively Low" rating classification.

Third-highest risk county in West Virginia

McDowell County ranks among the top three most disaster-prone counties in West Virginia, with its 76.65 score exceeded only by Mingo County (72.58) and Monongalia County (71.53). The county faces substantially above-average exposure across multiple hazard types.

Riskiest in its regional cluster

McDowell County's score of 76.65 far exceeds nearby Mercer County (65.24) and Mingo County (72.58) in the southern region. Only Monongalia County in the north approaches McDowell's overall risk level, making McDowell the most hazard-exposed county in its area.

Flooding, wildfire, and earthquake risks are severe

McDowell County faces particularly acute flood risk at 84.70 and wildfire risk at 69.31—the latter among the highest in the state. Earthquake risk of 58.62 also ranks notably high, reflecting the county's location in a geologically active region of Appalachia.

Comprehensive hazard coverage essential for McDowell

Flood insurance is non-negotiable with a score of 84.70, and wildfire coverage should be reviewed carefully given the county's 69.31 score. Consider earthquake insurance as well—often a standalone policy—given the county's above-average seismic exposure at 58.62.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in McDowell County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Mountains and Cool Summer Days

McDowell County averages 52.8°F annually, which is consistent with the national median. Its high-elevation terrain helps suppress extreme summer heat compared to other regions at this latitude.

Matching the State Average Exactly

McDowell's 52.8°F average is the exact state average for West Virginia. While rainfall and snowfall data are limited for this area, its temperature profile is highly representative of the state.

A Regional Haven From Extreme Heat

While neighboring Logan County endures 46 days of extreme heat, McDowell sees only 5 days. This makes it significantly cooler during the summer months than its western neighbors.

Mild Summers and Standard Appalachian Winters

The summer average is a comfortable 69.9°F, with July peaking at just 71.6°F. Winters are typical for the region, with an average seasonal temperature of 35.0°F from December to February.

Lower Cooling Needs and Essential Heating

Residents enjoy low summer utility bills as temperatures rarely hit 90°F. Focus investments on reliable heating systems to handle the consistent 33.0°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McDowell County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Appalachian Entisols

McDowell County features highly acidic Entisols with a pH of 2.97, far below the state average of 5.25. This extreme acidity suggests a unique chemical environment that differs sharply from the national median of 6.5.

Light Mineral Mix with Low Clay

The soil profile contains 23.7% sand and 16.5% silt, creating a relatively light mineral mix. With only 8.5% clay, the soil lacks the typical heavy structure found in many West Virginia valleys.

Surprising Organic Matter, Low Water

Organic matter reaches 36.87%, which is well above the already high state average of 21.03%. However, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.066 in/in, meaning plants may struggle to access moisture despite the rich organic content.

Rapid Drainage in Young Soils

As Entisols, these soils represent 'young' earth with limited horizon development. The low clay content and low water capacity suggest that while drainage might be rapid, the soil struggles to hold onto essential nutrients.

Extended Seasons in Zone 7a

Located in Zone 7a, McDowell offers a slightly longer growing season than its northern neighbors. Acid-loving plants like blueberries thrive here, and gardeners can succeed by focusing on species that tolerate low water retention.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McDowell County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Soil Challenges in 7a

McDowell County scores 67.8 for lawn difficulty, which is slightly above the state average despite some unique environmental hurdles. Located in the warmer Hardiness Zone 7a, the county offers a longer window for outdoor maintenance.

Mild Summers and Cool Peaks

Lawns here benefit from an incredibly mild summer climate, with only 5 extreme heat days compared to the state average of 17. The 3081 growing degree days ensure steady, manageable growth throughout the season without the stress of frequent scorching heat.

Neutralizing Extreme Soil Acidity

The soil pH in McDowell is a very low 2.97, which is far too acidic for healthy grass and requires significant lime amendments. Because the soil is sandy (23.7%) and low in clay (8.5%), nutrients may leach out quickly, making regular soil testing a necessity.

Zero Drought Stress Observed

McDowell County has seen zero weeks of drought over the past year, keeping natural moisture levels high. While precipitation data is limited, the lack of dry spells means your main concern will be soil chemistry rather than water conservation.

A Long Window for Success

The growing season starts early here, with the last frost typically occurring by April 24. For this 7a zone, heat-tolerant cool-season blends are ideal once you have corrected the soil pH to the target range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McDowell County's county score?
McDowell County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 57 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 McDowell County rank among counties in West Virginia?
McDowell County ranks #40 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 McDowell County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in McDowell County is $278, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns McDowell County a tax score of 78.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McDowell County?
The median household income in McDowell County, West Virginia is $29,980 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McDowell County earns an income score of 0.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is McDowell County, West Virginia a good place to live?
McDowell County scores 57/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate McDowell 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 McDowell County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.