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Mineral County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#26 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
63.6
County Score
Property Tax 89.3Cost of Living 85.9Schools 64

County Report Card

About Mineral County, West Virginia

Well Above National Livability Standards

Mineral County achieves a composite score of 63.5, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This high score reflects a balanced profile for a rural American community.

Outperforming the West Virginia Average

The county slightly edges out the West Virginia state average of 62.0. This performance suggests a higher standard of living than many other jurisdictions in the state.

Strong Fiscal Health and High Incomes

Fiscal health is a major asset with a Tax Score of 89.3 and an affordable Cost Score of 85.9. The median household income of $68,049 is reflected in a solid Income Score of 62.0.

Water Infrastructure and Safety Hurdles

Water infrastructure is the primary challenge, scoring low at 15.6. Safety also trails other metrics with a score of 44.3, representing an area for local improvement.

Ideal for Middle-Income Families

Mineral County is an excellent choice for families who want their dollar to go further. It offers a rare balance of higher local income levels and a very low cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax89.3Cost85.9Safety44.3Health51.6Schools64Income62Risk47.2Water15.6Weather44.3
🏛89.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼62
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧15.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.8
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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Deep Dives

Mineral County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mineral County

via TaxByCounty

Mineral County offers exceptional tax savings

Mineral County's effective rate of 0.465% ranks in the lowest 5% nationally, with median taxes of $838 representing just one-third the national median of $2,690. The county delivers significant tax advantages compared to typical American property ownership.

Below-average rate statewide

Mineral County's 0.465% rate runs slightly below West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, positioning it as a below-average tax county. The median tax of $838 exceeds the state median of $699, reflecting Mineral's higher median home values of $180,400.

Competitive rates in the northern zone

Mineral County's 0.465% rate sits between Marshall County (0.456%) and Monongalia County (0.485%), offering competitive positioning in its northern peer group. Despite the lowest rate in the region, Mineral generates higher median taxes due to higher property valuations.

Annual tax on median Mineral County home

A typical Mineral County home valued at $180,400 carries an annual property tax of $838. With mortgage escrow included, homeowners typically pay around $968 per year.

Investigate potential assessment overages

Mineral County homeowners should verify that their property assessments reflect current market conditions. An appeal to your county assessor's office could reduce your tax bill if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mineral County

via CostByCounty

Mineral County offers national-level affordability

Mineral County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.1% ranks among the nation's most affordable, beating the national average of 16.9% by nearly 450 basis points. With a strong median household income of $68,049 and modest rent of $684/month, Mineral County delivers exceptional housing value relative to local earning power.

West Virginia's affordability leader

Mineral County ranks first among West Virginia counties for housing affordability, with a 12.1% rent-to-income ratio that substantially outpaces the state average of 16.9%. The county's combination of above-average income and below-average rents creates a rare economic sweet spot.

Strong income lifts affordability advantage

Mineral County's $684/month rent matches nearby McDowell, but its $68,049 median income towers above McDowell's $29,980—making the same rent vastly more affordable. Even compared to Marshall County ($60,329 income), Mineral's higher earnings and lower rents create a clear affordability gap in its favor.

Rental and ownership both excel

Renters allocate $684/month (12.1% of income) while homeowners spend $598/month (10.5%)—both exceptionally low percentages. The median home value of $180,400 reflects Mineral County's stronger local economy and property values relative to most West Virginia peers.

Best all-around housing value in state

Mineral County combines strong income, low rents, and top-tier affordability metrics—making it West Virginia's premier destination for housing-conscious relocators. If you're seeking to escape high-cost regions while maintaining earning power, Mineral County delivers the state's most complete package.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mineral County

via IncomeByCounty

Mineral leads West Virginia income

Mineral County's median household income of $68,049 exceeds the West Virginia average of $54,746 by $13,303, though it still trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $6,706. The county represents West Virginia's strongest income performance, approaching national average earnings.

Top-tier West Virginia income

At $68,049, Mineral County ranks among the highest-income counties in West Virginia, demonstrating exceptional economic strength relative to state peers. The county's $13,303 advantage over the state average places it in the elite income category statewide.

Regional income leader

Mineral County's $68,049 median income significantly outpaces neighboring Marshall County ($60,329), Monongalia County ($62,704), and Monroe County ($54,508). The county emerges as the regional income powerhouse, reflecting diversified economic opportunities.

