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Nicholas County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#23 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
63.8
County Score
Cost of Living 91.4Property Tax 87.6Schools 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.

Score breakdown

Tax87.6Cost91.4Safety56.8Health34.3Schools70.9Income13.1Risk41.8Water28.7Weather67.2
🏛87.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠91.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤34.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡41.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.5
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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Compare Nicholas County with Sheridan County →Share on X

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Deep Dives

Nicholas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Nicholas County

via CostByCounty

Nicholas County: the affordability outlier

Nicholas County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national affordability threshold, but the full story requires context: median household income here is only $49,280—nearly 34% less than the U.S. median of $74,755. This county punches at its weight, keeping rents modest at $669 monthly despite the income gap.

Lowest incomes, leanest housing costs

Nicholas County ranks among West Virginia's most affordable by rent-to-income ratio at 16.3%, just above state average of 16.9%, but this reflects discipline, not prosperity. With the lowest median household income in this group at $49,280 and rents at $669, residents have squeezed housing costs down to the bone.

Cheapest rents in a rural cluster

At $669 monthly, Nicholas County undercuts nearly every neighbor: Preston County ($753), Pocahontas County ($688), and Pleasants County ($700) all cost more. The trade-off is income; Nicholas County's $49,280 median household income is the lowest in its peer group, making the low rent essential, not optional.

Renters lean heavily on tight budgets

Nicholas County renters spend $669 monthly while homeowners pay $525 for mortgages—a $144 gap favoring ownership that many residents cannot bridge. With median household income at just $49,280, the 16.3% rent-to-income ratio means renters have roughly $680 left monthly after housing for all other expenses.

Nicholas County for ultra-low-cost living

If you're seeking the lowest housing costs in West Virginia, Nicholas County delivers: $669 rents and $114,200 median home values are genuinely cheap. This affordability comes with a tradeoff—lower local incomes and fewer economic opportunities—making it best for retirees, remote workers, or those prioritizing cost of living above all.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Nicholas County

via HealthByCounty

Nicholas County trails national averages

At 71.7 years, Nicholas County's life expectancy falls about 10 months below the U.S. average of 72.5 years. With 22.9% of residents reporting poor or fair health compared to the national rate of 19%, the county faces steeper health challenges than the nation as a whole.

Below-average health in West Virginia

Nicholas County's 71.7-year life expectancy ranks below West Virginia's state average of 72.2 years, placing it among the state's less healthy counties. The 22.9% poor/fair health rate further signals above-average health struggles for residents.

Strong provider access despite health challenges

Nicholas County's life expectancy lags regional neighbors, but its healthcare infrastructure is solid: 86 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 141 mental health providers per 100,000 exceed state averages. Access alone doesn't explain health outcomes, suggesting other factors like income and lifestyle play a role.

Uninsured rate slightly above state

Nicholas County's uninsured rate of 7.9% is slightly higher than West Virginia's 7.6% average, affecting roughly 1 in 12-13 residents. Despite having above-average primary and mental health provider density, residents still face barriers to regular preventive care.

Coverage helps manage chronic conditions

With high rates of poor/fair health in Nicholas County, insurance coverage enables access to preventive care and medication management. Start at healthcare.gov or contact your local health department for low-cost options and enrollment help.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Nicholas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Nicholas County's Diverse School Network

Nicholas County manages 14 public schools that serve nearly 3,500 students. This network includes nine elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools.

Exceptional Graduation and Academic Success

With a 96.0% graduation rate, Nicholas County significantly outperforms the national average of 87%. The county invests $7,393 per pupil, supporting a school score of 57.5 which beats the state average.

A Single District Serving Nicholas Families

Nicholas County Schools is the only district, overseeing all 14 campuses and 3,484 students. Charter schools do not currently represent any share of the local education market.

Rural Roots with Town Connections

The county features 13 rural schools and one town-based school, with an average enrollment of 268 students. Nicholas County High School is the largest campus, serving 730 students in the region.

Settle Near High-Performing Schools

Strong graduation rates make Nicholas County an attractive choice for homebuyers with school-aged children. Look for properties near Summersville to access the area's top-rated educational facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nicholas County

via RiskByCounty

Nicholas County Slightly Above Average

Nicholas County's composite risk score of 58.17 sits above the national average, carrying a "Relatively Low" rating overall. The county faces moderate natural disaster exposure compared to typical American communities, with particular vulnerabilities in specific hazard categories.

Mid-Range Risk Within West Virginia

Nicholas County's 58.17 score exceeds the West Virginia state average of 49.21, placing it in the moderate-risk tier for the state. This positions the county as more exposed than many neighboring counties but still relatively safer than West Virginia's highest-risk areas.

More Vulnerable Than Many Neighbors

Nicholas County faces higher risk than Pocahontas County (27.54) and Preston County (33.84), but lower exposure than neighboring Putnam County (74.01). Its flood risk of 67.05 aligns it with other river-prone counties in the central state region.

Flooding and Wildfires Lead Hazards

Flood risk dominates Nicholas County's profile at 67.05, significantly above the state average, while wildfire risk (40.59) is also elevated relative to many state counties. Earthquake (39.54) and hurricane (46.14) risks are moderate, though tornado exposure remains low at just 9.67.

Prioritize Flood and Wildfire Coverage

Nicholas County residents should strongly consider flood insurance given the county's 67.05 flood risk score and elevated wildfire vulnerability. Homeowners policies should explicitly cover wildfire damage, and maintaining defensible space around properties is essential preparation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 63.8 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 #23 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 $550, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Nicholas County a tax score of 87.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nicholas County?
The median household income in Nicholas County, West Virginia is $49,280 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nicholas County earns an income score of 13.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nicholas County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Nicholas County scores 63.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 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.

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