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Nicholas County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#21 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
64.3
County Score
Cost of Living 91.7Property Tax 88.5Schools 70.9

County Report Card

About Nicholas County, West Virginia

Outperforming the National Median

With a composite score of 63.7, Nicholas County stands significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a top-tier option for affordability and fiscal health. This strong performance places it in the upper echelon of rural American counties.

Exceeding the State Average

Nicholas County outshines the West Virginia average composite score of 62.0 with its 63.7 rating. It serves as a regional leader in balancing low costs with public services like education. This local advantage makes it a standout choice within the Mountain State.

Exceptional Affordability and Education

A remarkable cost score of 91.4 highlights a median gross rent of just $669 and a median home value of $114,200. The county also features a strong school score of 70.9 and a tax score of 87.6. This combination creates a high quality of life for a very low entry price.

Boosting Incomes and Healthcare

The primary challenge is the income score of 13.1, reflecting a median household income of $49,280. Health outcomes also show room for improvement with a score of 34.3. Additionally, a risk score of 41.8 indicates some vulnerability to environmental or economic shifts.

A Haven for Young Families

Nicholas County is best suited for young families seeking excellent schools without the high cost of urban living. The ultra-low housing costs and strong tax environment provide a stable foundation for those starting out. It is a value-driven community that prioritizes the next generation.

2040608010088.591.756.834.370.920.641.828.767.2Tax88.5Cost91.7Safety56.8Health34.3Schools70.9Income20.6Risk41.8Water28.7Weather67.264.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Nicholas County DNA

D+overall

How Nicholas County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Nicholas County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (91.7/100) but notably weak in Income (20.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
88.5+36.5
Cost
91.7+43.7
Safety
56.8
Health
34.3-15.700000000000003
Schools
70.9+16.900000000000006
Income
20.6-30.4
Risk
41.8
Water
28.7-29.3
Weather
67.2+11.200000000000003
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Think property taxes are too high in Nicholas County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$121,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$686/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$121,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,639/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Clay County
West Virginia
69.5
Fayette County
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51.1
Braxton County
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68.4
Webster County
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Kanawha County
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Greenbrier County
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Calhoun County
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Roane County
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Deep Dives

Nicholas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Nicholas County

via TaxByCounty

Nicholas County offers exceptionally low taxes

Nicholas County's effective tax rate of 0.482% ranks among the lowest in the nation, placing it in roughly the bottom 20% nationally. The median property tax of just $550 is a fifth of the national median of $2,690, reflecting an unusually favorable tax environment.

Well below West Virginia average

Nicholas County's effective rate of 0.482% falls just under West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, ranking it among the state's more affordable counties. Median taxes of $550 sit well below the state median of $699, making it one of the least expensive counties in the state.

Lowest-taxed county in this region

Nicholas County edges out Preston County (0.474% effective rate) to claim some of the lowest tax burden among its regional peers. Its median tax of $550 is substantially cheaper than Pleasants County ($752), Ohio County ($970), or Morgan County ($1,145).

Median home tax runs just $550 annually

On Nicholas County's median home value of $114,200, the effective tax rate of 0.482% results in an estimated annual property tax of just $550. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $685, while outright owners pay around $464.

Even lower taxes with a successful appeal

Though Nicholas County already offers below-average taxes, homeowners whose properties are overassessed can file an appeal to lower their assessed value further. A successful appeal could reduce your already-modest tax bill even more—contact the Nicholas County assessor's office to learn the process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nicholas County

via IncomeByCounty

Nicholas County below national income

Nicholas County's median household income of $49,280 falls 34.1% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower income tier nationally. This gap reflects economic challenges common to rural Appalachian communities.

Below average for West Virginia

Nicholas County's median household income ranks below the state average of $54,746 by 10.0%, placing it in the lower-income half of West Virginia counties. The county faces similar economic headwinds as many peers in the region.

Lower income than regional peers

At $49,280, Nicholas County lags most neighboring counties, with only Pocahontas County ($41,200) earning significantly less. Pendleton County ($61,738) and Preston County ($61,373) earn 25% more, highlighting regional income disparities.

Housing affordability under pressure

Nicholas County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% is manageable, but a median home value of $114,200 still represents 2.3 years of household income. Lower wages make homeownership and maintenance costs challenging for many families.

Start small, build steadily

Even modest households can build wealth through consistent saving and employer retirement plans. Start with automatic transfers to a savings account and explore financial assistance programs available in your county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nicholas County

via CrimeByCounty

Nicholas County Safety Trends Below National Rates

Nicholas County reports a total crime rate of 995.0 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 98.4 out of 100. This data indicates that local communities are significantly safer than the typical American county.

Comparing Safety to the West Virginia Average

The county’s safety score of 98.4 sits just below the West Virginia state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 995.0 is slightly higher than the state average of 949.0. Local law enforcement from eight agencies manages a crime volume that closely mirrors state-wide trends.