Excellent housing affordability

Mineral County's 12.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the most favorable in the state, meaning housing costs consume just one-eighth of median earnings. With median home values at $180,400, homeownership remains accessible and sustainable for median-income households.

Mineral County wealth-building opportunity

Mineral County households earning $68,049 have genuine capacity to build substantial wealth, with favorable housing costs leaving room for aggressive retirement and investment strategies. Residents should direct 12-15% of income toward long-term wealth building while maintaining emergency reserves.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mineral County

via CrimeByCounty

Mineral County Scores High on Safety

Mineral County earns a 98.0 safety score, supported by a total crime rate of 1,250.1 per 100K. This figure remains well below the national average of 2,385.5, indicating a secure environment.

Near the West Virginia Safety Benchmark

At 1,250.1 incidents per 100K, Mineral County exceeds the state average crime rate of 949.0. However, its safety score of 98.0 remains very close to the state's high average of 98.5.

Safer than Northern Regional Centers

Mineral County has a higher crime rate than nearby Monroe, which sees only 337.7 crimes per 100K. Compared to Monongalia's rate of 1,863.5, Mineral is a quieter alternative in the northern part of the state.

Focus Remains on Property Protection

The data shows 1,127.7 property crimes per 100K, vastly outnumbering the 122.4 violent crimes reported. This profile suggests that most law enforcement activity focuses on non-violent property disputes and thefts.

Secure Your Outer Structures First

Since property crime is the primary concern, securing garages and sheds is a smart move for residents. Simple deterrents like visible security cameras can help keep your property off a thief's radar.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mineral County

via HealthByCounty

Mineral County outperforms national averages

At 73.5 years, Mineral County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by just 2.9 years—a relatively small gap for a rural Appalachian county. Only 21.7% of residents report poor or fair health, matching Marshall County and beating the national average of 17.9%, signaling effective community health management.

Among West Virginia's healthier counties

Mineral County's 73.5-year life expectancy exceeds West Virginia's 72.2-year state average by 1.3 years, placing it in the upper tier of state health rankings. The 5.4% uninsured rate is the lowest in this group and well below the state average of 7.6%, reflecting strong coverage infrastructure.

Outpaces most peers except Monongalia

Mineral County's 73.5-year life expectancy ranks second only to Monongalia County (77.6 years) and exceeds all other regional peers, from Marshall (74.3 years) to Monroe (72.3 years). The 5.4% uninsured rate is the lowest in the region, giving nearly 19 in 20 residents healthcare protection.

Moderate providers, strong mental health support

With 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Mineral County offers baseline primary care access, though demand may strain capacity in some areas. Mental health support is robust at 86 providers per 100,000, well above state average, helping residents manage behavioral health needs effectively.

Keep Mineral County healthy—stay covered

Mineral County's 5.4% uninsured rate is the best in the group, but roughly 1 in 18 residents still lack coverage. Visit healthcare.gov to verify your current plan or explore options if you're uninsured or underinsured.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mineral County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Infrastructure in Mineral County

Mineral County operates 14 public schools, consisting of eight elementary, two middle, and two high schools. This single-district system supports a total of 4,023 students.

High Graduation Rates Lead the Region

Mineral County boasts a 96.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 87.0%. Despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,900, the county maintains a school score of 56.5, roughly in line with state averages.

Keyser and Frankfort Lead the District

Mineral County Schools manages the education of all 4,023 students in the county. The district relies on traditional public schools, with no charter schools currently available in the area.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Experience

Nine of the county's schools are in rural locales, creating an average school size of 309 students. Keyser Middle School is the largest facility with 719 students, followed closely by Keyser High School at 671.

Build Your Future Near Top High Schools

Mineral County’s high graduation rates make it a premier choice for families in West Virginia. Look for homes in the Keyser or Frankfort areas to be near the county's largest and most successful campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mineral County

via RiskByCounty

Mineral County has below-average national disaster risk

Mineral County's composite risk score of 52.83 is 7% above West Virginia's state average of 49.21, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category nationally. The county faces moderate exposure compared to the typical U.S. county, with flood risk as the primary concern.

Lower-middle risk tier in West Virginia

Mineral County ranks below the state median among West Virginia's 55 counties, with its 52.83 score placing it among the safer jurisdictions. The county benefits from lower wildfire, tornado, and earthquake risks compared to many peers.

