Morgan County

West Virginia · WV

#22 in West Virginia
73.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Morgan County, West Virginia

Morgan County outpaces national average

Morgan County's composite score of 73.3 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This 46% advantage over the national baseline suggests livability factors that matter—tax burden, housing affordability, and health—align favorably here compared to most American communities.

Slightly above West Virginia average

Morgan County ranks just above the state average composite score of 72.2, positioning it as a solid performer within West Virginia. While not a top-tier county statewide, it holds its own against comparable communities in the region.

Tax burden and affordability lead the way

Morgan County excels in tax policy and housing costs, with a tax score of 87.8 and cost score of 80.3 reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.513% and median home values around $223,100. These economic foundations are complemented by moderate health outcomes (67.0) and manageable risk factors (69.6).

Income growth lags significantly behind

The county's income score of 25.0 reveals the primary constraint: a median household income of $63,805 trails what higher-earning counties achieve. School and safety data remain unavailable, limiting a complete picture of family-oriented livability.

Best for cost-conscious professionals

Morgan County suits individuals and families prioritizing low taxes and affordable homeownership over career advancement or highest incomes. It offers stable, reasonable living costs in a community that keeps tax burden minimal—ideal for retirees, remote workers, and those seeking small-town stability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.8Cost80.3SafetyComing SoonHealth67SchoolsComing SoonIncome25Risk69.6WaterComing Soon
🏛87.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠80.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼25
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
67
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
69.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Morgan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Morgan County

via TaxByCounty

Morgan County taxes far below national average

Morgan County's effective tax rate of 0.513% sits well below the national median of 0.62%, placing it in roughly the bottom third nationally. The median property tax here is $1,145 annually—less than half the national median of $2,690—reflecting both lower home values and more favorable rates.

Slightly above average for West Virginia

Morgan County's effective rate of 0.513% edges above West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, ranking it in the middle of the state's 55 counties. Median taxes of $1,145 exceed the state median of $699, driven partly by higher median home values of $223,100 compared to the statewide typical.

Among the highest-taxed in the region

Morgan County's 0.513% rate sits higher than neighboring Pendleton County (0.338%) and Pocahontas County (0.315%), but lower than Ohio County's 0.587%. Its median tax bill of $1,145 is notably steeper than Preston County ($747) to the south, reflecting a more aggressive local tax posture.

Typical home costs $1,145 per year

On Morgan County's median home value of $223,100, the effective tax rate of 0.513% translates to an estimated annual property tax of $1,145. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay slightly more ($1,184), while those owning outright pay $1,084.

Many Morgan County homes may be overassessed

If you believe your home's assessed value doesn't match its true market value, you have the right to file a tax assessment appeal with Morgan County. Overassessed properties are common, and successful appeals can lower your tax burden—potentially saving hundreds annually.

Cost of Living in Morgan County

via CostByCounty

Morgan County rents beat national norms

At 15.7%, Morgan County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national threshold of affordability, meaning renters here spend a smaller share of their paychecks on housing than Americans overall. The median rent of $832 per month is reasonable for a county where median household income reaches $63,805—closer to the national median of $74,755 than many West Virginia peers.

Better positioned than most WV counties

Morgan County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio beats the West Virginia state average of 16.9%, placing it in the more affordable tier statewide. With rents at $832 versus the state median of $760, Morgan County costs a bit more but incomes are stronger enough to make the math work.

Competitive with Eastern Panhandle peers

Morgan County's $832 rent and 15.7% affordability ratio compare favorably to nearby Ohio County ($823 rent, 17.1% ratio) and Preston County ($753 rent, 14.7% ratio). Pendleton County edges ahead with a 14.7% ratio, but Morgan County offers similar economic stability with stronger household incomes.

Rents and mortgages divide the burden

Renters in Morgan County spend $832 monthly while homeowners carry a $863 monthly mortgage cost—nearly identical burdens for two populations with very different asset positions. With median household income at $63,805, renters dedicate 15.7% of earnings to rent and homeowners roughly 16.3% to mortgage, leaving room for other expenses.

