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Preston County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#24 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
63.8
County Score
Property Tax 88.5Safety 79.1Cost of Living 77.8

County Report Card

About Preston County, West Virginia

Above the National Median

Preston County earns a composite score of 63.8, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is consistently higher than the average American county. It offers a stable and attractive environment for new residents.

Leading the State Average

At 63.8, Preston County edges out the West Virginia state average of 62.0. It is a competitive choice for those looking to stay in the Mountain State while maximizing their dollar. The county performs better than many of its immediate neighbors.

Tax-Friendly and Safe

Preston County shines with a tax score of 88.5 and a low effective tax rate of 0.474%. Safety is also a major highlight, scoring a strong 79.1. Housing remains affordable with a cost score of 77.8 and median home values sitting at $157,700.

Improving Water and Healthcare

The most significant challenge is water quality, which scores 22.1. Health outcomes (36.3) and school performance (42.2) also indicate areas where the county could invest more. These factors are the main trade-offs for the low tax environment.

Best for Budget-Conscious Commuters

Preston County is perfect for families or workers who want low taxes and a safe environment while potentially working in nearby hubs. The affordable rent ($753) and high safety scores make it a secure place to call home. It offers a classic West Virginia lifestyle with high fiscal efficiency.

Score breakdown

Tax88.5Cost77.8Safety79.1Health36.3Schools42.2Income43.4Risk66.2Water22.1Weather63.7
🏛88.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡79.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡66.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨38.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.6
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

Preston County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Preston County

via TaxByCounty

Preston County taxes well below national average

Preston County's effective tax rate of 0.474% ranks below the national median of 0.62%, placing it in roughly the bottom third nationally. The median property tax of $747 represents just 28% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting a genuinely affordable tax environment.

Close to West Virginia's state average

Preston County's effective rate of 0.474% sits nearly at West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, placing it in the state's lower-middle tier of counties. Median taxes of $747 run 7% above the state median of $699, reflecting a fairly typical tax burden for West Virginia.

Mid-range taxes among regional peers

Preston County's 0.474% effective rate falls between Pocahontas County (0.315% lowest) and Ohio County (0.587% highest) among regional neighbors. Its median tax of $747 is cheaper than Morgan County ($1,145) but pricier than Nicholas County ($550).

Annual tax averages $747 per home

On Preston County's median home value of $157,700, the effective tax rate of 0.474% yields an estimated annual property tax of $747. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $942, while those without mortgages pay around $603.

Check if your assessment is fair

Preston County homeowners who suspect their property is overassessed can file an appeal with the county assessor to challenge the valuation. A successful appeal could lower your annual tax bill—many overassessments are corrected once properly reviewed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Preston County

via CostByCounty

Preston County rents remain very affordable

At 14.7%, Preston County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below both the national affordability threshold and West Virginia's 16.9% state average. Median rent of $753 and household income of $61,373 create a balanced housing market where families retain substantial income for other priorities.

Ties Pendleton as state's best value

Preston County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio matches Pendleton County as the best-performing in West Virginia within this group, beating the state average of 16.9% by 2.2 percentage points. At $753 monthly rent with $61,373 median household income, Preston County delivers genuine affordability.

Balanced option among equals

Preston County's 14.7% affordability ratio ties Pendleton County, though Preston's $753 rent is slightly higher than Pendleton's $754 (essentially identical) but lower than Morgan County ($832) and Ohio County ($823). Preston County offers the sweet spot: low costs, reasonable incomes, and no affordability pressure.

Moderate costs across tenure types

Preston County renters pay $753 monthly while homeowners carry $618 in mortgage costs, with both groups managing comfortably within the 14.7% affordability threshold. With median household income at $61,373, renters dedicate 14.7% of earnings to housing, leaving approximately $5,200 annually for other household needs.

Preston County: balanced relocation option

Preston County competes directly with Pendleton County for relocation appeal: 14.7% affordability ratio, $753 rent, and $61,373 median income create a no-pressure housing market. With median home values at $157,700, both renters and buyers find genuine value without the affordability strain visible in neighboring Ohio County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Preston County

via IncomeByCounty

Preston County below national average

Preston County's median household income of $61,373 falls 17.9% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting rural economic pressures. Despite this, the county performs well relative to many rural counties nationwide.

Strong performer statewide

Preston County's median household income of $61,373 exceeds the West Virginia state average of $54,746 by 12.1%, ranking it among the top-earning counties in the state. This demonstrates solid economic foundation within the region.

