CountyScore

Summers County

West Virginia · WV

#31 in West Virginia
72.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Summers County, West Virginia

Summers matches West Virginia's state-level livability

Summers County scores exactly 72.2 out of 100, matching the state average and far exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 44%. The county demonstrates solid, middle-to-upper-tier livability nationally.

Right at the state average, steady performer

With a score of 72.2, Summers sits precisely at West Virginia's state average, placing it in the heart of the state's livability distribution. The county maintains consistent performance alongside established regional peers.

Lowest tax burden in this cohort

Summers County leads with the state's lowest effective tax rate at just 0.304%, earning a tax score of 93.7. This exceptional tax advantage makes the county particularly attractive to tax-sensitive households and retirees.

Lowest income and higher housing costs relative to peers

The county's income score of 11.2 and median household income of $42,544 are the lowest in this group, limiting economic advancement. Housing costs are also slightly elevated relative to nearby alternatives, with median gross rent at $922/month.

Tax haven for retirees and low-income households

Summers County appeals primarily to retirees, pensioners, and fixed-income households seeking to minimize tax liability. It's less suitable for working families seeking income growth or young professionals starting careers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax93.7Cost84.7SafetyComing SoonHealth58.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome11.2Risk59.8WaterComing Soon
🏛93.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤58.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡59.8
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 Summers County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Chilton County
Alabama
72.2
Median income: $61,873
Baker County
Florida
72.2
Median income: $70,833
Dade County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $58,936
Oconee County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $115,925
Dearborn County
Indiana
72.2
Median income: $82,693

Deep Dives

Summers County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Summers County

via TaxByCounty

Summers offers the lowest tax rates

At 0.304%, Summers County has one of the lowest effective tax rates in the entire United States, ranking in the bottom 5% nationally compared to the 0.73% median. Homeowners here pay just $384 annually, less than 15% of the national median property tax.

West Virginia's tax leader

Summers County's 0.304% effective rate is the lowest among all 55 West Virginia counties, well below the state average of 0.497%. This exceptional advantage makes Summers a top choice for property owners seeking minimal tax burden.

Clear winner regionally

Summers' 0.304% rate beats every surrounding county decisively: Tucker (0.353%), Randolph (0.391%), and Roane (0.444%) all charge more. It stands as the region's most tax-friendly jurisdiction by a significant margin.

Just $384 keeps your budget light

On the median home value of $126,100, Summers County residents pay only $384 in annual property tax. With mortgage costs, it rises to $450; without a mortgage, the tax alone is $348.

Even low rates deserve verification

While Summers County's tax rate is exceptional, overassessment can still occur on individual properties. Request a reassessment review if you believe your home's assessed value is higher than recent market sales of similar properties in the county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Summers County

via CostByCounty

Summers struggles with severe affordability gap

Summers County's rent-to-income ratio of 26.0% is the worst in West Virginia and far exceeds the national average of roughly 15%. With a median household income of just $42,544—43% below the national median—renters here face crushing housing burdens.

Summers ranks as state's least affordable

At 26.0%, Summers' rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds West Virginia's 16.9% average, making it the state's least affordable county. Median rent of $922 is the highest in the state, paired with the lowest incomes, creating a perfect affordability storm.

Summers rents top all surrounding counties

Summers' median rent of $922 exceeds every neighboring county—Raleigh ($847), Roane ($590), and Ritchie ($583)—despite its residents earning less. This disadvantageous combination makes Summers an outlier in the region.

Over one-quarter of income goes to rent

Renters spend $922 monthly—a staggering 26.0% of the $42,544 median income—leaving little for other necessities. Homeownership at $464 monthly is more manageable, but median home value of $126,100 remains challenging for low-income buyers.

Summers requires careful financial planning

Summers County poses serious affordability challenges; renters spend over one-quarter of income on housing while earning the state's lowest median income. Relocate here only if employment offers substantial income boost, or consider Roane or Ritchie for superior affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Summers County

via IncomeByCounty

Summers County earns 43% below nation

Summers County's median household income of $42,544 represents one of the lowest in the nation, falling over $32,000 below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county faces substantial economic headwinds and limited high-wage employment opportunities.

West Virginia's lowest-income county

At $42,544, Summers County ranks as the lowest-income county among the eight profiled, trailing West Virginia's median of $54,746 by over $12,000. The county's economy reflects severe dependence on declining industries without sufficient economic diversification.

Lowest income among regional peers

Summers County's income of $42,544 ranks lowest in this group, trailing nearest peer Roane County ($45,194) by $2,650. The county's isolation from higher-wage regional centers compounds income challenges.

Rent burden reaches 26% threshold

Summers County's rent-to-income ratio of 26% approaches the affordability danger zone, meaning housing costs consume over one-quarter of median earnings. This elevated burden constrains household savings capacity despite a median home value of $126,100.

Prioritize debt reduction and stability

With a median household income of $42,544 and a rent-to-income ratio of 26%, Summers County residents should focus on eliminating high-interest debt before attempting investment. Building even a modest emergency fund of $1,000–$2,000 provides critical financial protection.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Summers County

via HealthByCounty

Summers faces steep health challenges

At 69.4 years, Summers County has the lowest life expectancy in this county set—5.7 years below the U.S. average of 75.1 years. Over one in four residents reports poor or fair health, nearly double the national average and indicating severe chronic disease burden.

Summers ranks among West Virginia's worst

Summers trails the state average life expectancy of 72.2 years by 2.8 years, placing it firmly in the lower tier of West Virginia health outcomes. Its poor/fair health rate of 26.2% exceeds the state median, reflecting concentrated disadvantage.

Summers' health crisis is stark and urgent

At 69.4 years, Summers has the lowest life expectancy in this eight-county set, trailing Tucker County by nearly 6 years. The county's health profile mirrors Raleigh County (69.5 years), suggesting shared regional and socioeconomic drivers of poor outcomes.

Critically short on primary care providers

Summers has just 25 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below county and state needs—and an 8.3% uninsured rate. Though mental health providers at 164 per 100K offer some capacity, the shortage of basic primary care limits disease prevention and early intervention.

Coverage opens the door to longer, healthier lives

With one of the state's worst health profiles, Summers County residents deserve accessible healthcare—but 8.3% remain uninsured, often due to cost. Explore Medicaid expansion and marketplace subsidies at healthcare.gov to remove financial barriers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Summers County

via RiskByCounty

Summers maintains well-below-average risk

Summers County's composite risk score of 40.24 sits comfortably below the national average, indicating lower-than-typical natural disaster exposure. While flooding at 59.64 and wildfire at 46.95 are the county's notable hazards, tornado risk remains exceptionally low at 6.84.

Lower-risk county in West Virginia

Summers County ranks among West Virginia's safer counties with a composite score of 40.24, well below the state average of 49.21. The county benefits from relatively balanced hazard exposure with no single catastrophic risk dominating the profile.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Summers County's 40.24 score is notably lower than neighboring Raleigh County (65.52) and Roane County (45.01), making it a regional refuge from disaster exposure. Only Tyler County (35.59) presents comparable or lower risk in the immediate vicinity.

Balanced threats from floods and wildfires

Summers County faces dual primary hazards: flooding at 59.64 and wildfire risk at 46.95, both requiring distinct preparedness strategies. Earthquake risk at 33.14 presents a tertiary concern, while tornado exposure remains negligible at 6.84.

Standard insurance adequate for most residents

Summers County's moderate risk profile means standard homeowner insurance provides reasonable baseline protection for most residents. Those in forest-adjacent properties should consider wildfire preparedness and defensible space maintenance, while flood insurance remains advisable near waterways.

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.