Consider Morgan County for stability

If you're relocating from a high-cost metro area, Morgan County offers a balanced market: rents comparable to the state average but with higher household incomes to support them. The 15.7% rent-to-income ratio signals genuine affordability, and median home values near $223,100 make homeownership achievable for middle-income families.

Income & Jobs in Morgan County

via IncomeByCounty

Morgan County earns above the curve

Morgan County's median household income of $63,805 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 14.7%, placing it in the upper tier nationally. This strong performance reflects economic resilience in a rural county with strategic access to regional employment centers.

Top earners in West Virginia

Morgan County ranks among West Virginia's highest-income counties, with a median household income 16.5% above the state average of $54,746. This positions the county as a economic leader within its state, driven by diverse employment opportunities.

Outpacing nearby counties

Morgan County's $63,805 median income significantly outpaces neighboring Pendleton County ($61,738) and Preston County ($61,373), though it trails Putnam County ($77,871). The gap reflects Morgan's proximity to regional job markets and stronger wage growth.

Housing costs remain manageable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.7%, Morgan County households allocate less than one-sixth of earnings to rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $223,100 is reasonable relative to household incomes, supporting homeownership access.

Build on strong income foundation

Morgan County's above-average incomes create opportunity for wealth building through retirement savings and investment. Consider maximizing 401(k) contributions and exploring low-cost index funds to grow your household's long-term financial security.

Health in Morgan County

via HealthByCounty

Morgan County lives nearly a year longer

At 73.1 years, Morgan County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 72.5 years by about 7 months. Just 20.6% of residents report poor or fair health, beating the national rate of 19%. This county is outperforming the typical American health profile, though persistent chronic disease remains a factor.

Top tier health in West Virginia

Morgan County's 73.1-year life expectancy ranks above West Virginia's state average of 72.2 years. The county's 20.6% poor/fair health rate is better than most of its state peers, positioning it among West Virginia's healthier communities.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Morgan County's life expectancy of 73.1 years sits between similar regional counties. Its primary care provider density of 52 per 100,000 residents is moderate for the region, while mental health access at 79 per 100,000 is comparable to neighboring counties like Pendleton and Pleasants.

Insurance and provider access

Morgan County's uninsured rate of 7.6% matches West Virginia's state average exactly, meaning roughly 1 in 13 residents lacks health coverage. With 52 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county meets basic access needs, though rural distances may still create barriers for some residents.

Check your coverage options today

If you're among Morgan County's uninsured residents, marketplace plans, Medicaid, and employer coverage are available now. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health department to explore free enrollment assistance and see what fits your budget.

Disaster Risk in Morgan County

via RiskByCounty

Morgan County's Low Risk Profile

Morgan County's composite risk score of 30.44 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating. The county faces significantly lower overall natural disaster exposure than most American communities, making it one of the safer places to live in terms of major environmental hazards.

Among West Virginia's Safest Counties

Morgan County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in West Virginia, with its 30.44 score substantially below the state average of 49.21. This safety advantage means residents enjoy considerably lower exposure to the natural disasters that affect much of the state.

Safer Than Surrounding Areas

Morgan County's risk profile is notably lower than neighboring Ohio County (69.82) and Putnam County (74.01), both significantly above the state average. Its low score reflects geographic advantages that shield it from many hazards affecting adjacent counties in the region.

Main Hazards: Hurricane and Flood

While Morgan County's overall risk is low, hurricane exposure (62.62) and flood risk (55.88) represent its primary natural hazards—though both remain below state averages. Earthquake risk (30.38) is moderate, while tornado and wildfire threats are minimal across the county.

Essential Coverage for Your Home

Residents should prioritize flood insurance given the 55.88 flood risk score and ensure standard homeowners policies cover wind damage from hurricanes. Even in low-risk areas, disaster preparedness and appropriate insurance remain smart investments for peace of mind.

ByCounty Network

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