Pendleton County's composite score of 76.3 ranks 53% above the national median of 50.0, making it one of the most livable counties in America by this index. This places it firmly in the upper tier of U.S. communities.
2 / 5
Leads West Virginia counties surveyed
Pendleton County ranks among the highest in the state, outpacing the West Virginia average of 72.2 with a score of 76.3. It demonstrates the strongest overall livability profile in this group of eight counties.
3 / 5
Exceptional tax advantage and solid affordability
Pendleton County boasts the lowest effective tax rate among these counties at 0.338%, yielding a tax score of 92.8, plus a cost score of 87.9 with median home values near $178,600. The combination creates significant financial breathing room for residents.
4 / 5
Income remains modest despite strong tax standing
Even with favorable tax policy, the income score of 23.7 and median household income of $61,738 indicate limited local earning opportunities. Health outcomes (63.9) and safety data gaps also suggest room for improvement.
5 / 5
Best for tax-savvy families seeking stability
Pendleton County is ideal for families and retirees who value low tax burdens, affordable housing, and manageable risk profiles above rapid income growth. It offers a balanced, stable lifestyle in a county that maximizes financial security.
Pendleton County's composite score of 76.3 ranks 53% above the national median of 50.0, making it one of the most livable counties in America by this index. This places it firmly in the upper tier of U.S. communities.
Leads West Virginia counties surveyed
Pendleton County ranks among the highest in the state, outpacing the West Virginia average of 72.2 with a score of 76.3. It demonstrates the strongest overall livability profile in this group of eight counties.
Exceptional tax advantage and solid affordability
Pendleton County boasts the lowest effective tax rate among these counties at 0.338%, yielding a tax score of 92.8, plus a cost score of 87.9 with median home values near $178,600. The combination creates significant financial breathing room for residents.
Income remains modest despite strong tax standing
Even with favorable tax policy, the income score of 23.7 and median household income of $61,738 indicate limited local earning opportunities. Health outcomes (63.9) and safety data gaps also suggest room for improvement.
Best for tax-savvy families seeking stability
Pendleton County is ideal for families and retirees who value low tax burdens, affordable housing, and manageable risk profiles above rapid income growth. It offers a balanced, stable lifestyle in a county that maximizes financial security.
Score breakdown
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🏛92.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Pendleton County ranks among the nation's cheapest
Pendleton County's effective tax rate of 0.338% places it in the nation's bottom 5% for tax burden—an exceptionally affordable property tax climate. The median property tax of just $603 is roughly a quarter of the national median of $2,690, making it one of America's most tax-friendly counties.
West Virginia's most affordable county
Pendleton County's effective rate of 0.338% ranks as the lowest in West Virginia, sitting 32% below the state average of 0.497%. Median taxes of $603 run 14% below the state median of $699, cementing Pendleton as the state's most tax-friendly county.
Substantially cheaper than all neighbors
Pendleton County's 0.338% effective rate beats every regional peer—Pocahontas County (0.315%), Morgan County (0.513%), and Preston County (0.474%). At $603 median annual taxes, Pendleton offers one of the lowest bills in the entire region.
Just $603 annual tax on typical home
On Pendleton County's median home value of $178,600, the effective tax rate of 0.338% results in an estimated annual property tax of $603. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $673, while outright owners pay around $553.
Rare opportunity: even lower through appeals
Pendleton County's already-minimal taxes could go lower if your property is overassessed—file an appeal with the assessor's office to have your valuation reviewed. Successful appeals are possible even in low-tax counties, potentially shaving further dollars off your annual bill.
Pendleton County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, well below both the national threshold and even West Virginia's 16.9% state average. With median rent at $754 and household income at $61,738, this rural county delivers genuine breathing room in family budgets.
West Virginia's affordability sweet spot
At 14.7%, Pendleton County ties with Preston County for the best rent-to-income ratio among this group and significantly outperforms West Virginia's 16.9% state average. Median household income of $61,738 and rent of $754 create a balance that makes housing feel genuinely accessible.
Beats every peer on affordability
Pendleton County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio edges out Preston County (14.7%, tied), Pleasants County (13.8%), and crushes Pocahontas County (20.0%) and Ohio County (17.1%). At $754 monthly rent with reasonable incomes, Pendleton County offers some of the healthiest housing math in rural West Virginia.
