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Monroe County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#4 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
73
County Score
Cost of Living 88.6Property Tax 88.2Safety 85.3

County Report Card

About Monroe County, West Virginia

Among the Nation's Most Livable Counties

Monroe County excels with a composite score of 73.0, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the highest-rated counties in the entire United States.

Leading the Way in West Virginia

Monroe County is a top-tier state performer, beating the West Virginia average of 62.0 by 11 points. it stands out as a premier destination for residents seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Safe Streets and Exceptional Schools

The county boasts balanced strengths in safety (85.3), affordability (88.6), and schools (82.7). A low tax rate of 0.478% further enhances its appeal for homeowners.

Rural Income and Health Limitations

Income and health are the only areas with lower scores, coming in at 24.0 and 33.8 respectively. These metrics reflect the rural nature of the county and a median income of $54,508.

The Gold Standard for Family Life

Monroe County is the premier choice for families looking for safe neighborhoods and great schools. It is perfect for those who prioritize community and security over high-speed urban life.

Score breakdown

Tax88.2Cost88.6Safety85.3Health33.8Schools82.7Income24Risk71.7Water50.7Weather63.5
🏛88.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓82.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨45.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.5
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 →
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Greenbrier County
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Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe County offers exceptional tax value

Monroe County's effective rate of 0.478% ranks in the lowest 10% nationally, with median taxes of $698 representing less than 26% of the national median of $2,690. Property owners here enjoy significant tax advantages over typical American homeowners.

Slightly below West Virginia average

Monroe County's 0.478% rate runs slightly below West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, positioning it as a below-average tax county statewide. The median tax of $698 tracks nearly identical to the state median of $699.

Lowest rate in the southern region

Monroe County's 0.478% rate sits below Mercer County (0.497%) and well below Mason County (0.535%), offering the most favorable tax positioning in its regional peer group. The median tax of $698 reflects balanced property valuations across the southern area.

Median tax on Monroe County homes

A typical Monroe County home valued at $146,100 generates $698 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages generally pay approximately $716 when escrow is included.

Review your assessment for overvaluation

Monroe County homeowners should verify that their property assessments align with current market values. An appeal to your county assessor could unlock tax savings if your home has been overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe County rents below national average

Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% beats the national average of 16.9%, delivering above-average housing affordability despite below-average median income. With rents of $677/month and income of $54,508, Monroe County offers solid value for budget-conscious renters.

Strong affordability among state peers

Monroe County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks in the top tier of West Virginia counties, outperforming the state average of 16.9%. The county's favorable rental conditions reflect low rents relative to local income levels.

Balanced costs in southern region

Monroe County's $677/month rent falls between Mineral County's $684 and Mercer County's $813, while its median income of $54,508 sits in the middle of regional peers. This balance creates one of the region's more stable affordability profiles.

Ownership costs comparable to rents

Renters spend $677/month (14.9% of income), while homeowners allocate $568/month (12.5%)—a modest $109 gap favoring ownership. The median home value of $146,100 positions Monroe County as an accessible market for first-time buyers seeking stability.

Steady ground for Appalachian living

Monroe County delivers balanced affordability and moderate housing costs—appealing to those seeking neither extreme bargains nor premium markets. Compare this profile against Mineral County's higher income or Mingo County's lower rents to find your ideal fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe trails U.S. income benchmark

Monroe County's median household income of $54,508 falls below the U.S. median of $74,755 by $20,247, placing the county in the lower-middle income tier nationally. This gap reflects typical rural Appalachian economic patterns.

Slightly above West Virginia average

Monroe County's $54,508 median household income sits just above the West Virginia state average of $54,746, ranking near the middle of state county performance. The county mirrors typical West Virginia income distributions.

Mid-range regional income

Monroe County's $54,508 median income ranks above Mason County ($53,454) and Mercer County ($47,799), but trails Monongalia County ($62,704) and Mineral County ($68,049). The county holds a middle position within its regional economic peer group.

