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Upshur County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#25 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
63.7
County Score
Property Tax 91.7Water Quality 86Safety 72.2

County Report Card

About Upshur County, West Virginia

Outperforming the National Median

Upshur County earns a composite score of 63.7, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a higher-than-average quality of life compared to counties across the country.

Leading the Mountain State Average

With its 63.7 composite score, Upshur exceeds the West Virginia state average of 62.0. It positions itself as a competitive option for residents within the regional landscape.

Low Taxes and Reliable Infrastructure

The county excels with a Tax Score of 91.7, driven by a low effective property tax rate of 0.436%. Infrastructure is another highlight, featuring a Water Score of 86.0 and a Safety Score of 72.2.

Economic and Health Headwinds

Income remains a primary challenge with a score of 18.2 and a median household income of $51,859. Public health also trails with a score of 40.5, suggesting limited local wellness resources.

A Haven for Affordable Stability

Upshur County best suits retirees or remote workers who prioritize low taxes and safe neighborhoods. It offers an affordable lifestyle for those not dependent on the local high-wage job market.

2040608010091.765.872.240.55718.255.28667.9Tax91.7Cost65.8Safety72.2Health40.5Schools57Income18.2Risk55.2Water86Weather67.963.7/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Upshur County DNA

D+overall

How Upshur County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Upshur County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Property Tax (91.7/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
91.7+39.7
Cost
65.8+17.799999999999997
Safety
72.2+17.200000000000003
Health
40.5-9.5
Schools
57
Income
18.2-32.8
Risk
55.2+8.200000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
67.9+11.900000000000006
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$160,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$799/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$160,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,859/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Lewis County
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62.2
Randolph County
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62.8
Barbour County
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62.8
Webster County
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Braxton County
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Harrison County
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Gilmer County
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Taylor County
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Deep Dives

Upshur County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Upshur County

via TaxByCounty

Upshur taxes rank low nationally

Upshur County's effective tax rate of 0.436% sits well below the national median, making it more affordable than most American counties. The median property tax here is $700 annually—less than one-quarter of the national median of $2,690—despite modest home values of $160,700.

Among West Virginia's most affordable

Upshur's 0.436% rate falls below West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, placing it in the lower half of the state's property tax burden. The median tax of $700 tracks closely with the state average of $699, reflecting Upshur's position as a relatively moderate-tax county.

Lower taxes than most nearby counties

Upshur County's rate edges out Webster County (0.389%) but undercuts Wetzel (0.646%), Wirt (0.534%), and Wood (0.614%) among neighboring areas. At $700 in median taxes, Upshur is more affordable than Wood ($943) and Wetzel ($664), though slightly higher than Webster ($303).

What a $160k home costs annually

On Upshur's median home value of $160,700, expect to pay roughly $700 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $755 annually, while those without mortgages average $600.

You might be overassessed

Many Upshur County homeowners are unaware their properties may be overvalued on the tax rolls. Appealing an assessment costs nothing and can unlock substantial tax savings—worth exploring if your home has declined in value or differs significantly from recent sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Upshur County

via CostByCounty

Upshur rents remain below national norms

At 18.5%, Upshur's rent-to-income ratio sits above the national sweet spot but reflects lower regional wages. The county's median household income of $51,859 trails the national median by $22,896, making housing costs feel steeper despite modest rents of $799 monthly.

Mid-tier affordability within West Virginia

Upshur ranks in the middle of West Virginia's affordability spectrum, with a rent-to-income ratio slightly above the state average of 16.9%. The $799 median rent exceeds the state average by $39, positioning the county as moderately priced for renters.

Competitive with nearby Northern Panhandle

Upshur's $799 rent aligns closely with Wood County's $789, making them comparable options for renters in the region. Both counties offer more affordable housing than Wayne County at $883, while remaining pricier than Wirt County's remarkably low $575.

Renters stretch, owners breathe easier

Renters in Upshur dedicate 18.5% of income to gross rent, while homeowners pay just 16.3% of monthly income toward ownership costs at a median home value of $160,700. The $97 monthly gap between rent ($799) and owner costs ($702) reflects the county's relatively affordable homeownership opportunities.

