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Tucker County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#6 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
70.7
County Score
Property Tax 96.1Safety 87.6Cost of Living 87.5

County Report Card

About Tucker County, West Virginia

Exceptional Quality of Life Ranking

Tucker County’s composite score of 70.7 is among the highest in the region and far exceeds the 50.0 national median. This indicates an elite level of livability for a rural county.

Leading the State in Livability

With a score much higher than the 62.0 state average, Tucker is a standout performer in West Virginia. It provides a rare combination of security, low taxes, and environmental stability.

Elite Safety, Taxes, and Risk

The county excels with scores above 87 for safety, risk, and taxes. A low 0.353% tax rate and a $144,700 median home value make it a financial and environmental stronghold.

Infrastructure Gaps and Income Hurdles

Water quality is the most significant challenge with a score of 4.8. Economic growth also trails other metrics, reflected in an income score of 21.7 for the median $53,475 household earnings.

Ideal for Secure Rural Retreats

Tucker is perfect for those seeking ultimate peace of mind and maximum tax savings. It is a premier destination for retirees and remote workers who prioritize safety and low costs.

Score breakdown

Tax96.1Cost87.5Safety87.6Health45.9Schools52Income21.7Risk87.5Water4.8Weather61.1
🏛96.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧4.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.3
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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Nearby counties

Grant County
West Virginia
70.2
Preston County
West Virginia
63.8
Barbour County
West Virginia
62.8
Garrett County
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Randolph County
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Taylor County
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Pendleton County
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Upshur County
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Deep Dives

Tucker County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tucker County

via TaxByCounty

Tucker ranks among the nation's lowest

At 0.353%, Tucker County's effective tax rate places it in the bottom 20% of all U.S. counties, well below the national median of 0.73%. The median annual property tax of $511 is less than one-fifth the national median of $2,690.

Second-lowest in the state

Tucker County's 0.353% effective rate ranks it second-lowest among all West Virginia counties, trailing only Summers County (0.304%). This rate sits significantly below the state average of 0.497%, making Tucker exceptionally tax-friendly.

Among the region's lowest rates

Tucker's 0.353% rate edges out Summers (0.304%) and Randolph (0.391%), making it highly competitive regionally. Only Summers beats it; all other neighboring counties charge substantially more.

Pay just $511 per year

On the median home value of $144,700, Tucker County residents pay $511 annually in property tax. With mortgage-related costs, the total rises to $571; without a mortgage, the base tax is $451.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even in low-tax counties, properties can be overassessed relative to recent market sales. Request a formal review of your assessed value if it seems high compared to comparable homes recently sold in Tucker County.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tucker County

via CostByCounty

Tucker delivers moderate relief for renters

Tucker County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% sits below the national average of roughly 15%, offering fair affordability despite median income of $53,475 being 28% lower than the national median of $74,755. Monthly rent of $689 reflects modest costs for the region.

Tucker ranks middle of state affordability

At 15.5%, Tucker's rent-to-income ratio beats West Virginia's 16.9% state average, placing it solidly in the affordable tier. Median rent of $689 sits just $71 below the state average, making Tucker a balanced option statewide.

Tucker balances costs with neighboring peers

Tucker's $689 rent positions it between cheaper Ritchie ($583) and Roane ($590) and pricier Randolph ($807) and Raleigh ($847). Homeownership costs of $570 monthly rank among the more affordable in the region.

Housing takes steady but sustainable share

Renters spend $689 monthly (15.5% of income), while homebuyers pay $570 on properties averaging $144,700. This split suggests Tucker works reasonably well for either renter or owner profiles with modest incomes.

Tucker offers balanced relocation value

With rent under $690 and homeownership near $570 monthly, Tucker delivers fair affordability for a county with reasonable income levels around $53,500. It's a solid choice for those seeking middle-ground housing costs without extreme trade-offs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tucker County

via IncomeByCounty

Tucker County trails nation by 28%

Tucker County's median household income of $53,475 falls roughly $21,000 short of the national median of $74,755. However, Tucker's per capita income of $34,982 stands as the highest in this group, suggesting more equitable income distribution.

Solid middle tier in West Virginia

At $53,475, Tucker County sits just below West Virginia's median of $54,746, ranking firmly in the middle tier statewide. The county's per capita income of $34,982 exceeds the state average of $30,335, indicating balanced household earning.

Tucker offers above-average per capita earnings

Tucker County's median household income of $53,475 sits in the middle range locally, but its per capita income of $34,982 exceeds all peers in this group. This suggests fewer multi-income households and more balanced individual wage distribution.