Housing costs manageable

Monroe County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio falls well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating solid housing affordability for median earners. With median home values at $146,100, homeownership remains realistic and sustainable for county median-income households.

Build financial security strategically

Monroe County households earning $54,508 can build modest wealth through disciplined saving, directing 8-10% of income toward retirement and emergency funds. With manageable housing costs, residents have capacity for gradual wealth accumulation and financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Standards in Monroe

Monroe County is one of the safest in the nation, with a safety score of 99.5 and just 337.7 crimes per 100K. This rate is over seven times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding West Virginia's Safety Benchmarks

Monroe exceeds the state’s high safety standards, beating the average safety score of 98.5. Its crime rate of 337.7 is roughly one-third of the West Virginia average of 949.0.

A Peaceful Southern Neighbor

Monroe is notably safer than neighboring Mercer County, which reports a crime rate of 1,184.3 per 100K. It offers some of the most peaceful living conditions in the entire state.

Physical Safety is Nearly Guaranteed

Violent crime is extremely rare at just 32.2 incidents per 100K, while property crime stands at 305.5. These low numbers mean personal safety is exceptional, with property theft remaining a minor concern.

Simple Habits Maintain Peace of Mind

Protecting your home in such a safe area is often about maintaining simple, consistent habits. Basic locks and good relations with neighbors are usually sufficient to keep Monroe County secure for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Monroe County

via HealthByCounty

Monroe County's health mirrors state patterns

At 72.3 years, Monroe County's life expectancy is just 0.1 years above West Virginia's state average but trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 4.1 years. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (23.6%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national rate of 17.9%, indicating chronic disease and preventable mortality are ongoing concerns.

Slightly better than West Virginia average

Monroe County's 72.3-year life expectancy essentially matches West Virginia's 72.2-year state average, suggesting typical health outcomes for the state. The 8.1% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 7.6%, affecting a meaningful portion of the community's healthcare access.

Mid-pack performer in regional health

Monroe County's 72.3-year life expectancy ranks below Marshall (74.3 years), Mineral (73.5 years), and Monongalia (77.6 years) but above the crisis-level counties of McDowell (65.1 years) and Mingo (65.8 years). The 8.1% uninsured rate ties it with Mercer County and suggests shared challenges in coverage access across this region.

Solid primary care with strong mental health support

Monroe County has 41 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, offering reliable frontline access and slightly exceeding state baseline capacity. Mental health providers at 73 per 100,000 provide robust behavioral health support, helping residents manage depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

Close the coverage gap in Monroe County

With 8.1% of residents uninsured—nearly 1 in 12—coverage access remains a barrier to health in Monroe County. Explore plans on healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to find affordable coverage and ensure your family has protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but High-Performing System

Monroe County operates a compact system of five public schools, including two elementary and one high school. This focused infrastructure serves 1,651 students across the county.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Investment

Monroe County leads the region with a 97.0% graduation rate, ten points higher than the national average. The county spends $8,282 per pupil, which contributes to an impressive school score of 60.0.

Unified Management by Monroe County Schools

The Monroe County Schools district oversees all 1,651 students in the area. There are no charter schools, as the county maintains a high-performing and traditional public school model.

Tight-Knit Schools in a Rural Setting

Three of the five schools are rural, with an average school size of 413 students. Mountain View Elementary & Middle School is the largest facility, providing a central hub for 482 students.

Invest in a High-Achieving Community

With one of the highest graduation rates in West Virginia, Monroe County is a standout for families. Explore homes in this scenic county to benefit from a school system that combines high scores with a small-town feel.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe County has very low national disaster risk

Monroe County's composite risk score of 28.28 ranks it in the "Very Low" category—the lowest rating and far below West Virginia's state average of 49.21. The county is among the safest in the nation by overall hazard exposure, exceeding baseline protections significantly.

Safest county in West Virginia

Monroe County ranks as the lowest-risk county in West Virginia by a substantial margin, with its 28.28 score far below the state average. No other West Virginia county approaches Monroe's exceptional safety profile across hazard categories.

