CountyScore

Mingo County

West Virginia · WV

#48 in West Virginia
68.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Mingo County, West Virginia

Mingo rises above national norm

Mingo County scores 68.7, 37% above the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the 69th percentile nationally. The county delivers solid above-average livability despite regional economic challenges.

Below state average, but functional

Mingo's 68.7 score trails West Virginia's state average of 72.2, indicating it lags behind higher-performing state peers. The county represents a weaker choice within West Virginia's livability landscape.

Ultra-affordable housing stands out

Mingo delivers the highest Cost Score (91.2) in this eight-county group with median rent of just $604/month and homes valued at $85,600—exceptional affordability. The Tax Score of 90.0 (effective rate 0.437%) adds to fiscal relief for residents.

Income and health lag significantly

The Income Score of 9.2 reflects a median household income of only $39,527, among the lowest regionally, while the Health Score of 51.0 and Risk Score of 27.4 signal wellness and stability concerns. These deficits create meaningful quality-of-life constraints.

For those prioritizing rock-bottom costs

Mingo County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families with external income sources who can thrive on minimal local earning potential and accept health-access trade-offs. It's an affordable refuge for the economically self-sufficient.

Score breakdown

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

Tax90Cost91.2SafetyComing SoonHealth51SchoolsComing SoonIncome9.2Risk27.4WaterComing Soon
🏛90
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠91.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤51
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡27.4
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 Mingo County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

La Plata County
Colorado
68.7
Median income: $85,296
Butts County
Georgia
68.7
Median income: $59,221
Adams County
Indiana
68.7
Median income: $63,128
Emmet County
Iowa
68.7
Median income: $65,181
Wichita County
Kansas
68.7
Median income: $71,282

Deep Dives

Mingo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Mingo County

via HealthByCounty

Mingo County faces critical health disparities

At 65.8 years, Mingo County has the second-lowest life expectancy in this group, trailing the U.S. average by 10.6 years and indicating severe, preventable mortality. Nearly 3 in 10 residents (29.7%) report poor or fair health—nearly double the national rate of 17.9%—reflecting widespread chronic disease and health crises.

Second-worst health outcomes in West Virginia

Mingo County's 65.8-year life expectancy falls 6.4 years below West Virginia's 72.2-year state average, marking it as a critical public health emergency. The 9.5% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.6%, compounding access barriers for a population already facing severe health challenges.

Crisis-level outcomes matched only by McDowell

Mingo County's 65.8-year life expectancy rivals only McDowell County (65.1 years) in regional crisis; all other neighbors report life expectancies 5+ years higher. The 9.5% uninsured rate is second-highest in the group, leaving nearly 1 in 10 residents without healthcare access during a health emergency.

Acute shortage of primary care doctors

Mingo County has the lowest primary care provider density in this group at just 13 per 100,000 residents, creating severe barriers to routine care and preventive medicine. However, mental health providers at 241 per 100,000 represent exceptional behavioral health capacity—a critical resource given the region's opioid crisis and mental health emergencies.

Healthcare access is urgent in Mingo County

With 9.5% of residents uninsured—the second-highest rate in the group—coverage gaps are a life-or-death issue in Mingo County. Get covered today by visiting healthcare.gov or calling 1-800-318-2596; every day without coverage increases your risk.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.