CountyScore

Mineral County

West Virginia · WV

#14 in West Virginia
74.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Mineral County, West Virginia

Mineral leads West Virginia's pack

Mineral County scores 74.7, the highest among the eight profiled counties and 49% above the national median of 50.0. This places it in the 75th percentile nationally, representing a genuinely competitive livability profile.

Top performer in West Virginia

Mineral's 74.7 score edges above the state average of 72.2, making it one of West Virginia's most livable counties. The county ranks among the state's strongest choices for quality of life.

Income and wealth shine through

Mineral boasts the highest Income Score (27.8) in this group with a median household income of $68,049—substantially above most West Virginia peers. The Tax Score of 89.2, Cost Score of 87.1, and Health Score of 68.5 round out a well-balanced profile.

Risk exposure warrants caution

The Risk Score of 47.2, while moderate, is the highest in this cohort, suggesting exposure to economic or environmental volatility. Median home values of $180,400 are also the highest here, creating affordability constraints for some.

Best fit for upwardly mobile families

Mineral County suits working families and young professionals seeking above-average income potential, strong health services, and livable costs within a growing regional economy. It's the strongest all-around choice in this West Virginia group.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89.2Cost87.1SafetyComing SoonHealth68.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.8Risk47.2WaterComing Soon
🏛89.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡47.2
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 Mineral County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Koochiching County
Minnesota
74.7
Median income: $69,115
Norman County
Minnesota
74.7
Median income: $69,833
Sioux County
Nebraska
74.7
Median income: $54,076
Ransom County
North Dakota
74.7
Median income: $74,521
Lunenburg County
Virginia
74.7
Median income: $54,460

Deep Dives

Mineral County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.