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Pendleton County, West Virginia — County Report Card

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#1 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
77.1
County Score
Property Tax 96.9Schools 88.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Pendleton County, West Virginia

An Elite National Ranking

Pendleton County boasts a stellar composite score of 77.1, placing it in the top tier of counties nationwide. This score is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It offers a combination of fiscal health and safety that is rare across the United States.

Leading the Mountain State

At 77.1, Pendleton County far exceeds the West Virginia average composite score of 62.0. It stands as one of the highest-rated counties in the entire state. This performance signals a very high standard of living relative to neighboring jurisdictions.

Fiscal Health and Top Schools

The county is a fiscal powerhouse with a tax score of 96.9, supported by a tiny 0.338% effective tax rate. Education is equally impressive with a school score of 88.5, alongside a high safety score of 84.7. Clean water is also a guarantee, reflected in its score of 86.0.

Healthcare and Income Gaps

Despite its overall excellence, the county has a health score of 38.2, indicating a need for better medical access. The income score of 44.3, based on a median household income of $61,738, is moderate compared to its other elite metrics. These areas represent the last frontiers for local improvement.

The Gold Standard for Rurality

Pendleton County is the ultimate destination for those seeking a high-functioning, safe, and low-tax rural lifestyle. It perfectly suits families looking for elite schools and outdoor enthusiasts who value clean water and low risk. It is one of West Virginia’s most hidden gems.

Score breakdown

Tax96.9Cost85.8Safety84.7Health38.2Schools88.5Income44.3Risk69.9Water86Weather61.2
🏛96.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡84.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓88.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨38.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.1
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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Deep Dives

Pendleton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pendleton County

via TaxByCounty

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pendleton County

via CostByCounty

Pendleton County: rural affordability at its best

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pendleton County

via IncomeByCounty

Pendleton County earns above national

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pendleton County

via CrimeByCounty

Pendleton County Ranks as Exceptionally Safe

Pendleton County earns a high safety score of 99.4 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 357.4 per 100,000 is over six times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Residents benefit from one of the lowest crime environments in the entire United States.

Far Exceeding West Virginia Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 99.4 is much higher than the state average of 98.5. At 357.4 crimes per 100,000, Pendleton County maintains a rate less than half the state average of 949.0. Only four reporting agencies are needed to manage this quiet rural landscape.

How Pendleton Compares to Neighboring Areas

Pendleton County is significantly safer than Pocahontas County, where the crime rate is 1,360.2. It also outperforms Ohio County, which has a higher rate of 473.7 per 100,000. These figures cement its reputation as a safe haven within West Virginia.

Balanced and Low Crime Incidence Rates

Crime in Pendleton is split evenly, with violent and property crime both occurring at 178.7 per 100,000. Both categories remain significantly below national benchmarks of 369.8 for violent and 2,015.7 for property crime. The data reflects a very low-volume crime environment across the board.

Maintaining Safety in Your Home

Low crime rates of 178.7 per 100,000 for property crime suggest a very low risk of theft. However, securing outbuildings and garages is still a smart practice for rural homeowners. Simple measures like gate locks help preserve the peace and security of Pendleton County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pendleton County

via HealthByCounty

Longest life expectancy, highest health struggle

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pendleton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Pendleton County

Pendleton County operates just four public schools serving a total of 867 students. This intimate system includes three elementary schools and one combined middle/high school.

High Investment and Excellent Graduation

The county achieves a 97.0% graduation rate while investing $9,245 per pupil. These figures are significantly higher than state averages, resulting in a strong school score of 62.1.

Pendleton County Schools Overview

Pendleton County Schools is the sole district managing the county's 867 students. There are no charter schools, and the district focus remains on its four traditional public campuses.

Traditional Rural School Environments

All four schools are in rural settings, with an average school size of only 217 students. Pendleton County Middle/High is the largest at 388 students, while North Fork Elementary serves just 96.