One of the safer counties in its region

Mineral County's 52.83 score is notably lower than Marshall County (56.81), Mason County (57.44), and Monongalia County (71.53) in the surrounding area. Only Monroe County's very low 28.28 ranks significantly safer in the regional context.

Flooding and hurricanes outpace other hazards

Mineral County's flood risk of 74.24 is the dominant hazard, while hurricane risk of 59.70 ranks second. The county's wildfire (25.80), tornado (18.54), and earthquake (32.35) risks all remain comparatively low.

Flood insurance is the primary insurance need

With flood risk at 74.24, flood insurance is the critical coverage priority, especially for properties in or near floodplain zones. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage, providing adequate protection against the county's moderate hurricane and tornado risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mineral County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the national average

Mineral County maintains an annual average temperature of 52.5°F, sitting about 2.5 degrees below the national median. This climate type offers residents a refreshing alternative to the sweltering humid subtropical zones found further south.

Aligning with the Mountain State average

The county's average temperature of 52.5°F mirrors the West Virginia state average of 52.8°F almost perfectly. While it matches on temperature, its 41.4 inches of annual rain is notably drier than the state's 47.0-inch norm.

A drier profile than eastern neighbors

At 41.4 inches of annual precipitation, Mineral is significantly drier than Nicholas County to the southwest. However, it shares a nearly identical temperature profile with nearby Morgan County, which averages 52.4°F.

Hot summers meet snowy winters

Residents face 42 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually, which is high for the region. Winters contrast sharply with 33.5 inches of annual snowfall and January lows averaging near 30.1°F.

Prepare for temperature extremes

Homeowners should invest in high-efficiency cooling to manage the 42 days of extreme heat each summer. Robust snow removal equipment is also essential to handle the 33.5 inches of seasonal accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mineral County

via SoilByCounty

Acidity Trends in Mineral County

While taxonomic data is missing, Mineral County shares a regional landscape that usually averages a 5.25 pH. This is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring careful management for many standard garden crops.

Upland and Valley Texture Mix

No specific data exists for the county's sand, silt, or clay percentages. Growers often find that regional soils vary between rocky upland textures and softer valley silts depending on the local topography.

Rich State-Wide Organic Benchmarks

Organic matter levels for Mineral County are not currently recorded in the central database. Because the state average is a high 21.03%, local gardeners should check if their specific soil meets these nutrient-rich benchmarks.

Focusing on Root Health

Hydrologic and drainage classifications are unavailable for this county. Ensuring proper water movement is essential for healthy roots, especially in areas with the varying slopes common to this part of the state.

A Robust Climate in Zone 7a

This county belongs to Hardiness Zone 7a, offering a robust climate for a variety of fruit trees and vegetables. You can take advantage of the milder winters to extend your harvest well into the autumn months.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mineral County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Climate for Grass

Mineral County presents a more difficult environment than most of West Virginia, with a lawn score of 59.8. This is lower than the state average of 66.5, largely due to high heat and prolonged dry periods in Hardiness Zone 7a.

Intense Heat Tests Turf Endurance

The county faces 42 extreme heat days per year, more than double the state average of 17. When combined with 41.4 inches of precipitation, this heat puts significant stress on cool-season grasses during the peak of summer.

Preparation is Key to Success

Though specific soil metrics are unavailable, the high heat levels mean soil moisture management is the top priority here. Homeowners should look to improve soil depth and quality to give roots a better chance of surviving the 42 days of 90-degree temperatures.

Battling Persistent Dry Spells

Drought is a major factor here, with 37 weeks in drought over the last year and current conditions at 100% abnormally dry. Water conservation is critical, so consider taller mowing heights to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Focus on Heat-Tolerant Varieties

In Zone 7a, heat-tolerant Tall Fescues are the best bet for surviving Mineral County’s intense summers. Aim to seed your lawn by the last spring frost on April 30 to allow for maximum root growth before the heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mineral County's county score?
Mineral County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 63.6 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 Mineral County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Mineral County ranks #26 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 Mineral County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Mineral County is $838, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Mineral County a tax score of 89.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mineral County?
The median household income in Mineral County, West Virginia is $68,049 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mineral County earns an income score of 62/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mineral County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Mineral County scores 63.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Mineral 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 Mineral 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.