Upshur offers solid balance for relocators

If you're considering a move to West Virginia, Upshur presents a middle-ground option with moderate rents and reasonable homebuying prices near the state average. Compare these costs against Wood County's similar market or Wirt County's exceptional affordability before deciding where to plant roots.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Upshur County

via IncomeByCounty

Upshur's income gap from U.S. average

Upshur County's median household income of $51,859 falls $22,896 below the national median of $74,755—a shortfall of about 31%. While this represents a meaningful gap, Upshur households earn slightly above what West Virginia averages as a state ($54,746), positioning the county closer to the national mean than many rural peers.

Middle-tier earner in West Virginia

Upshur ranks squarely in the middle of West Virginia's 55 counties for household income, reflecting a stable but modest economic foundation. The county's per capita income of $30,616 exceeds the state average of $30,335, suggesting more even income distribution across residents than in some neighboring counties.

Outpaced by Wood County peers

Among regional neighbors, Upshur's $51,859 median trails Wood County ($56,193) by about $4,300 but exceeds Webster County ($42,061) by nearly $10,000. Upshur sits in the middle ground of northern West Virginia's economic spectrum, competitive with Wirt and Wetzel counties but lagging the stronger performance of larger industrial centers.

Housing costs remain manageable

Upshur's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters and mortgage holders aren't overextended. A median home value of $160,700 aligns reasonably with regional income levels, though long-term affordability depends on stable wage growth.

Building security on solid ground

Upshur households earning $51,859 have a real opportunity to strengthen financial stability through consistent saving and modest investment. Even small monthly contributions to retirement or education accounts compound over time, and the county's reasonable housing costs free up money for long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Upshur County

via CrimeByCounty

Upshur County Ranks High for National Safety

Upshur County reports a total crime rate of 661.7 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive data earns the county a safety score of 99.0 out of 100. It stands as one of the safer regions in the United States based on 2022 law enforcement data.

Leading the Way in West Virginia Safety

With a safety score of 99.0, Upshur County outperforms the West Virginia state average score of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 661.7 per 100,000 is also well below the state average of 949.0. Six local reporting agencies contribute to these strong figures across the county.

Comparing Upshur to its Regional Neighbors

Upshur County maintains a lower crime rate than neighboring Webster County, which sits at 681.7 per 100,000. While both counties are exceptionally safe compared to the national baseline, Upshur holds a slight edge in overall security. This regional stability reflects a broader trend of safety in central West Virginia.

A Close Look at Crime Categories

Violent crime in Upshur County is remarkably low at 58.6 per 100,000, compared to the state average of 213.9. Most reported incidents are property crimes, which occur at a rate of 603.1 per 100,000. These numbers suggest that while property concerns exist, personal safety remains very high for residents.

Maintaining a Secure Upshur Home

Even in high-safety areas like Upshur, property crime still accounts for the majority of local law enforcement activity. Simple steps like installing motion-sensor lighting and smart cameras can further deter theft. Staying informed about local trends helps keep this community one of the safest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Upshur County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Rural Education Framework

Upshur County operates 10 public schools serving a total of 3,776 students within a single unified district. The infrastructure includes seven elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school to support the local community.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county boasts a 93.0% graduation rate, surpassing both the West Virginia average of 92.8% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure is lower than the national average at $6,995, the 55.1 school score remains competitive with the state median.

One District Leading the Way

Upshur County Schools manages all 3,776 students in the area, providing a consistent curriculum across its 10 campuses. Currently, there are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school model for all residents.

Rural Roots and Town Centers

The county features a mix of six rural schools and four town-based campuses, with an average school size of 420 students. Buckhannon Upshur High School is the largest with 1,196 students, while Union Elementary offers a more intimate setting with 264 students.

Build a Future in Buckhannon

Families looking for high graduation rates and a close-knit community should consider homes near Buckhannon Academy or Tennerton. School quality is a primary driver of local property value, making this an ideal spot for long-term investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Upshur County

via RiskByCounty

Upshur ranks below national risk average

With a composite risk score of 44.85, Upshur County sits comfortably below the national average and well below West Virginia's state average of 49.21. This relatively low profile means the county faces fewer compounded natural hazards than most U.S. counties, though localized flood risks still warrant attention.

Third-safest county in West Virginia

Upshur ranks third from the bottom among West Virginia's 55 counties for overall natural disaster risk. Only Webster and Wirt counties carry lower composite risk scores, positioning Upshur as one of the state's safer communities for natural hazards.