Peaceful Living Near Quality Schools

For families seeking a small, high-performing school environment, Pendleton County offers unique advantages. Explore real estate near Franklin to stay close to the county's main educational center.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pendleton County

via RiskByCounty

Pendleton County Among Nation's Safest

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pendleton County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and drier than median

Pendleton County averages 52.6°F annually, making it about 2.4 degrees cooler than the national median. It is also significantly drier than many other U.S. regions at 38.5 inches of precipitation.

West Virginia's dry mountain valley

While its 52.6°F temperature matches the state average, Pendleton is much drier than the rest of West Virginia. It receives only 38.5 inches of precipitation compared to the 47.0-inch state average.

Drier than most surrounding areas

Pendleton is the driest county in this group, receiving 14 inches less rain annually than Nicholas County. However, its 26.7 inches of snow is nearly double what Mingo County receives.

Moderate heat and crisp winters

Summer is comfortable with only 15 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winter is cold and snowy, featuring a 32.5°F January average and 26.7 inches of annual snow.

Equip for snow and drought

Residents should prepare for the 26.7 inches of snow that falls each winter. Given the lower 38.5-inch precipitation average, water conservation and drought-resistant landscaping are also smart choices.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pendleton County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate Acidity in Pendleton Soils

Pendleton County features a soil pH of 5.10, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.25. This puts it well below the national median of 6.5, making it a naturally acidic environment. Despite this, the soil score of 38.4 suggests a landscape that can be productive with proper management.

A Silt-Dominant Texture Mix

The soil is comprised of 39.4% silt, 29.9% sand, and 14.7% clay. This high silt content makes the soil feel smooth and helps with nutrient retention and water management. It is generally easier to till than heavy clay soils, though it can be prone to erosion if left uncovered.

Below-Average Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter stands at 12.17%, which is notably lower than the West Virginia state average of 21.03%. The available water capacity is also slightly lower at 0.127 in/in. Gardeners should focus on adding compost to improve moisture retention and nutrient availability.

Navigating Slower Water Retention

While taxonomic drainage classes are unavailable, the lower available water capacity suggests that these soils may dry out faster than the state average. The silt-heavy composition can also lead to surface crusting if not managed correctly. Monitoring moisture during dry spells is essential for crop health.

Short Growing Seasons in Zone 6a

Pendleton County is in hardiness zone 6a, requiring plants that can handle colder winters and a shorter frost-free window. This climate is perfect for brassicas, peas, and potatoes that prefer cooler temperatures. Start your garden early with cold frames to maximize the mountain growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pendleton County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Turf Conditions in Pendleton

With a lawn score of 55.1, Pendleton County is more difficult to manage than the state average of 66.5. This Zone 6a region requires attentive care to overcome local climate and soil hurdles.

Below Average Rainfall for Grass

The county receives only 38.5 inches of rain annually, which is nearly 10 inches less than the state average. Combined with 15 extreme heat days, this drier climate means you must be proactive with supplemental irrigation.

Liming is Critical for Low pH

A soil pH of 5.10 indicates high acidity that can block essential nutrients from reaching your grass. The soil contains 14.7% clay and nearly 30% sand, providing decent drainage but requiring regular amendments to build fertility.

Managing Through Extended Dry Spells

Pendleton County struggled through 35 weeks of drought in the past year and remains 100% abnormally dry today. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn is a vital strategy here to preserve moisture and protect the soil surface.

Plan for a Short Growing Window

The first fall frost arrives early on October 11, giving you a tighter window for late-summer seeding. Stick to hardy Zone 6a grasses like tall fescue that can handle both the dry summers and the chilly winter transitions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pendleton County's county score?
Pendleton County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 77.1 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 Pendleton County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Pendleton County ranks #1 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 Pendleton County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Pendleton County is $603, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Pendleton County a tax score of 96.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pendleton County?
The median household income in Pendleton County, West Virginia is $61,738 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pendleton County earns an income score of 44.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pendleton County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Pendleton County scores 77.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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.