CountyScore

Monongalia County

West Virginia · WV

#40 in West Virginia
70
County Score

County Report Card

About Monongalia County, West Virginia

Monongalia outperforms national median

Monongalia County scores 70.0, 40% above the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the 70th percentile. The county offers solid above-average livability anchored by strong institutional and educational assets.

Just below state average

Monongalia's 70.0 score falls slightly below West Virginia's 72.2 state average, positioning it as a competent but unremarkable performer. The county holds its own among state peers without standing out.

Health services and income excel

Monongalia boasts the highest Health Score in this group at 72.0 and a solid Income Score of 24.3, reflecting a median household income of $62,704. The Tax Score of 88.6 provides fiscal relief, supporting a balanced quality-of-life profile.

Housing costs exceed peer counties

The Cost Score of 76.5—lowest in this cohort—reflects higher housing expenses with median rents of $943/month and home values of $254,200. These affordability constraints limit accessibility for budget-conscious families.

Ideal for educated professionals

Monongalia County suits college-educated families, healthcare workers, and professionals with moderate incomes who value strong health services and institutional stability. It's the natural choice for those affiliated with regional universities or medical institutions.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.6Cost76.5SafetyComing SoonHealth72SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.3Risk28.5WaterComing Soon
🏛88.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡28.5
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 Monongalia County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Sitka City and Borough
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70
Median income: $101,207
Lee County
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70
Median income: $36,860
Pike County
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Median income: $84,184

Deep Dives

Monongalia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Monongalia County

via TaxByCounty

Monongalia County taxes rank among lowest nationwide

Monongalia County's effective rate of 0.485% places it in the lowest 10% nationally, with median taxes of $1,232 representing less than half the national median of $2,690. The county delivers substantial property tax advantages despite having West Virginia's highest median home values.

Slightly below state average with highest values

Monongalia County's 0.485% rate runs slightly below West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, while the median home value of $254,200 stands as the highest in the eight-county sample. The resulting median tax of $1,232 significantly exceeds the state median of $699 due to higher property values.

Highest taxes regionally due to home values

Monongalia County's $1,232 median tax is the highest among the sample, despite having a moderate rate of 0.485%. The county's superior property valuations and larger median home price explain this distinction.

Median home tax: $1,232 annually

A typical Monongalia County home valued at $254,200 generates $1,232 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay around $1,348 when escrow is included.

Appeal if your assessment seems excessive

Monongalia County's higher-valued properties can sometimes be overassessed relative to market conditions. Contact your county assessor to request a reassessment and potential tax relief if your property appears overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monongalia County

via CostByCounty

Monongalia County's rents run above average

Monongalia County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% edges above the national average of 16.9%, driven by the region's highest median rent of $943/month. Despite a respectable median income of $62,704, Monongalia renters face steeper housing costs than the typical American household.

Highest rents in West Virginia

Monongalia County's median rent of $943 is the highest in the state, and its 18.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst affordability conditions. The county's economic strength (driven by university presence and professional employment) drives both higher incomes and substantially higher rents.

Urban premium over rural peers

Monongalia County's $943/month rent exceeds Marshall County's $823 by $120 and Mineral County's $684 by $259, reflecting its status as West Virginia's most developed urban center. Yet even with higher income ($62,704), Monongalia renters face the state's toughest rent burden.

Both renting and buying cost premium

Renters allocate $943/month (18.1% of income) while homeowners spend $974/month (15.5%)—both substantially higher than any peer county. The median home value of $254,200 reflects Monongalia's position as West Virginia's most expensive housing market, driven by strong local economy and university demand.

Premium market for premium opportunities

Monongalia County commands the highest housing costs in West Virginia, reflecting its concentration of professional jobs, higher education, and urban amenities. Relocate here if career advancement justifies the cost premium—compare against more affordable rural counties if budget is your primary concern.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monongalia County

via IncomeByCounty

Monongalia nears national income parity

Monongalia County's median household income of $62,704 approaches the U.S. median of $74,755, trailing by just $12,051 or 16%. Home to West Virginia University, the county demonstrates strong income generation powered by education and institutional employment.

