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Mingo County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#27 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
63.6
County Score
Cost of Living 97.4Property Tax 91.5Safety 78.4

County Report Card

About Mingo County, West Virginia

Strong National Standing for Overall Value

Mingo County posts a composite score of 63.6, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. It ranks in a high percentile for overall value and livability nationwide.

Exceeding the Mountain State Benchmark

The county performs better than the West Virginia state average of 62.0. It distinguishes itself as a highly affordable and safe option compared to state-level peers.

Elite Affordability and Low Taxation

Affordability is nearly unmatched with a Cost Score of 97.4 and a Tax Score of 91.5. Median gross rent sits at just $604, and the effective tax rate is a low 0.437%.

Addressing Income and Health Disparities

Economic and health metrics are the primary challenges, with an Income Score of 2.6 and a Water Score of 7.0. Health outcomes also score significantly lower at 17.7.

A Haven for Fixed-Income Residents

This county is best for retirees or those on a fixed income who value low overhead and safety. It offers incredible financial breathing room for residents who do not rely on local infrastructure.

2040608010091.597.478.417.758.72.627.4761Tax91.5Cost97.4Safety78.4Health17.7Schools58.7Income2.6Risk27.4Water7Weather6163.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Mingo County DNA

D+overall

How Mingo County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Mingo County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (97.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
91.5+39.5
Cost
97.4+49.400000000000006
Safety
78.4+23.400000000000006
Health
17.7-32.3
Schools
58.7
Income
2.6-48.4
Risk
27.4-19.6
Water
7-51
Weather
61
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$85,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$604/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$85,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $39,527/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Logan County
West Virginia
58.4
Martin County
Kentucky
67.3
Pike County
Kentucky
56.7
Boone County
West Virginia
58.8
Buchanan County
Virginia
51.4
Wyoming County
West Virginia
61.5
Lincoln County
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61.9
McDowell County
West Virginia
57

Deep Dives

Mingo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mingo County

via TaxByCounty

Mingo County offers lowest rates in sample

Mingo County's effective rate of 0.437% ranks among America's lowest, with median taxes of just $374—less than 14% of the national median of $2,690. Residents here enjoy exceptional property tax affordability compared to the rest of the country.

Well below West Virginia average statewide

Mingo County's 0.437% rate runs well below West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, making it one of the state's lowest-tax counties. The median tax of $374 sits substantially below the state median of $699.

Lowest rate in the southern peer group

Mingo County's 0.437% rate ranks lowest among the eight-county sample, undercutting Mason County (0.535%) and McDowell County (0.565%). This positioning offers Mingo residents the most favorable tax rates regionally.

Minimal tax on median home value

A typical Mingo County home valued at $85,600 generates just $374 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow included, homeowners generally pay approximately $537 per year.

Double-check your assessment value

Even in West Virginia's most tax-friendly counties, assessments can occasionally exceed market value. Mingo County homeowners should verify their assessments and consider an appeal if their property appears overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mingo County

via CostByCounty

Mingo County beats national rent burden

Mingo County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% exceeds the national average of 16.9%, but the gap is modest compared to most West Virginia counties. With a median income of $39,527 and rent of $604/month, Mingo offers below-average housing pressure despite below-average earnings.

Lower-middle affordability in West Virginia

Mingo County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio places it near the state average of 16.9%, making it neither exceptionally burdened nor particularly advantaged. The county's modest rents help offset low incomes, creating middle-tier conditions statewide.

Lowest rents, modest income trade-off

Mingo County's $604/month rent is the lowest among all comparison counties, but median income of $39,527 lags behind most peers except McDowell. This rent advantage keeps affordability ratios competitive despite economic constraints.

Ownership remains more affordable

Renters spend $604/month (18.3% of income), while homeowners allocate $428/month (12.9%)—a $176 monthly advantage for property owners. The median home value of $85,600 reflects Mingo County's lower-cost housing stock across both rental and purchase markets.

Budget-friendly rents, limited income base

Mingo County delivers some of West Virginia's cheapest rents, ideal for those with modest incomes or seeking maximum housing savings. However, prospective residents should investigate employment opportunities carefully, as median income is among the state's lowest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mingo County

via IncomeByCounty

Mingo struggles with income gap

Mingo County's median household income of $39,527 represents just 53% of the U.S. median of $74,755, a $35,228 deficit that reflects severe post-coal economic disruption. The county ranks among the poorest in America, facing structural economic challenges.