Upper tier among peers

Preston County's $61,373 income ranks among the strongest in its region, tied with Pleasants County ($61,038) and second only to Putnam County ($77,871). The county's economic performance reflects diversified employment base.

Rent and housing well-balanced

With a rent-to-income ratio of 14.7%, Preston County households spend less than one-sixth of earnings on rent, below the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $157,700 is reasonable relative to median household income.

Build wealth through planning

Preston County's solid income foundation supports wealth building through retirement savings and strategic homeownership. Work with a financial advisor to develop a personalized plan for maximizing tax-advantaged accounts and long-term investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Preston County

via CrimeByCounty

Preston County Safety Outpaces the Nation

Preston County holds a strong safety score of 99.2. Its total crime rate of 496.9 per 100,000 residents is nearly five times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This makes it one of the more secure places to live in the country.

Strong Public Safety Performance in West Virginia

Preston County's safety score of 99.2 is well above the state average of 98.5. At 496.9 crimes per 100,000 people, the county’s crime rate is almost half the West Virginia average of 949.0. Eight reporting agencies coordinate to keep these numbers consistently low.

Preston County Safety versus Local Neighbors

Preston County is safer than neighboring Nicholas County, which reports a rate of 995.0 per 100,000. It is roughly equal in safety to Putnam County, which reports a crime rate of 488.3. This regional consistency provides a secure corridor for local residents.

Violent Crime remains Remarkably Low

The violent crime rate is just 55.5 per 100,000, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more common at 441.4, yet still represents a low risk compared to most U.S. counties. Residents primarily deal with non-violent property incidents.

Effective Ways to Secure Preston Homes

Property crimes at 441.4 per 100,000 are the main area where residents can take action. Simple measures like dusk-to-dawn lighting and smart locks are effective deterrents. Regular home security checks help maintain the county's reputation for safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Preston County

via HealthByCounty

Preston County slightly above national average

At 74.0 years, Preston County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 72.5 years by about 18 months. However, 25.1% of residents report poor or fair health, exceeding the national rate of 19%, indicating longer lives don't eliminate the burden of chronic disease.

Above-average longevity, above-average struggle

Preston County's 74.0-year life expectancy ranks above West Virginia's state average of 72.2 years, but its 25.1% poor/fair health rate is notably high. The county exemplifies West Virginia's broader pattern: residents live longer but struggle with chronic conditions throughout their extended lives.

Sparse primary care, very limited mental health

With just 38 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Preston County has below-average primary care access. Mental health capacity is even more constrained at 38 per 100,000—the lowest in the region—severely limiting support for residents facing behavioral health crises.

Above-average uninsured, below-average care access

Preston County's uninsured rate of 8.4% exceeds West Virginia's 7.6% average, affecting roughly 1 in 12 residents. Combined with sparse primary and mental health provider density, uninsured residents face compounded barriers to preventive care and chronic disease management.

Get covered despite provider shortages

Preston County's healthcare desert makes insurance coverage even more critical—it ensures you're prepared for travel to distant care when needed and covers telehealth options. Start at healthcare.gov to find plans that fit your situation, even with limited local provider networks.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Preston County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Rural School Network

Preston County operates ten schools serving a sizable population of 4,090 students. The district includes eight elementary schools and one central high school.

Solid Performance in a Rural District

The county's 90.0% graduation rate exceeds the national average but falls slightly below the state average of 92.8%. Spending per pupil is $6,821, which is lower than both state and national averages.

Preston County Schools Enrollment

Preston County Schools manages over 4,000 students across ten campuses. No charter schools are currently operating within the county's borders.

Predominantly Rural with Central Hubs

Nine of the ten schools are located in rural areas, creating a spread-out educational landscape. Preston High School is the primary hub, enrolling 1,178 students, while the average school size is 409.

Rural Lifestyle Near Kingwood Schools

Families moving to Preston County often prioritize proximity to the larger K-8 schools like Bruceton or West Preston. School access is a major driver of home value in this expansive county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Preston County

via RiskByCounty

Preston County Below National Average

Preston County's composite risk score of 33.84 sits below the national average, carrying a "Very Low" rating. The county faces lower natural disaster exposure than most American communities, positioning it as a relatively safe place for environmental hazards.

Among Lower-Risk West Virginia Counties

Preston County's 33.84 score places it well below the West Virginia state average of 49.21, ranking among the state's safer counties. Residents benefit from below-average exposure to the full spectrum of natural disasters.