Second-strongest West Virginia income

At $62,704, Monongalia County ranks among West Virginia's highest-income counties, exceeding the state average of $54,746 by $7,958. Only Mineral County performs better statewide, reflecting Monongalia's economic vitality.

Economic hub of the region

Monongalia County's $62,704 median income rivals Mineral County ($68,049) while exceeding Marshall County ($60,329), Monroe County ($54,508), and all southern neighbors. The county serves as the regional economic center, driven by university employment and professional services.

Strong housing affordability

Monongalia County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio remains well below the 30% affordability threshold, though median home values of $254,200 reflect a vibrant housing market. Higher home prices are offset by robust incomes, making homeownership achievable for median-earning households.

Monongalia wealth-building advantage

Monongalia County households earning $62,704 have strong capacity to build wealth through retirement accounts, investments, and homeownership. Residents should direct 12-15% of income toward long-term investments while leveraging the county's strong employment market for career advancement.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Monongalia County

via HealthByCounty

Monongalia County leads West Virginia's health

At 77.6 years, Monongalia County's life expectancy actually exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 1.2 years—a remarkable achievement for any Appalachian county. Only 20.6% report poor or fair health, beating the national average of 17.9%, suggesting effective health systems and community health practices.

Healthiest county in West Virginia

Monongalia County's 77.6-year life expectancy towers 5.4 years above West Virginia's state average of 72.2 years, making it a standout leader in state health rankings. The 6.2% uninsured rate is near the state average, indicating that coverage access is well-managed across the community.

Far outpaces every regional peer

Monongalia County's 77.6-year life expectancy is 3.3 years higher than its nearest competitor, Marshall County (74.3 years), and nearly 12.5 years higher than Mingo and McDowell counties. The 6.2% uninsured rate is slightly above average regionally, but providers and infrastructure are so robust that access barriers are minimal.

Exceptional healthcare infrastructure across the board

Monongalia County boasts 134 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—more than triple the state average and the highest in this group—ensuring accessible frontline care. Mental health support is extraordinary at 390 providers per 100,000, reflecting major investments in behavioral health and enabling timely, specialized care.

Stay insured to maintain Monongalia's health gains

Monongalia County's 6.2% uninsured rate is excellent, but 1 in 16 residents still lack coverage. Visit healthcare.gov to confirm your plan is current or to find coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monongalia County

via RiskByCounty

Monongalia County faces significant national hazard exposure

Monongalia County's composite risk score of 71.53 is 45% above West Virginia's state average of 49.21 and well above the national average. The county ranks among the nation's more disaster-exposed counties, with elevated risk across multiple hazard categories.

Fourth-highest risk county in West Virginia

Monongalia County ranks in the top tier of West Virginia's most hazard-prone counties, with only McDowell (76.65) and Mingo (72.58) carrying notably higher overall risk. Its 71.53 score reflects substantial exposure to flooding, hurricanes, and tornados.

Riskier than Marshall and Mineral to the south

Monongalia County's score of 71.53 substantially exceeds Marshall County (56.81), Mason County (57.44), and Mineral County (52.83) in the region. The county faces notably higher overall disaster risk than most of its neighboring jurisdictions.

Flooding, hurricanes, and tornados are major threats

Monongalia County's flood risk of 84.99 is among the state's highest, while hurricane risk of 63.16 ranks third statewide. Tornado risk of 46.02 is substantially elevated compared to other West Virginia counties, creating a complex multi-hazard landscape.

Comprehensive coverage needed for Monongalia

Flood insurance is essential given the 84.99 flood risk, with particular attention to properties in floodplain or water-adjacent areas. Ensure homeowners insurance includes adequate hurricane and wind coverage given the county's elevated 63.16 hurricane and 46.02 tornado risk scores.

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.