Rent-to-income ratio 15.5%—quite manageable

Tucker County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% remains comfortably affordable, with housing costs consuming less than one-sixth of median earnings. The median home value of $144,700 aligns with regional housing costs and remains accessible.

Strong per capita income supports investing

Tucker County's notably high per capita income of $34,982 and low rent burden of 15.5% provide substantial capacity for wealth building. Residents should leverage this advantage to fund Roth IRAs, health savings accounts, and diversified investment portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tucker County

via CrimeByCounty

Tucker County: A National Safety Leader

Tucker County is one of the safest areas in the nation, reporting a total crime rate of only 266.8 per 100,000. This incredibly low volume results in a near-perfect safety score of 99.6.

The Gold Standard for West Virginia

Tucker vastly outperforms the West Virginia average safety score and average crime rate of 949.0. It represents the gold standard for public safety within the state's borders.

Quiet and Secure Neighbor Comparisons

With a rate of 266.8, Tucker is much safer than nearby Randolph County (878.4) and Taylor County (367.4). It maintains some of the lowest crime figures in the Appalachians.

Minimal Criminal Activity Reported

Violent crime is almost non-existent at 14.8 per 100,000 residents, while property crime is also minimal at 252.0. The vast majority of the county experiences no major crime incidents in a given year.

Preserving Local Peace and Quiet

Maintaining Tucker County's safety depends on neighbors looking out for one another and reporting unusual activity. While risks are low, motion-activated lighting remains an easy and effective deterrent.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Tucker County

via HealthByCounty

Tucker's health outcomes lead the region

At 75.1 years, Tucker County matches the U.S. life expectancy exactly, making it West Virginia's healthiest county in this set. Only 20.4% report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among these eight counties—signaling strong disease prevention and care management.

Tucker stands out as a state health leader

Tucker's life expectancy of 75.1 years exceeds the state average of 72.2 years by nearly 3 years, and its poor/fair health rate of 20.4% is well below the state median. The county achieves this despite a 9.3% uninsured rate, suggesting effective community health initiatives.

Tucker leads an eight-county health comparison

Tucker's 75.1-year life expectancy tops this eight-county set, outpacing its nearest competitor, Tyler County (74.8 years), by several months. The county's low poor/fair health rate of 20.4% reflects both better healthcare access and healthier lifestyle factors.

Adequate primary care despite high uninsured rate

Tucker has 60 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 136 mental health providers per 100K—solid capacity despite a 9.3% uninsured rate, the highest in this county set. The mismatch suggests that uninsurance may reflect employment transitions or coverage gaps rather than systemic provider shortages.

Close the coverage gap for all Tucker residents

With the highest uninsured rate in this county set at 9.3%, Tucker has an opportunity to protect more residents. Visit healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid and marketplace plans—ensuring everyone benefits from the county's strong healthcare infrastructure.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Tucker County

via SchoolsByCounty

Tucker County's intimate school network

Tucker County maintains just three public schools that serve a total of 961 students. The district structure consists of two elementary-middle combination schools and one high school.

High investment in student success

The county spends $8,400 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state average of $7,773. This investment supports an 87% graduation rate and a school score of 55.0, both of which meet or exceed national benchmarks.

Focused leadership in Tucker County

Tucker County Schools is the single district serving the area's 961 students, with zero charter schools. Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School is the largest campus, enrolling 463 students.

A purely rural educational experience

All three schools in the county are situated in rural locales, offering an average school size of 320 students. The environment is quiet and focused, with Davis Thomas Elementary Middle serving as the smallest campus with 205 students.

Small-town living with personalized schools

If you are looking for a district where every student is known, Tucker County's small enrollments are a major draw. Browse homes in the area to join a community that invests more in its students than the state average.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tucker County

via RiskByCounty

Tucker ranks among America's safest counties

Tucker County's composite risk score of 12.56 places it in the very low national risk category, representing exceptional protection from natural disasters. The county's minimal wildfire risk of 10.05 and negligible tornado exposure at 8.56 make it one of the nation's most protected regions.

Second-safest county in West Virginia

Tucker County ranks as West Virginia's second-safest county with a composite score of 12.56, representing just 25% of the state average of 49.21. Only Ritchie County offers comparable protection from natural disaster exposure across the state.