Moderate Risk in Mixed Regional Context

Preston County's risk lies between the safest counties like Pocahontas (27.54) and Pleasants (20.26) and the higher-risk Nicholas County (58.17). Its position in north-central West Virginia reflects moderate vulnerabilities relative to both safe upland and riskier river-valley neighbors.

Flood and Tornado Require Attention

Flood risk (59.57) and tornado exposure (27.10) are Preston County's most notable hazards, with both above-average relative to the state. Wildfire (27.39), earthquake (27.77), and hurricane (55.11) risks all remain moderate across the county.

Flood and Tornado Insurance Matter

Preston County residents should secure flood insurance given the 59.57 flood risk score and ensure homeowners policies include wind coverage for tornadoes. Maintaining weather alerts and creating a family emergency plan are essential preparations for the county's primary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Preston County

via WeatherByCounty

A Wet and Wintry National Outlier

Preston County's 49.6°F average temperature is cooler than the national median. Its high annual precipitation of 53.3 inches puts it among the wetter regions in the United States.

Exceeding the State Snowfall Average

While the state average temperature is 52.8°F, Preston sits lower at 49.6°F. It is famously more rugged than its neighbors, recording significantly higher precipitation and snow than the state average.

The Snow King of the Region

Preston dwarfs neighboring counties with a massive 114.0 inches of annual snowfall. It also experiences more precipitation than Pocahontas, receiving 53.3 inches compared to 49.0 inches.

Intense Snow and Short Summers

Winter is the defining season here, with average temperatures bottoming out at 27.6°F in January. Extreme heat is rare, as the county typically sees only three days a year at or above 90°F.

Invest in Heavy Snow Gear

Four-wheel drive and professional-grade snow blowers are necessary for navigating 114 inches of snow. Residents should also ensure home drainage systems can handle the heavy 53.3 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Preston County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Appalachian Acidic Soils

Preston County soils have a pH of 5.02, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.25. This acidity is common for the region but requires attention if you are growing vegetables or fruit trees. The overall soil score of 38.4 reflects the challenges of farming in this rugged terrain.

Balanced Mineral Texture

The soil contains 34.4% silt, 23.4% sand, and 14.5% clay. This mix provides a stable structure that isn't as heavy as pure clay but has enough body to hold nutrients. It offers a fair balance of workability and durability for local agriculture.

Healthy Organic Matter Levels

Preston County has 20.64% organic matter, nearly matching the state average of 21.03%. However, its available water capacity of 0.123 in/in is lower than the state's 0.142. This suggests that while the soil is fertile, it may struggle to retain moisture during dry periods.

Managing Moisture in Silt-Rich Soil

With a lower-than-average water capacity, these soils may require supplemental irrigation during West Virginia's dry spells. The 34.4% silt content helps with initial absorption but may not hold water deep in the root zone. Ensuring good ground cover will help prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.

Hardy Crops for Zone 6b

The 6b hardiness zone in Preston County is great for berries, hardy grapes, and root vegetables. The 5.02 pH is well-suited for azaleas and mountain laurel, which are regional favorites. Start a compost pile now to help boost your soil's water-holding capacity for next season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Preston County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Lawns in a Rugged Climate

Preston County's lawn difficulty score of 48.6 indicates it is more challenging than both the state and national averages. Homeowners in this Zone 6b region must be diligent to maintain healthy turf in these conditions.

Abundant Rainfall Keeps Lawns Hydrated

The county receives a generous 53.3 inches of rain annually, the highest among its neighbors. Very few extreme heat days (only 3 per year) mean your grass is rarely stressed by temperature, though it may stay perpetually damp.

Acidic Soil with Significant Clay

A soil pH of 5.02 requires regular lime treatments to bring it closer to the 6.5 ideal for most grasses. With 14.5% clay and 23.4% sand, the soil provides a decent structure but can become compacted if not aerated regularly.

Half the Year Spent in Drought

Despite high rainfall totals, the county experienced 26 weeks of drought over the past year. Currently, 4% of the area is abnormally dry, so keeping a rain barrel is a smart way to bridge those sudden dry gaps.

Wait for the Late Spring Thaw

Frost persists until May 7 in Preston County, so avoid the temptation to seed too early in the spring. Tall fescue is a resilient choice for this area, providing the durability needed for the 2,637 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Preston County's county score?
Preston County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 63.8 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 Preston County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Preston County ranks #24 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 Preston County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Preston County is $747, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Preston County a tax score of 88.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Preston County?
The median household income in Preston County, West Virginia is $61,373 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Preston County earns an income score of 43.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Preston County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Preston County scores 63.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Preston 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 Preston 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.