CountyScore

Pocahontas County

West Virginia · WV

#19 in West Virginia
74.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Pocahontas County, West Virginia

Well above-average livability nationwide

Pocahontas County's composite score of 74.2 stands 48% above the national median of 50.0, ranking in the upper half of U.S. counties. This solid performance demonstrates strong foundations in affordability and tax policy.

Exceeds West Virginia baseline

Pocahontas County scores 74.2 compared to the state average of 72.2, placing it slightly above the statewide norm. It ranks as a solid performer within West Virginia's county landscape.

Lowest taxes and excellent affordability

Pocahontas County achieves the lowest effective tax rate of all eight counties at 0.315%, producing a tax score of 93.4, complemented by a cost score of 88.7 and median rent under $700/month. These figures represent exceptional financial advantage for residents.

Significantly low income opportunities

The income score of 10.3 and median household income of $41,200 are the lowest among these eight counties, indicating minimal local wage-earning potential. Health outcomes (57.5) also lag compared to peers, warranting consideration by prospective residents.

Perfect for self-sufficient retirees and remote workers

Pocahontas County is best suited for retirees with pensions, remote workers with external income, and others not dependent on local job markets. Its combination of lowest taxes and most affordable housing creates exceptional value for those who can live independently of local wages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax93.4Cost88.7SafetyComing SoonHealth57.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome10.3Risk72.5WaterComing Soon
🏛93.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤57.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡72.5
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 Pocahontas County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Fayette County
Alabama
74.2
Median income: $50,733
Gem County
Idaho
74.2
Median income: $66,245
Fulton County
Indiana
74.2
Median income: $62,878
Pike County
Indiana
74.2
Median income: $66,250
Starke County
Indiana
74.2
Median income: $62,933

Deep Dives

Pocahontas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pocahontas County

via TaxByCounty

Pocahontas County taxes among nation's lowest

Pocahontas County's effective tax rate of 0.315% ranks in the nation's bottom 2%—an extraordinarily low property tax burden. The median property tax of just $439 represents only 16% of the national median of $2,690, making Pocahontas one of America's most affordable tax jurisdictions.

Second-lowest taxes in West Virginia

Pocahontas County's effective rate of 0.315% ranks second-lowest in West Virginia, just below Pendleton County's 0.338%, and 37% below the state average of 0.497%. Median taxes of $439 sit 37% below the state median of $699, marking Pocahontas as one of the state's most tax-friendly counties.

Cheapest taxes in the region by far

Pocahontas County's 0.315% rate is the lowest among all regional neighbors—beating Pendleton County (0.338%), Preston County (0.474%), and every other peer. At $439 median annual taxes, Pocahontas offers by far the lightest tax load in the entire region.

Just $439 yearly tax on median home

On Pocahontas County's median home value of $139,400, the effective tax rate of 0.315% translates to an estimated annual property tax of just $439. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $506, while those without mortgages pay around $392.

File an appeal if overassessed

Even in Pocahontas County's low-tax environment, overassessments occur—homeowners who believe their property is valued too high can file an appeal. A successful challenge could reduce your already-minimal tax bill further, potentially saving you money year after year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pocahontas County

via CostByCounty

Pocahontas County: affordability crisis brewing

At 20.0%, Pocahontas County's rent-to-income ratio is catastrophically high—nearly 4 percentage points above the national affordability threshold and 3 points above West Virginia's average. Median household income of just $41,200 paired with $688 rent creates a perfect storm where housing consumes one-fifth of earnings before taxes.

West Virginia's most squeezed county

Pocahontas County's 20.0% rent-to-income ratio is the worst in this group and among West Virginia's least affordable, far exceeding the state average of 16.9%. With the lowest median household income in this cohort at $41,200, residents face genuine housing burden unlike their wealthier neighbors.

Income crisis amplifies housing burden

While Pocahontas County's $688 rent is reasonable in isolation, the county's $41,200 median household income—dramatically lower than Nicholas County ($49,280) or Preston County ($61,373)—makes that rent unaffordable. The 20.0% rent-to-income ratio nearly doubles Pleasants County's 13.8% rate, exposing a deeper economic struggle.

