countyscore
66.6
County Score
Lawn Care 86.5Schools 86.1Safety 79.9

County Report Card

About Ohio County, West Virginia

Strong National Standing

Ohio County achieves a composite score of 66.6, soaring past the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests a quality of life that is superior to a large majority of the country. It combines safety and education to offer a compelling living environment.

A Top West Virginia Performer

With a score of 66.6, Ohio County comfortably beats the state average of 62.0. It ranks among the most desirable counties in West Virginia, particularly for families focused on education. The county maintains a distinct competitive edge over its regional peers.

Premier Schools and Safety

Education is the crown jewel here, with a school score of 86.1 reflecting a high-quality academic environment. Safety also remains a major asset with a score of 79.9. These factors are paired with a solid tax score of 75.7 and an effective tax rate of 0.587%.

Navigating Environmental Risks

The county faces hurdles in environmental resilience, evidenced by a risk score of 30.2. Water quality is another area for focus, scoring 24.9. Furthermore, an income score of 32.5 suggests that while the quality of life is high, local wage growth could be stronger.

The Education-Minded Choice

Ohio County is the premier destination for families who prioritize top-tier public schools and neighborhood safety. While housing is moderately priced with a median value of $165,300, the academic benefits are world-class for the region. It is a community built for those who value learning and security.

2040608010075.76479.95486.132.530.224.963.9Tax75.7Cost64Safety79.9Health54Schools86.1Income32.5Risk30.2Water24.9Weather63.966.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Ohio County DNA

D+overall

How Ohio County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Ohio County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (86.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (24.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
75.7+23.700000000000003
Cost
64+16
Safety
79.9+24.900000000000006
Health
54
Schools
86.1+32.099999999999994
Income
32.5-18.5
Risk
30.2-16.8
Water
24.9-33.1
Weather
63.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$165,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$823/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$165,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,867/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.1

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Deep Dives

Ohio County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ohio County

via TaxByCounty

Ohio County taxes remain modest nationally

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ohio County

via CostByCounty

Ohio County rents strain household budgets

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ohio County

via IncomeByCounty

Ohio County trails national income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ohio County

via CrimeByCounty

Ohio County Maintains High National Safety Standard

Ohio County boasts an impressive safety score of 99.3, far exceeding national expectations. Its total crime rate of 473.7 per 100,000 is roughly five times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers reflect a remarkably secure environment for residents and businesses alike.

Leading the State in Public Safety

With a crime rate of 473.7, Ohio County is significantly safer than the West Virginia average of 949.0. Its safety score of 99.3 ranks it well above the state-wide average of 98.5. Ten different reporting agencies contribute data to these strong safety indicators.

Local Comparisons Favor Ohio County Residents

Ohio County's crime rate of 473.7 per 100,000 is lower than Morgan County's 527.9 and Preston County's 496.9. It stands out as a regional leader in crime prevention and public security. This trend continues across both property and violent crime categories.

A Closer Look at the Crime Stats

Violent crime is rare here, with only 127.9 incidents per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime also remains low at 345.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. The data shows that the vast majority of residents will never experience a serious crime.

Securing Your Ohio County Residence

Even in high-safety areas, property crimes like 345.8 incidents per 100,000 remind us to lock doors and windows. Smart home technology can provide peace of mind and real-time monitoring. Keeping porches well-lit is a simple way to maintain the county's low crime numbers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Ohio County

via SchoolsByCounty

Wheeling's Urban and Diverse School System

Ohio County supports 13 public schools serving a large student body of 4,953. The landscape features nine elementary schools and the massive Wheeling Park High School.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Ohio County boasts an elite 98.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the 87% national average. The county spends $8,576 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the West Virginia state average.

Ohio County Schools and Enrollment

The single district of Ohio County Schools manages nearly 5,000 students across its 13 campuses. No charter schools are currently active in this district.

A Mix of City and Suburb

Nine schools are located in city settings, giving the district a distinct urban feel compared to its neighbors. Wheeling Park High School is the largest facility, enrolling 1,490 students.

City Living Near Top Schools

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Ohio County is a premier destination for families. Consider homes in Wheeling to be near the county's most diverse educational offerings.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ohio County

via RiskByCounty

Ohio County's Elevated Risk Profile

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Ohio County

via WaterByCounty

Ohio County Faces High Violation Count

Ohio County earns a Grade F due to 41 health violations recorded in the federal SDWIS database over five years. The violation rate stands at 91.1 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the state average of 173.7 despite the high total count. These frequent violations signal a need for improved drinking water infrastructure management.

Limited Watershed Assessment Data

In the 2022 ATTAINS cycle, only 2 water bodies in Ohio County were assessed, and both met current standards. This 0.0% impairment rate reflects a very small sample size of the county's total water resources. Many local streams remain unassessed under federal §303(d) criteria at this time.