Far safer than all surrounding counties

Tucker County's 12.56 score is dramatically lower than all neighboring areas, including nearby Randolph County (57.06) and Taylor County (23.51). The county's mountainous terrain and forest cover paradoxically create some of America's lowest wildfire exposure rates.

Flooding is Tucker's only meaningful risk

Tucker County's hazard profile is dominated by flooding at 39.63, which remains below national averages for concern. All other natural disaster risks—wildfire at 10.05, tornado at 8.56, and earthquake at 16.09—are exceptionally minimal.

Minimal insurance needs for Tucker residents

Tucker County residents benefit from among the lowest natural disaster insurance costs in the nation given the county's exceptional safety profile. Basic homeowner insurance suffices for most properties, with flood coverage only necessary for properties in specific river valleys.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tucker County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Coolest Counties

At an average of 47.9°F, Tucker County is significantly cooler than the national median. This high-elevation climate creates conditions more similar to northern New England than the Mid-Atlantic.

Among West Virginia's Coldest Spots

Tucker sits nearly five degrees below the West Virginia state average of 52.8°F. It is consistently one of the coldest and snowiest jurisdictions in the state.

Extreme Snowfall Compared to Region

The county receives a massive 112.8 inches of snow annually, dwarfing neighboring Taylor's 25.5 inches. Its 57.8 inches of precipitation also far exceeds the state average.

Rare Heat and Brutal Winters

Tucker records only 1 day of extreme heat per year, with July temperatures averaging just 67.6°F. Winter is the dominant season, featuring a 28.8°F average from December through February.

Winter Gear is Mandatory

Heavy-duty snow removal equipment and professional-grade insulation are essential for 112.8 inches of annual snow. High energy bills often shift to winter heating rather than summer cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tucker County

via SoilByCounty

High-altitude acidic soil profile

Tucker County's soil follows the state trend of acidity, with a regional average pH of 5.25. This contrasts sharply with the national median of 6.5, influencing the types of forests and crops that thrive here. Specific local classification data is currently unavailable.

Mineral makeup of the mountains

Data regarding sand, silt, and clay percentages is not currently specified for this county. These ratios are essential for determining how soil holds water and handles mechanical work. Without specific data, local gardeners should perform a simple jar test to see their soil's texture.

Exceptional organic carbon levels

The state average for organic matter is 21.03%, which is remarkably higher than the national average of 2.0%. This high content contributes to a state-wide available water capacity of 0.142 in/in. Tucker County likely benefits from these fertile mountainside soil conditions.

Navigating hydrologic challenges

Specific drainage classes for Tucker County are not available in the current dataset. Because drainage affects everything from plant health to road stability, local knowledge is vital. Residents should check their property for signs of slow drainage or rapid runoff during rain.

Cold-hardy gardening in Zone 6a

Tucker County sits in Hardiness Zone 6a, reflecting its cooler mountain climate and shorter season. This zone is perfect for cold-tolerant crops like garlic, onions, and various brassicas. Embrace the mountain air and start a garden that works with these unique conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tucker County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Tucker's Challenging Climate

With a score of 45.3, Tucker County is the most challenging area in this group for lawn care. This Zone 6a region falls below the national difficulty median, requiring proactive maintenance to handle extreme moisture and temperature swings.

High Rainfall and Very Cool Summers

Tucker County receives a massive 57.8 inches of rain per year, which is well above the ideal range. This excess moisture, combined with only 2,307 growing degree days, means your grass grows slowly and is prone to waterlogging.

Managing Saturated Soil Conditions

Soil data is unavailable, but the heavy precipitation makes drainage the top priority for any local lawn. Consider aerating twice a year to prevent the soil from becoming compacted under the weight of nearly 58 inches of rain.

Surprising Vulnerability to Drought

Despite the high annual rain, the county spent 38 weeks in drought last year and currently has 56% of its area in abnormally dry conditions. This extreme variability means you must be ready to irrigate even in a high-rainfall county.

Choosing Hardy, Moisture-Tolerant Turf

Pick a moisture-tolerant variety of Tall Fescue to survive the wet springs and dry summers. You have a narrow window for seeding between the May 9th frost and the early October freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tucker County's county score?
Tucker County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 70.7 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 Tucker County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Tucker County ranks #6 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 Tucker County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Tucker County is $511, with an effective tax rate of 0.35%. This earns Tucker County a tax score of 96.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tucker County?
The median household income in Tucker County, West Virginia is $53,475 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tucker County earns an income score of 21.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tucker County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Tucker County scores 70.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Tucker 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 Tucker County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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