Taylor ranks among the nation's more livable counties
Taylor County scores 74.6 out of 100, nearly 49% above the national median of 50.0 and solidly in the upper quartile. The score reflects consistent strengths across multiple livability dimensions.
2 / 5
Top performer in West Virginia's livability rankings
Taylor exceeds the state average of 72.2 and ranks among the state's highest-scoring counties. The county demonstrates broad-based livability advantages relative to West Virginia peers.
3 / 5
Income, health, and risk resilience all solid
Taylor leads this cohort with the highest income score of 20.5 and median household income of $56,807, supporting genuine economic opportunity. The county also delivers solid health outcomes (62.3) and strong risk resilience (76.5), signaling stability and prosperity.
4 / 5
Limited gaps in overall profile
Taylor County shows few marked weaknesses relative to peers, though cost and tax scores are competent rather than exceptional. The overall balanced profile suggests incremental improvement rather than urgent priorities.
5 / 5
Well-rounded choice for growing families
Taylor County suits working families, young professionals, and households valuing both income potential and affordable living costs. It offers one of the healthiest combinations of earnings, resilience, and quality of life in the state.
Taylor ranks among the nation's more livable counties
Taylor County scores 74.6 out of 100, nearly 49% above the national median of 50.0 and solidly in the upper quartile. The score reflects consistent strengths across multiple livability dimensions.
Top performer in West Virginia's livability rankings
Taylor exceeds the state average of 72.2 and ranks among the state's highest-scoring counties. The county demonstrates broad-based livability advantages relative to West Virginia peers.
Income, health, and risk resilience all solid
Taylor leads this cohort with the highest income score of 20.5 and median household income of $56,807, supporting genuine economic opportunity. The county also delivers solid health outcomes (62.3) and strong risk resilience (76.5), signaling stability and prosperity.
Limited gaps in overall profile
Taylor County shows few marked weaknesses relative to peers, though cost and tax scores are competent rather than exceptional. The overall balanced profile suggests incremental improvement rather than urgent priorities.
Well-rounded choice for growing families
Taylor County suits working families, young professionals, and households valuing both income potential and affordable living costs. It offers one of the healthiest combinations of earnings, resilience, and quality of life in the state.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛87.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Taylor County's 0.527% effective tax rate slightly exceeds the national median of 0.73%—no, that's incorrect; let me revise: it sits modestly above some national comparisons but below many high-tax states. The median annual tax of $759 remains less than one-third the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower property values nationwide.
Above average within West Virginia
Taylor County's 0.527% rate ranks it above West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. The median tax of $759 also exceeds the state median of $699, indicating a moderately higher tax burden regionally.
Moderately high for the area
Taylor's 0.527% rate exceeds Raleigh (0.514%), Roane (0.444%), and Summers (0.304%), but trails Ritchie (0.649%). Within the eight-county region, it ranks in the upper half, closer to the higher-tax end than the lower.
Expect $759 annually
On a median home value of $144,000, Taylor County residents pay approximately $759 per year in property tax. With mortgage costs added, the annual burden reaches $951; without a mortgage, the base tax is $523.
Challenge inflated assessments
Taylor County homeowners should verify their assessed values against recent comparable sales in the area, as overassessment is often overlooked. If your property's assessed value appears excessive, filing an appeal with the county could reduce your annual tax obligation.
Taylor County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% sits comfortably below the national average of roughly 15%, despite median income of $56,807 remaining 24% below the national median of $74,755. Monthly rent of $672 is genuinely affordable for the region.
Taylor ranks among state's most affordable
At 14.2%, Taylor's rent-to-income ratio is one of West Virginia's best, beating the state average of 16.9%. Median rent of $672 runs just $88 below the state average, making Taylor a solid middle option statewide.
Taylor offers competitive rental pricing
Taylor's $672 rent sits between the bargains of Ritchie ($583) and Roane ($590) and the pricier counties like Raleigh ($847). Homeownership costs of $602 monthly rank reasonable by region standards.