Regional Safety vs Neighboring Counties

Nicholas County experiences a higher crime rate than nearby Morgan County, which reports only 527.9 incidents per 100,000. However, its safety profile is stronger than Pocahontas County, where crime rates reach 1,360.2. The community remains a middle-ground for safety in the region.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Trends

Violent crime in Nicholas County stands at 410.2 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more frequent at 584.8 incidents per 100,000 people. These figures mean residents should stay aware of their surroundings despite the high overall safety score.

Stay Proactive with Local Home Security

Home security systems are effective tools against the 584.8 property crimes per 100,000 reported annually. Visible cameras and sturdy locks discourage potential trespassers in residential areas. Active participation in neighborhood watch programs further strengthens local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nicholas County

via WeatherByCounty

Significantly cooler and wetter

Nicholas County is one of the coolest spots in the region, with an annual average of 50.9°F. This is more than 4 degrees cooler than the national median, largely due to its mountain elevation.

West Virginia's rainy mountain peak

The county is much wetter than the state average, receiving 52.6 inches of precipitation annually compared to 47.0 inches. It also stays cooler than the 52.8°F state average by nearly 2 degrees.

A standout for heavy snow

Nicholas County receives a massive 67.6 inches of snow annually, dwarfing neighboring Ohio County's 15.2 inches. It also sees far more rain than drier counties like Monroe or Pendleton.

Harsh winters and mild summers

Summer heat is almost non-existent with only 3 days per year reaching 90°F. However, winter is intense, delivering 67.6 inches of snow and a January average of 29.7°F.

Plan for major winter impact

Serious snow removal equipment and winter tires are essential for the nearly 68 inches of annual snow. Conversely, residents can save on cooling costs as temperatures rarely hit 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nicholas County

via SoilByCounty

Analyzing Nicholas County's Natural Foundation

Nicholas County currently lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in the primary survey, though it shares the rugged Appalachian terrain of its neighbors. In the absence of local data, growers typically look to the state average pH of 5.25 as a baseline. Understanding your specific plot through a local test is the best first step.

Understanding Local Texture Trends

While specific percentages for sand and clay are unavailable, the county's topography suggests a mix typical of the Allegheny Plateau. Most soils in this region tend toward silty loams derived from sandstone and shale. These textures typically offer a balance between drainage and workability for local homesteads.

Building Fertility in the Highlands

Local organic matter data is limited, but West Virginia soils average a robust 21.03% organic content. Maintaining this natural fertility is key to overcoming the challenges of mountain farming. Adding compost and cover crops helps ensure your soil reaches its full growing potential.

Navigating Mountain Hydrology

Without specific drainage class data, growers should observe their land's slope and runoff patterns carefully. Proper drainage is essential in the Appalachian landscape to prevent erosion on steep grades. Building raised beds can help manage water more effectively if your local soil is heavy or poorly drained.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 6b

Nicholas County is firmly in hardiness zone 6b, which supports a wide variety of cool-season crops and hardy perennials. Fruit trees like apples and pears do well here, as do leafy greens and root vegetables. Starting a garden here means embracing the seasonal rhythms of the West Virginia mountains.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nicholas County

via LawnByCounty

Nicholas County Outperforms State Lawn Averages

Nicholas County earns a difficulty score of 69.5, making it easier to maintain a lawn here than in the average West Virginia county. This Zone 6b region provides a more forgiving environment for turf than the national median of 50.0.

Abundant Rain and Cool Summers

High annual precipitation of 52.6 inches exceeds the state average and keeps lawns naturally hydrated. With only 3 extreme heat days per year, your grass stays greener longer without the heat stress found in lower-elevation counties.

Preparing Your Custom Soil Strategy

While specific county-wide soil data is currently unavailable, local conditions generally mirror the state's typical acidic profile. You should conduct a private soil test to determine if your yard needs lime to reach the ideal 6.0 pH level.

Minimal Drought Stress for Nicholas Lawns

The county experienced only 12 weeks of drought in the past year, far fewer than many eastern neighbors. Because 0% of the area is currently in drought, you can focus on maintenance rather than emergency water conservation.

Optimal Growth in Zone 6b

Perennial ryegrass and fine fescues are excellent choices for this cooler, wetter climate. Wait until after the last spring frost on May 5 to start your heavy lawn renovations for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nicholas County's county score?
Nicholas County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 64.3 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 Nicholas County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Nicholas County ranks #21 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 Nicholas County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Nicholas County is $554, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Nicholas County a tax score of 88.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nicholas County?
The median household income in Nicholas County, West Virginia is $54,639 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nicholas County earns an income score of 20.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nicholas County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Nicholas County scores 64.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Nicholas 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 Nicholas County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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