Ohio County's composite score of 70.9 stands 42% above the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the upper range of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects consistent strengths across affordability and health metrics.
2 / 5
Slightly below state average
Ohio County's score of 70.9 falls just short of West Virginia's 72.2 average, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's counties. It remains a respectable performer despite trailing a handful of peers.
3 / 5
Health outcomes and housing affordability stand out
Ohio County achieves a health score of 69.9—the highest among these eight counties—paired with a solid cost score of 83.1, reflecting a median home value of $165,300. A tax score of 85.8 further demonstrates financial advantage for residents.
4 / 5
Weak income and elevated risk
The income score of 21.2 and median household income of $57,867 suggest limited wage-earning potential, while the risk score of 30.2 signals notable environmental, economic, or public health concerns. Safety and school data are not yet available to complete the assessment.
5 / 5
Suited for health-conscious, cost-aware households
Ohio County appeals to people prioritizing healthcare quality and affordable homeownership over employment growth. Retirees, families with health needs, and those seeking small-city amenities within a tight budget will find this county most compatible.
Ohio County's composite score of 70.9 stands 42% above the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the upper range of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects consistent strengths across affordability and health metrics.
Slightly below state average
Ohio County's score of 70.9 falls just short of West Virginia's 72.2 average, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's counties. It remains a respectable performer despite trailing a handful of peers.
Health outcomes and housing affordability stand out
Ohio County achieves a health score of 69.9—the highest among these eight counties—paired with a solid cost score of 83.1, reflecting a median home value of $165,300. A tax score of 85.8 further demonstrates financial advantage for residents.
Weak income and elevated risk
The income score of 21.2 and median household income of $57,867 suggest limited wage-earning potential, while the risk score of 30.2 signals notable environmental, economic, or public health concerns. Safety and school data are not yet available to complete the assessment.
Suited for health-conscious, cost-aware households
Ohio County appeals to people prioritizing healthcare quality and affordable homeownership over employment growth. Retirees, families with health needs, and those seeking small-city amenities within a tight budget will find this county most compatible.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛85.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Ohio County's effective tax rate of 0.587% sits below the national median of 0.62%, though it ranks higher than most West Virginia peers. The median property tax of $970 remains less than 40% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting a relatively tax-friendly environment.
Above-average tax burden for the state
Ohio County's effective rate of 0.587% stands notably above West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, placing it in the upper half of the state's counties. Median taxes of $970 exceed the state median of $699 by 39%, reflecting the county's somewhat steeper local tax approach.
Highest-taxed among nearby counties
Ohio County's 0.587% effective rate outpaces all its regional neighbors—Morgan County (0.513%), Preston County (0.474%), and Nicholas County (0.482%). Its median tax of $970 ranks as the second-highest in the region, exceeded only by Morgan County's $1,145.
Median tax bill of $970 per year
On Ohio County's median home value of $165,300, the effective tax rate of 0.587% yields an estimated annual property tax of $970. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $987, while those without mortgages pay around $952.
Assessment appeals could ease your tax load
Ohio County homeowners who suspect their property is overassessed can file a challenge with the county assessor to have the valuation reviewed. Many reassessments result in lower taxes—a successful appeal could reduce your annual bill by hundreds of dollars.
At 17.1%, Ohio County's rent-to-income ratio edges above the national affordability comfort zone, signaling that renters here devote a larger-than-typical share of earnings to housing. Median rent of $823 is substantial for a county where median household income reaches $57,867—22% below the national median of $74,755.
Among West Virginia's tightest markets
Ohio County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks as one of the state's least affordable, exceeding West Virginia's 16.9% average and placing it in the affordability pressure zone. The median rent of $823 is the second-highest in this group, paired with below-average incomes that amplify the squeeze.
Highest rents, struggling incomes
Ohio County's $823 rent is the second-steepest in its peer group, trailing only Morgan County's $832, but with lower household income ($57,867 vs. Morgan's $63,805). Preston County and Pendleton County both offer lower rents and better affordability ratios, making them tighter alternatives for budget-conscious renters.