Far safer than all surrounding counties

Monroe County's score of 28.28 is dramatically lower than Mercer County (65.24), McDowell County (76.65), and all other regional peers. The county's exceptional safety makes it a clear outlier among West Virginia's hazard-exposed jurisdictions.

All hazard risks remain comparatively low

Monroe County's highest hazard scores are wildfire (50.25) and earthquake (44.15), both still below the state average and considered low in national context. Tornado risk of 9.70 is among the lowest in the state, and flood risk of 49.27 remains moderate rather than acute.

Standard homeowners insurance likely sufficient

Monroe County's low overall risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most properties. Those in specific flood zones should still verify flood insurance availability, but the county's 49.27 flood score suggests lower urgency than most West Virginia counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Appalachian temperatures

Monroe County averages 52.8°F annually, falling about 2 degrees below the national median. This translates to comfortable summers and crisp, traditional autumns.

Perfectly typical for West Virginia

Monroe's average temperature of 52.8°F is exactly the same as the West Virginia state average. However, the county is notably drier, receiving only 39.7 inches of rain compared to the 47.0-inch state mark.

Drier than central mountain neighbors

Compared to Nicholas County's 52.6 inches of precipitation, Monroe is quite dry at just 39.7 inches. It also experiences fewer heat spikes than Mineral County, which sees three times as many 90°F days.

Gentle summers and brisk winters

Extreme heat is rare here, with only 13 days a year reaching 90°F. Winter is distinct but manageable, featuring 18.1 inches of snow and a January average of 31.8°F.

Prepare for a dry climate

Gardeners should account for the lower-than-average precipitation of 39.7 inches when planning landscapes. With only 13 days of extreme heat, moderate cooling solutions are usually sufficient for summer comfort.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Young Inceptisols

Monroe County features Inceptisols with a pH of 5.01, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.25. This measurement is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, suggesting a need for lime in many garden beds.

Moderately Decomposed Organic Mix

The soil consists of 39.4% silt and 19.0% sand, mixed with 13.5% clay. This texture is officially described as moderately decomposed plant material, which offers a unique sponge-like structure for plant roots.

High Organic Matter and Capacity

Organic matter stands at 19.90%, which is nearly on par with the high state average of 21.03%. The available water capacity is 0.147 in/in, slightly exceeding the state benchmark and ensuring consistent hydration for crops.

Well-Drained Hydrologic Group A

These soils are classified as well-drained and belong to hydrologic group A. This means the ground absorbs water quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of runoff and making it excellent for most local farming needs.

Apples and Greens in Zone 6b

With a Hardiness Zone of 6b, Monroe County is perfectly suited for apples, peaches, and hearty greens. The well-drained soil and high organic content provide a fantastic environment for anyone looking to grow their own food.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Success in Monroe County

Monroe County tracks closely with the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 67.5. Homeowners in this Hardiness Zone 6b region can expect a standard level of maintenance to achieve a healthy, green yard.

Lower Rainfall, Manageable Heat

At 39.7 inches, the annual precipitation is lower than the state average of 46.8 inches, requiring more attentive watering. However, with only 13 extreme heat days, your grass is less likely to suffer from summer scorch compared to other WV counties.

Well-Drained Soil Needs pH Correction

The soil is well-drained but significantly acidic, with a pH of 5.01 that requires lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The texture includes 13.5% clay and 19.0% sand, providing a balanced structure that won't hold too much water.

Monitoring Slight Dryness

Monroe County faced 16 weeks of drought over the past year, and 2.6% of the area remains abnormally dry. Given the lower rainfall totals, using mulch when mowing can help retain moisture in the well-drained soil.

Time Your Seeding for October

Frost dates run from April 30 to October 17, giving you a focused window for growth. For the best results, use the 3201 growing degree days to your advantage by seeding in late summer or early fall when temperatures are mild.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 73 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 Monroe County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Monroe County ranks #4 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 Monroe County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $698, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 88.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, West Virginia is $54,508 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 24/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 73/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.