Low rents, affordable mortgages
Pendleton County renters spend $754 monthly while homeowners carry just $462 in monthly mortgage costs—the lowest owner cost in this group. With median household income at $61,738, renters dedicate 14.7% of earnings to housing, leaving roughly $5,250 annually for other necessities after rent.
Pendleton County rewards relocators
If you're moving to West Virginia for affordability without sacrificing economic stability, Pendleton County deserves serious consideration with its 14.7% rent ratio and $754 median rent. The median home value of $178,600 paired with low ownership costs makes it an excellent choice for families looking to own without stretching finances.
Pendleton County's median household income of $61,738 trails the national median of $74,755 by 17.4%, but outperforms many rural counties nationwide. The county demonstrates resilience despite national income headwinds.
Strong performer in West Virginia
Pendleton County's median household income of $61,738 exceeds the state average of $54,746 by 12.7%, ranking it among West Virginia's better-earning counties. This positions the county in the upper tier statewide.
Top earners among local peers
Pendleton County's $61,738 income ranks among the highest in its region, trailing only Putnam County ($77,871) and Morgan County ($63,805). The county's strong performance reflects agricultural and energy sector employment.
Housing remains affordable
With a rent-to-income ratio of 14.7%, Pendleton County households spend less than one-sixth of earnings on rent, below the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $178,600 is reasonable relative to median household income.
Capitalize on strong income base
Pendleton County's solid household income creates opportunity for disciplined wealth building through retirement accounts and homeownership. Consider working with a financial advisor to develop a comprehensive investment strategy tailored to your family's goals.
Pendleton County residents have a life expectancy of 74.8 years—nearly 2.5 years above the U.S. average of 72.5 years. Yet 23.9% report poor or fair health, exceeding the national rate of 19%, revealing a paradox: longevity doesn't always mean living well.
Living longer but struggling more
Pendleton County's 74.8-year life expectancy ranks among West Virginia's highest, nearly 2.6 years above the state average of 72.2 years. However, its 23.9% poor/fair health rate is among the state's worst, suggesting residents are aging with significant chronic disease burden.
Lean primary care, adequate mental health
With only 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Pendleton County has among the region's lowest primary care density, potentially limiting preventive care access. Its 83 mental health providers per 100,000 is respectable, but the provider gap suggests residents may struggle to address health issues early.
Highest uninsured rate threatens access
Pendleton County's uninsured rate of 9.2% is the highest among comparison counties and well above West Virginia's 7.6% average, affecting roughly 1 in 11 residents. Combined with sparse primary care capacity, uninsured residents face significant barriers to managing the county's high burden of chronic disease.
Don't face chronic disease uninsured
With nearly 1 in 4 Pendleton County residents reporting poor or fair health, coverage is essential for managing the burden. Reach out to healthcare.gov or your local health department today—coverage options exist even for those with pre-existing conditions or limited income.
Pendleton County's composite risk score of 30.12 places it well below the national average with a "Very Low" rating. The county ranks among the safest places in America when measuring exposure to major natural disasters.
West Virginia's Lowest-Risk County
Pendleton County's 30.12 score represents among the lowest composite risk in West Virginia, significantly outperforming the state average of 49.21. Residents enjoy considerably more protection from natural hazards than their counterparts across most of the state.
Safest in Its Regional Cluster
Pendleton County's risk profile rivals only Pocahontas County (27.54) and Morgan County (30.44) among nearby counties, while substantially outperforming Preston County (33.84). Its mountain geography and location provide natural protective advantages over neighboring communities.
Flood and Hurricane Only Concerns
Flood risk (58.46) and hurricane exposure (60.83) represent Pendleton County's main natural hazards, though both remain near state averages. Earthquake (18.70) and wildfire (26.78) risks are modest, while tornado danger is exceptionally low at just 6.49.
Balanced Insurance Approach Sufficient
Pendleton County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with wind coverage and consider flood insurance given moderate flood exposure. The county's low overall risk means residents can focus on routine preparedness rather than extensive mitigation measures.