Among lowest West Virginia incomes

Mingo County's $39,527 median household income ranks near the bottom of West Virginia counties, falling $15,219 below the state average of $54,746. Only McDowell County performs worse, placing Mingo in West Virginia's most economically distressed tier.

Regional income crisis

Mingo County's $39,527 median income trails all surrounding counties significantly: Mercer County ($47,799), McDowell County ($29,980), and Logan County are all substantially ahead or similarly challenged. The county faces concentrated economic hardship within an already struggling region.

Housing costs create hardship

Mingo County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio approaches uncomfortable levels, with housing consuming nearly one-fifth of median earnings before other necessities. At median home values of $85,600, even affordable homes stretch household budgets significantly.

Focus on economic stability first

Mingo County households earning $39,527 must prioritize financial stability and emergency savings before wealth-building, given income constraints. Accessing job training programs, education initiatives, and economic development resources is essential for improving long-term household financial prospects.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mingo County

via CrimeByCounty

Mingo County is Significantly Safer than Average

Mingo County features a strong safety score of 99.2, with only 515.7 total crimes per 100K. This is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5, making it a standout for safety.

Beating the State Safety Average

Mingo outperforms the West Virginia average safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 515.7 is nearly 45% lower than the state average of 949.0 per 100K.

Consistent Regional Safety Profiles

Mingo’s crime profile is very similar to Mason County, which reports 533.6 crimes per 100K. Both counties offer much safer environments than more populated northern counties like Monongalia.

Consistently Low Violent and Property Rates

The county records 225.9 violent crimes and 289.8 property crimes per 100K. With both rates remaining very low, residents experience a high degree of security in their daily lives.

Community Awareness Strengthens Security

Even in safe areas, basic home security habits like locking doors and windows are essential. Participating in neighborhood watch programs can further strengthen the community's collective defensive posture.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Mingo County

via SchoolsByCounty

Mingo County’s Streamlined School System

Mingo County operates 10 public schools, including seven elementary facilities and two high schools. The single school district serves a student population of 3,719.

Competitive Graduation Rates in the Mountains

The county maintains a 94.0% graduation rate, which exceeds both state and national averages. While per-pupil spending is modest at $6,900, the county achieves a school score of 55.4.

Mingo County Schools Serves the Community

Mingo County Schools manages all 10 campuses and 3,719 students within a single district. There are no charter schools in the county, focusing all regional resources on the traditional public system.

Large Schools in a Rural Setting

Despite having nine rural schools, the average school size is a relatively high 413 students. Mingo Central Comprehensive High School is the largest campus, serving 635 students.

Find a Home in a Strong Rural District

Mingo County offers high graduation rates and a consistent public school experience. Research local property listings to find the perfect home near the county’s innovative PK-8 schools or high school centers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mingo County

via RiskByCounty

Mingo County ranks among nation's higher-risk areas

Mingo County's composite risk score of 72.58 is 48% above West Virginia's state average of 49.21 and substantially exceeds the national baseline. The county faces significant exposure to multiple concurrent disasters, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties by hazard risk.

Second-highest disaster risk in West Virginia

Mingo County ranks second only to McDowell County (76.65) in overall disaster risk among West Virginia's 55 counties. With a 72.58 score, it faces exceptional exposure across flood, wildfire, and other major hazards.

Most hazard-exposed county in southern West Virginia

Mingo County's score of 72.58 far exceeds Mercer County (65.24) and McDowell County (76.65) in its immediate region. Only Monongalia County in the north approaches Mingo's overall risk level statewide.

Catastrophic flood and wildfire risks dominate

Mingo County's flood risk of 86.04 is the highest in the state, while wildfire risk of 81.77 ranks second statewide—both among the nation's most severe. These dual hazards create compounded vulnerability across the county's landscape.

Flood and wildfire insurance are both essential

Flood insurance is non-negotiable with a score of 86.04—the state's highest. Wildfire coverage must also be reviewed or added to homeowners policies given the exceptional 81.77 wildfire risk, particularly for properties in forest or woodland settings.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Mingo County

via WaterByCounty

Systemic failures lead to an F grade

Mingo County faces a critical water quality crisis with 78 health violations and a failing grade. Its violation rate of 508.9 per 100,000 residents is nearly triple the state average of 173.7. This indicates a high frequency of unsafe drinking water conditions for local households.

Watershed health remains officially unimpaired

Despite the infrastructure issues, 37 assessed water bodies in the 2022 cycle showed 0.0% impairment. This matches the state average, suggesting the raw environmental water sources are relatively clean. The disconnect between watershed health and tap quality points to issues in treatment and delivery.