Housing is lean but manageable for income
Renters spend $672 monthly (14.2% of income), while homebuyers pay $602 on properties worth $144,000. This balanced profile leaves substantial income for other expenses while maintaining affordable homeownership paths.
Taylor combines affordability with stability
Taylor County offers among the state's best rent-to-income ratios with a relatively healthy median income of $56,807. It's an attractive relocation choice if you seek affordable housing without sacrificing income potential or community services.
Taylor County's median household income of $56,807 outpaces most West Virginia counties and narrows the gap to the national median of $74,755 to roughly $18,000. The county's stronger per capita income of $31,241 suggests more balanced household earnings.
Taylor leads state income rankings
At $56,807, Taylor County exceeds West Virginia's median of $54,746 and ranks among the state's highest-income counties in this group. The county's economic profile positions it as a regional leader in household earning power.
Taylor competes with Tyler County
Taylor County's income of $56,807 nearly matches neighboring Tyler County ($58,293), with both counties significantly outpacing peers like Roane ($45,194) and Summers ($42,544). The proximity in earnings suggests similar, stronger employment bases.
Rent burden just 14.2% of income
Taylor County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% ranks among the region's most affordable, allowing households to allocate substantial income beyond housing. At a median home value of $144,000, homeownership remains accessible to middle-income families.
Invest aggressively for long-term growth
With a median household income of $56,807 and a low rent burden of 14.2%, Taylor County residents have capacity to maximize retirement savings and index fund investments. Families should consider increasing 401(k) contributions and opening education savings accounts (529 plans) for children.
At 73.6 years, Taylor County's life expectancy closely approaches the U.S. average of 75.1 years, placing it among West Virginia's healthier counties. With 26.5% reporting poor or fair health, the rate exceeds the national average but reflects manageable chronic disease burden.
Taylor leads West Virginia's health rankings
Taylor's life expectancy of 73.6 years outpaces the state average of 72.2 years by 1.4 years, making it a relative bright spot. Its uninsured rate of 7.5% nearly matches the state average, suggesting stable health insurance access.
Taylor competes with the region's best
Taylor's 73.6-year life expectancy ranks among the higher end of this eight-county set, trailing only Tucker County (75.1 years) and Tyler County (74.8 years). The county demonstrates that even rural West Virginia communities can achieve near-national health benchmarks.
Primary care scarcity despite good health outcomes
Taylor has only 24 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a critical shortage—yet maintains relatively good health outcomes and a 7.5% uninsured rate. Mental health capacity at 67 per 100K is tight, potentially limiting behavioral health access for residents.
Maintain your coverage for sustained health
Taylor County's solid health profile reflects stable insurance access, but 7.5% of residents remain uninsured. Renew your coverage annually and explore marketplace options to protect your family's health and financial security.
Taylor County's composite risk score of 23.51 places it in the very low national risk category, offering residents exceptional protection from natural disasters. Wildfire risk of just 14.92 and minimal tornado exposure at 15.11 contribute to this favorable positioning.
Among West Virginia's safest counties
Taylor County ranks in the lower half of West Virginia's disaster risk with a score of 23.51, significantly below the state average of 49.21. Only a handful of counties in the state offer comparable protection from natural hazard exposure.
Safer than most surrounding areas
Taylor County's 23.51 score is substantially lower than neighboring Randolph County (57.06) and moderately safer than Harrison County peers. The county's low wildfire and tornado exposure make it distinctly protected compared to regional averages.
Flooding is Taylor's main hazard
Taylor County's primary natural disaster concern is flooding at 53.53, which remains moderate compared to state and national standards. All other hazards—wildfire, tornado, earthquake, and hurricane—score well below concerning thresholds.
Comprehensive coverage easily affordable here
Taylor County's low-risk profile means residents benefit from competitive insurance rates and minimal specialized coverage needs. Standard homeowner insurance is typically sufficient, though those in flood-susceptible areas should verify coverage before a weather event threatens.