Essential Monitoring at Seven Local Sites

Monitoring efforts are concentrated at 7 sites, where 2,581 measurements have been recorded over the past five years. Researchers primarily track inorganics, metals, and microbiological indicators. While the site count is low, the measurement frequency provides a steady stream of data for those specific locations.

Wheeling Creek Running at 27% Flow

At Elm Grove, Wheeling Creek is flowing at 94 cfs, which represents 27% of its long-term mean of 349 cfs. This 282 square mile drainage area is seeing much lower volume than typical for this time of year. Reduced creek flow can lead to stagnant conditions and higher concentrations of local runoff pollutants.

Caution Advised for Drinking Water

Given 41 health violations, Ohio County residents should consider regular water testing or certified filtration. The low flow in Wheeling Creek may also impact the concentration of microbiological contaminants. Awareness of both system compliance and environmental flow is key to ensuring safe consumption.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ohio County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate weather in the Panhandle

Ohio County averages 52.6°F annually, keeping it cooler than the national median of 55°F. The climate is defined by moderate changes and manageable extremes.

Following the state's lead

The county's average temperature of 52.6°F is a near-perfect match for the state average of 52.8°F. At 40.1 inches of annual precipitation, it is slightly drier than the 47.0-inch state average.

Similar to Northern neighbors

Ohio County shares a temperature profile with Monongalia County, both averaging 52.6°F. It experiences far less snow than Nicholas County, with only 15.2 inches compared to their 67.6 inches.

Balanced seasons and light snow

Summer heat is limited, with only 12 days annually topping 90°F. Winter brings a January average of 29.8°F and a modest 15.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Standard home maintenance is key

With only 12 days of extreme heat, air conditioning use is moderate compared to other parts of the state. The 15.2 inches of snow is light enough for standard residential removal tools.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ohio County

via SoilByCounty

Northern Panhandle Soil Identity

Ohio County sits in the Northern Panhandle, where current soil surveys show a lack of specific pH and taxonomic data. State benchmarks suggest a pH near 5.25, which is more acidic than the national 6.5 median. Local growers should prioritize soil testing to identify their specific mineral needs.

Managing Soil Structure and Mix

Detailed sand and clay percentages are not currently available for this county. Generally, the region's soils are influenced by the Ohio River valley, often featuring silty textures. These soils are historically valued for their workability and potential for diverse agricultural use.

Sustaining High Organic Potential

Organic matter data is limited locally, but the state average of 21.03% indicates West Virginia's soils are naturally rich. Available water capacity across the state stays steady at 0.142 in/in. Focused efforts on mulching and organic amendments can help Ohio County gardens flourish.

Water Management in the Valley

Drainage data is not specified for this area, requiring gardeners to watch for signs of compaction or standing water. In the hilly terrain of the panhandle, water moves quickly, making erosion control a primary concern. Implementing terracing or contour planting can help stabilize the soil during heavy rains.

Planting Success in Zone 6b

The 6b hardiness zone allows Ohio County residents to grow a variety of mid-season favorites like tomatoes and peppers. The climate is also ideal for establishing perennial herbs and hardy berry bushes. Get started today by preparing a small patch and testing the local acidity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ohio County

via LawnByCounty

Elite Growing Conditions in the Panhandle

Ohio County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 86.5, making it one of the easiest places in the state and nation to grow grass. The Zone 6b climate here offers a near-perfect balance of temperature and moisture for homeowners.

Steady Growth and Manageable Heat

A precipitation rate of 40.1 inches per year provides consistent moisture without the risk of heavy flooding. With 12 heat days and 3,315 growing degree days, the environment supports a long, productive growing season for cool-season grasses.

Focus on Professional Soil Testing

Specific soil metrics are not currently listed for this area, but the high overall lawn score suggests a strong natural foundation. Testing for organic matter and pH will help you maintain the high standards this county's climate allows.

Consistent Moisture Resilience

Ohio County only saw 11 weeks of drought over the last year, keeping lawn stress at a minimum compared to the rest of the state. There are currently no abnormally dry areas, allowing you to maintain a standard watering schedule.

Long Growing Season Starts Late April

Take advantage of the frost-free window between April 20 and October 29 to seed or sod your property. The 86.5 difficulty score indicates that with minimal effort, Kentucky bluegrass blends will flourish across the county.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ohio County's county score?
Ohio County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 66.6 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 Ohio County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Ohio County ranks #19 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 Ohio County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Ohio County is $970, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Ohio County a tax score of 75.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ohio County?
The median household income in Ohio County, West Virginia is $57,867 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ohio County earns an income score of 32.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ohio County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Ohio County scores 66.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Ohio 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 Ohio County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.