Renters in genuine financial strain

Pocahontas County renters spend $688 monthly on a median household income of just $41,200—leaving roughly $3,212 annually after rent for all other household expenses. Homeowners fare slightly better at $490 monthly, but both groups face economic pressure that limits flexibility and savings potential.

Pocahontas County needs caution

Unless your job prospects in Pocahontas County come with significantly above-median income, the 20.0% rent-to-income ratio signals genuine financial struggle ahead. Remote workers with stable, healthy incomes might find the low absolute rents appealing, but local job-seekers should explore higher-income counties like Putnam or Morgan instead.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pocahontas County

via IncomeByCounty

Pocahontas County faces income gap

Pocahontas County's median household income of $41,200 ranks 44.9% below the national median of $74,755, among the lowest in the nation. Per capita income of $23,387 reflects limited earning opportunities across the county.

Lowest income in West Virginia

Pocahontas County's median household income of $41,200 falls 24.8% below the state average of $54,746, ranking it lowest among West Virginia counties analyzed. This reflects significant economic challenges unique to the region.

Faces steepest income challenge

At $41,200, Pocahontas County trails all neighboring counties, with Nicholas County ($49,280) earning 19.7% more and Preston County ($61,373) earning 48.9% more. The income gap reflects limited job market diversity.

Housing costs strain budgets

Pocahontas County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.0% is the highest among all peer counties, meaning one-fifth of household income goes to rent alone. A median home value of $139,400 requires 3.4 years of median household income to purchase.

Access community resources

Pocahontas County households should prioritize connecting with local nonprofits and government programs offering financial counseling and assistance. Even modest savings through employer retirement plans and community credit unions can build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Pocahontas County

via HealthByCounty

Pocahontas County faces steepest health crisis

At 72.2 years, Pocahontas County's life expectancy matches the state average but trails the U.S. average of 72.5 years by about 4 months. With 28.1% of residents reporting poor or fair health—the highest rate among all comparison counties and well above the national 19%—Pocahontas faces West Virginia's most severe health burden.

Worst health outcomes in West Virginia

Pocahontas County ranks at the state average for life expectancy at 72.2 years, but its 28.1% poor/fair health rate is the worst in the state, indicating residents live with exceptional health struggles. The gap between longevity and health status suggests a population managing multiple chronic diseases.

Adequate primary care, limited mental health

Pocahontas County has 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—moderate for the region—but only 64 mental health providers per 100,000, among the lowest in the comparison. With mental health crises prevalent statewide, this gap leaves residents facing behavioral health challenges with limited local support.

Highest uninsured rate worsens outcomes

Pocahontas County's uninsured rate of 9.9% is the highest among all comparison counties, affecting roughly 1 in 10 residents and limiting access to care during health crises. With the state's worst poor/fair health rate, uninsured residents face compounded barriers to managing chronic conditions.

Coverage is urgent in Pocahontas County

Nearly 1 in 3 Pocahontas County residents report poor or fair health, and being uninsured multiplies the risk of health crises. Visit healthcare.gov immediately to explore Medicaid expansion, marketplace plans, or community health center programs designed for uninsured populations.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pocahontas County

via RiskByCounty

Pocahontas County's Very Low Risk

Pocahontas County's composite risk score of 27.54 sits well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating. The county enjoys exceptional protection from major natural disasters compared to typical American communities.

Among West Virginia's Safest Areas

Pocahontas County's 27.54 score ranks it among the lowest-risk counties in West Virginia, significantly below the state average of 49.21. The county benefits from some of the best natural disaster protection in the state.

Competing for Regional Safest County

Pocahontas County's risk score rivals Pleasants County (20.26) and Morgan County (30.44) as the safest in its region. It substantially outperforms Preston County (33.84) and is far safer than Nicholas County (58.17) and Ohio County (69.82).

Flood Risk the Only Moderate Concern

Flood risk (54.23) is Pocahontas County's primary natural hazard, though it remains near state and national averages. Earthquake (23.06) and hurricane (48.10) exposures are modest, while wildfire (13.23) and tornado (5.60) risks are exceptionally low.

Standard Insurance Covers Your Needs

Pocahontas County residents should maintain basic homeowners insurance and may consider flood coverage depending on property location. The county's low overall risk profile means comprehensive disaster mitigation is unnecessary for most residents.

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.