Limited monitoring activity at 16 sites

Mingo County has recorded 271 measurements over the last five years across 16 monitoring locations. Most samples target physical traits and inorganic metals to detect industrial runoff. This lower measurement count compared to neighbors suggests a need for more frequent water quality sampling.

Tug Fork levels are critically low

The Tug Fork at Kermit is currently flowing at 428 cfs, representing a mere 28% of its typical long-term mean. This critical low-flow state can exacerbate existing water quality issues by concentrating pollutants. Residents may notice changes in water clarity or taste as river levels remain depressed.

Heightened vigilance for tap water safety

With a major compliance failure and extremely low streamflow, Mingo County residents should take immediate precautions. Utilize high-grade filters that remove heavy metals and pathogens, and always follow local boil water advisories. The current river conditions mean that source water is more vulnerable to contamination.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mingo County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmth above the national median

Mingo County is one of the region's warmer spots, with an annual average temperature of 57.7°F. This puts the county nearly 3 degrees above the national median temperature.

One of West Virginia's warmest pockets

The county averages 57.7°F, making it significantly warmer than the West Virginia state average of 52.8°F. It also receives 48.3 inches of rain, slightly exceeding the state's 47.0-inch average.

Surpassing neighbors in heat

Mingo is roughly 5 degrees warmer annually than neighboring counties like Monroe or Monongalia. It also sees far less snow, totaling just 13.1 inches compared to the much higher totals in the central mountains.

Persistent heat and mild winters

Summer brings 44 days of heat over 90°F, creating a long cooling season. Winter remains relatively mild for the state, with a January average of 36.1°F and minimal snow.

Prioritize summer cooling systems

With 44 days of extreme heat, a reliable HVAC system is the most critical home investment for local residents. Heavy winter gear is rarely needed as the county only averages about 13 inches of snow per year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mingo County

via SoilByCounty

Southern West Virginia Soil Profile

Mingo County lacks specific pH data in current records, but soils in this region typically mirror the 5.25 state average. This indicates a more acidic environment than the 6.5 national median, suitable for specific Appalachian flora.

Mapping Texture at Different Elevations

The mix of sand, silt, and clay remains unquantified for this specific county. Local workability depends heavily on the specific elevation and proximity to the region's river systems.

High Potential for Organic Growth

Data for organic matter and water capacity is currently not available for Mingo. Since West Virginia boasts a high state average for organic matter, local soils may still offer significant natural nutrients once tested by homeowners.

Observing Natural Runoff Patterns

Information on drainage classes is missing for Mingo County. Observing how water pools after a heavy rain is a vital first step for any new gardening or building venture in the area.

Heat-Loving Plants for Zone 7a

Situated in Hardiness Zone 7a, Mingo County enjoys a relatively mild climate for the region. This zone is perfect for heat-loving plants like peppers and squash that need a long summer to peak.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mingo County

via LawnByCounty

Warm Zone Growing in Mingo

Mingo County features a lawn difficulty score of 62.2, which is slightly lower than the West Virginia average but still beats the national median. As a Hardiness Zone 7a county, it experiences some of the longest and warmest growing seasons in the state.

High Growth Potential and High Heat

Mingo records 44 extreme heat days per year, the highest among its neighbors, and a massive 4311 growing degree days. While the 48.3 inches of rain provides plenty of water, the heat demands careful timing for mowing and irrigation.

Adapting to the Southern Climate

With specific soil data unavailable, the focus in Mingo should be on maintaining soil health to support high-growth cycles. Given the high precipitation, ensure your lawn has proper drainage to prevent root rot during wet spring months.

Consistent Water Availability

Drought is rarely a concern here, with only 4 weeks of drought in the past year and zero percent of the area currently dry. This reliable moisture helps the grass recover quickly from the 44 extreme heat days each year.

A Long and Productive Season

Mingo County enjoys a long season between the last frost on April 8 and the first frost on November 2. This extra time makes it easier to establish heat-tolerant turf varieties that can handle the county's warm July average of 77.5°F.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mingo County's county score?
Mingo 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 Mingo County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Mingo County ranks #27 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 Mingo County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Mingo County is $374, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Mingo County a tax score of 91.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mingo County?
The median household income in Mingo County, West Virginia is $39,527 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mingo County earns an income score of 2.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mingo County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Mingo County scores 63.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Mingo 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 Mingo County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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