CountyScore

Pleasants County

West Virginia · WV

#7 in West Virginia
76
County Score

County Report Card

About Pleasants County, West Virginia

Strong livability well above U.S. average

Pleasants County's composite score of 76.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 52%, positioning it among the more livable counties nationwide. Its profile reflects balanced strengths across multiple dimensions.

Above-average performer in West Virginia

Pleasants County scores 76.0 compared to the state average of 72.2, ranking among the top performers in this eight-county survey. It stands out as one of West Virginia's stronger communities by this composite measure.

Risk mitigation and affordability excel

Pleasants County leads these eight counties in risk score at 79.8, suggesting strong resilience against environmental and economic shocks, while achieving a cost score of 87.1 with the lowest median rent at just $700/month. Tax (85.9) and health (67.8) scores round out a well-rounded profile.

Income growth opportunity is limited

The income score of 23.2 and median household income of $61,038 reflect constrained wage-earning prospects in the local economy. School and safety data remain unavailable, leaving some livability dimensions unmeasured.

Ideal for risk-averse, cost-conscious families

Pleasants County suits families and individuals who prize resilience, low living costs, and stability above all else. Its exceptional risk profile makes it particularly appealing to those seeking refuge from economic volatility and rising housing markets.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax85.9Cost87.1SafetyComing SoonHealth67.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.2Risk79.8WaterComing Soon
🏛85.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡79.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Pleasants County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

San Miguel County
Colorado
76
Median income: $80,117
Sedgwick County
Colorado
76
Median income: $52,833
Camas County
Idaho
76
Median income: $55,536
Tipton County
Indiana
76
Median income: $78,309
Elliott County
Kentucky
76
Median income: $40,074

Deep Dives

Pleasants County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pleasants County

via TaxByCounty

Pleasants County taxes beat national average

Pleasants County's effective tax rate of 0.582% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.62%, marking it as below-average nationally. The median property tax of $752 is just 28% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting a favorable tax environment compared to most of the country.

Slightly above West Virginia's norm

Pleasants County's effective rate of 0.582% runs 17% above West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, placing it in the state's upper-middle tier. Median taxes of $752 exceed the state median of $699 by 8%, reflecting a somewhat steeper local tax posture.

Mid-range taxes among regional peers

Pleasants County's 0.582% effective rate sits between Preston County (0.474% lower) and Ohio County (0.587% higher), placing it in the regional middle. Its median tax of $752 is more expensive than Nicholas County ($550) but cheaper than Morgan County ($1,145).

Annual tax averages $752 per home

On Pleasants County's median home value of $129,300, the effective tax rate of 0.582% yields an estimated annual property tax of $752. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $791, while those without mortgages pay approximately $699.

Assessment appeals could lower your bill

If you believe your Pleasants County home is overassessed, you can file a formal challenge with the county assessor to seek a lower valuation. Many homeowners succeed in appeals—a reduced assessment could save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pleasants County

via CostByCounty

Pleasants County: West Virginia's most affordable

At 13.8%, Pleasants County claims the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this entire group, signaling exceptional affordability compared to both the national average and the national norm. Median rent of just $700 and household income of $61,038 create a housing market where renters retain maximum income for savings and living expenses.

The state's affordability champion

Pleasants County's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks as West Virginia's best-in-class, beating the state average of 16.9% by a substantial 3.1 percentage points. At $700 monthly rent, Pleasants County undercuts the state median of $760 while maintaining solid household income of $61,038.

Lowest rents with strong incomes

Pleasants County's $700 rent is the lowest in its peer group, and its 13.8% affordability ratio beats every neighbor including Pendleton County (14.7%), Preston County (14.7%), and Morgan County (15.7%). This combination of low rents and healthy incomes makes Pleasants County a standout value.

Renters save the most here

Pleasants County renters pay just $700 monthly while homeowners carry $578 in mortgage costs—manageable for both groups. With median household income at $61,038, renters dedicate only 13.8% of earnings to housing, leaving roughly $5,270 annually for all other household needs.

