countyscore

Mingo County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#27 in West Virginia

Explore on ByCounty Network

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.

Score breakdown

Tax91.5Cost97.4Safety78.4Health17.7Schools58.7Income2.6Risk27.4Water7Weather61
🏛91.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠97.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.2
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Mingo County?

Many homeowners in Mingo County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Mingo County with Fremont County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Fremont County
Idaho
Median income: $72,767
63.6
Hart County
Kentucky
Median income: $49,653
63.6
Dixon County
Nebraska
Median income: $69,156
63.6
Clarke County
Virginia
Median income: $114,185
63.6
Mineral County
West Virginia
Median income: $68,049
63.6
Baca County
Colorado
Median income: $40,380
63.7
Dade County
Georgia
Median income: $58,936
63.5
Washington County
Illinois
Median income: $75,652
63.7

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
West Virginia
61.9
McDowell County
West Virginia
57

Deep Dives

Mingo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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

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

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.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.