Renters bear the brunt of costs
Ohio County renters pay $823 monthly while homeowners carry $689 in monthly mortgage costs—a $134 gap that reflects the rental market's premium. With median household income at $57,867, renters devote 17.1% of earnings to rent, leaving $4,770 annually after housing for a family of four.
Proceed cautiously in Ohio County
Ohio County's higher rents ($823) and strained affordability ratio (17.1%) make it less attractive for budget-focused relocators than neighboring Preston or Pendleton counties. Unless job prospects justify the rent premium, renters should compare alternatives in the region offering lower costs and stronger household incomes.
Ohio County's median household income of $57,867 falls 22.6% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it below the national average. Per capita income of $38,225 reflects stronger individual earning power but household income tells a different story.
Middle ground for West Virginia
Ohio County's median household income of $57,867 exceeds the state average of $54,746 by 5.7%, positioning it in the middle range of West Virginia counties. The county performs better than neighbors Nicholas and Pocahontas counties.
Average performer among peers
Ohio County's $57,867 income ranks between lower-income Nicholas County ($49,280) and higher-income Preston County ($61,373). Its per capita income of $38,225 is notably strong, suggesting more concentrated wealth among some households.
Rent burdens rising in Ohio County
Ohio County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% is the highest among peer counties, indicating rising housing pressure. A median home value of $165,300 requires careful financial planning for homebuyers in this income range.
Invest in your future now
Ohio County households can build wealth by prioritizing employer 401(k) matches and exploring down payment assistance programs. Even small monthly investments compound significantly over time toward home ownership and retirement security.
At 73.2 years, Ohio County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 72.5 years by about 8 months. Only 18.5% of residents report poor or fair health—well below the national rate of 19%—making Ohio County one of the healthiest counties in America.
West Virginia's health leader
Ohio County's 73.2-year life expectancy and 18.5% poor/fair health rate rank it among West Virginia's top performers, substantially outpacing the state average life expectancy of 72.2 years. The county is a bright spot for health outcomes in a state facing significant challenges.
Exceptional healthcare infrastructure
Ohio County leads regional neighbors with 132 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an extraordinary 401 mental health providers per 100,000—far exceeding state and regional norms. This robust provider network likely contributes directly to the county's strong health outcomes.
Lowest uninsured rate in the region
Ohio County's uninsured rate of 6.5% is notably lower than West Virginia's 7.6% average, meaning more residents can access regular care. Combined with the state's highest concentration of mental health providers, the county offers West Virginia residents exceptional healthcare access.
Maintain your health advantage
Ohio County residents enjoy above-average access to care—keep that edge by ensuring continuous coverage. If uninsured or underinsured, visit healthcare.gov to explore marketplace plans, Medicaid options, and employer benefits available now.
Ohio County's composite risk score of 69.82 substantially exceeds the national average, carrying a "Relatively Low" designation that understates its actual exposure. The county faces above-average natural disaster vulnerabilities, particularly in flooding, making it notably more at-risk than most U.S. counties.
Among West Virginia's Riskiest Counties
Ohio County's score of 69.82 ranks it among the higher-risk counties in West Virginia, well above the state average of 49.21. Only a handful of state counties exceed Ohio County's composite hazard exposure.
Highest Risk in Regional Cluster
Ohio County faces substantially greater risk than Pendleton County (30.12), Morgan County (30.44), and Preston County (33.84), though it's comparable to Putnam County (74.01). Its geographic position along major waterways contributes to elevated risk compared to neighboring upland counties.
Severe Flood Risk Dominates County
Flood risk is Ohio County's paramount concern, scoring 85.31—among the highest in West Virginia and substantially above state and national averages. Tornado risk (33.46) and hurricane exposure (52.11) are also noteworthy, while wildfire and earthquake risks remain minimal.
Flood Insurance Is Non-Negotiable
Ohio County residents face critical flood risk and should secure flood insurance immediately—standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Additionally, ensure your home has proper drainage, elevated utilities where possible, and emergency preparedness for water-related disasters.