Pleasants County: unbeaten value

For relocators prioritizing housing affordability, Pleasants County offers the best math in this cohort: lowest rents ($700), strongest affordability ratio (13.8%), and reasonable income levels. Whether renting or buying, this county maximizes your housing purchasing power while keeping budgets balanced.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pleasants County

via IncomeByCounty

Pleasants County below national median

Pleasants County's median household income of $61,038 falls 18.4% short of the national median of $74,755, though its per capita income of $40,318 is notably strong. This suggests concentrated earning power among some households.

Above state average income

Pleasants County's median household income of $61,038 exceeds the West Virginia state average of $54,746 by 11.5%, placing it in the upper tier of state counties. The county demonstrates solid economic performance relative to peers.

Strong performer in region

Pleasants County's $61,038 income ranks solidly among peers, slightly below Pendleton County ($61,738) and Preston County ($61,373) but well above Nicholas County ($49,280). The county's strong per capita income suggests growing earning power.

Best housing affordability locally

Pleasants County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among peer counties at 13.8%, meaning households spend less than one-seventh of earnings on rent. A median home value of $129,300 is highly affordable relative to median income.

Unique opportunity for savings

Pleasants County's favorable housing costs relative to income create exceptional opportunity to save and invest. Households should prioritize building emergency funds and exploring tax-advantaged retirement and education savings accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Pleasants County

via HealthByCounty

Best life expectancy, above-average health

Pleasants County leads with a life expectancy of 74.8 years—nearly 2.5 years above the U.S. average of 72.5 years. At 23.2% poor/fair health, the rate exceeds the national average, but the county's exceptional longevity suggests residents are living longer despite chronic conditions.

West Virginia's longevity champion

Pleasants County's 74.8-year life expectancy ties for the state's highest, exceeding West Virginia's average of 72.2 years by 2.6 years. The county stands out as one of the state's longest-living communities, though its 23.2% poor/fair health rate suggests aging residents manage significant health challenges.

Limited primary care, adequate mental health

Pleasants County has just 13 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest among comparison counties—creating a critical access gap for preventive care. However, 81 mental health providers per 100,000 is adequate, suggesting the county manages behavioral health better than primary disease prevention.

Best uninsured rate in the region

Pleasants County's uninsured rate of 5.8% is the lowest among comparison counties and well below West Virginia's 7.6% average. However, the extreme scarcity of primary care providers—just 13 per 100,000—means many insured residents still struggle to find available physicians.

Insurance helps even with few providers

Pleasants County's excellent insurance coverage rate doesn't solve the primary care shortage, but it ensures you can travel for specialist care when needed. Verify your coverage and learn about telehealth options at healthcare.gov—they're essential tools in areas with limited local providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pleasants County

via RiskByCounty

Pleasants County's Exceptionally Low Risk

Pleasants County's composite risk score of 20.26 ranks among the lowest in the nation, earning a "Very Low" rating. The county faces minimal natural disaster exposure compared to the American average, making it one of the safest communities for environmental hazards.

West Virginia's Safest County

Pleasants County's 20.26 composite score is the lowest in West Virginia, drastically below the state average of 49.21. Residents benefit from exceptional natural disaster safety relative to all other counties in the state.

Unmatched Safety in Region

Pleasants County's risk score is substantially lower than all neighboring counties, including Morgan County (30.44) and Preston County (33.84). Its geographic position and landscape provide unparalleled protection from natural hazards across the broader region.

Minimal Hazard Exposure Countywide

Even Pleasants County's highest-risk hazard—flood at 50.03—remains below state and national averages. Wildfire risk is exceptionally low at just 3.66, while tornado (12.40), earthquake (15.46), and hurricane (43.01) exposures are all minimal.

Standard Coverage Protects Your Home

Pleasants County residents need only standard homeowners insurance to adequately protect their properties given the county's minimal hazard exposure. Focus on routine home maintenance and general preparedness rather than specialized disaster insurance or mitigation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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