Safer than surrounding coal-region counties

Upshur's score of 44.85 outperforms neighboring Wetzel County (56.90) and Wyoming County (67.37), both of which face significantly higher wildfire and flood exposure. Compared to nearby Wood County's 79.83 risk score, Upshur residents experience markedly lower overall natural disaster vulnerability.

Flooding poses the clearest local threat

Flood risk dominates Upshur's hazard profile at 68.38—more than five times the county's wildfire risk of 10.72. Tornado and earthquake risks remain minimal at 12.79 and 33.37 respectively, leaving water management as the primary natural hazard concern for residents and planners.

Prioritize flood insurance for peace of mind

Despite low overall risk, Upshur's elevated flood score makes flood insurance a smart investment, especially for properties near streams and in valley communities. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage, so a separate federal or private flood policy can protect your home and finances when heavy rains occur.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Upshur County

via WaterByCounty

Upshur County maintains perfect drinking water compliance

Upshur County earns a Water Quality Grade of A with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100K residents stands in stark contrast to the West Virginia state average of 173.7. This demonstrates exceptional performance under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Assessed watersheds show no impairment in 2022

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 55 water bodies were assessed within the county, and zero percent were found to be impaired. This matches the state average for fully meeting Clean Water Act standards for the assessed areas. The local ecosystem currently shows strong resilience against common pollutants.

Focused monitoring tracks physical and inorganic indicators

Water quality experts maintain seven monitoring sites across the county, recording 148 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical properties and inorganic compounds to track baseline health. While the site count is lower than some neighbors, the data provides a consistent window into local water quality.

Buckhannon River flows at half of typical levels

The primary USGS gauge on the Buckhannon River currently records a discharge of 229 cfs. This flow is only 52% of the long-term mean, indicating a significant drop in surface water volume. Residents should note these lower levels which can influence both recreation and secondary water uses.

Protect your water by monitoring low streamflow

While drinking water compliance is excellent, the current low streamflow on the Buckhannon River warrants attention to source water availability. You can trust the municipal supply given its perfect record, but stay informed on local drought advisories. Use water efficiently to ensure your community maintains its high quality of service.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Upshur County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Appalachian Temperate Profile

Upshur County averages 52.2°F annually, sitting just below the national median. This climate supports lush forests and significant seasonal variation.

Near the State Average

Upshur's annual temperature closely tracks the West Virginia average of 52.8°F. It serves as a middle-ground climate for the mountain state.

Heavier Precipitation Than Most

With 52.8 inches of annual precipitation, Upshur is significantly wetter than the 47.0-inch state average. It also sees nearly double the snowfall of neighboring Taylor County.

Substantial Snow and Mild Heat

The county receives 47.4 inches of snow annually, with winter averages hovering around 33.2°F. Summer features only 7 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Prepare for High Moisture

Residents should invest in moisture control for homes given the 52.8 inches of annual rain. Winter planning must account for nearly four feet of total snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Upshur County

via SoilByCounty

Stony Loams Define Upshur's Entisols

Upshur County is dominated by Entisols with a very channery loam texture and an average pH of 5.42. This makes the soil slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.25, though it remains well below the national median of 6.5.

A Sandy and Silty Mineral Mix

The soil composition features 16.7% sand, 33.5% silt, and 13.7% clay. This mixture provides decent workability, although the high percentage of stone fragments common in channery loams can challenge traditional tilling.

High Organic Matter, Lower Water Storage

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 25.75%, far exceeding the state average of 21.03%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.114 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.142, meaning plants may need more frequent watering.

Rapid Drainage in Hydrologic Group A

The soil is classified as somewhat excessively drained and belongs to hydrologic group A. These characteristics mean water moves through the profile quickly, reducing the risk of puddling but increasing the potential for mid-summer drought stress.

Growing Success in Zone 6b

With a soil score of 46.2 and a 6b hardiness zone, Upshur is ideal for cool-weather crops and native berries. Gardeners can maximize results by adding lime to balance the acidity and mulching to conserve soil moisture.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Upshur County

via LawnByCounty

Upshur's Above-Average Lawn Potential

Upshur County earns a lawn difficulty score of 63.2, outperforming the national median of 50.0. While slightly below the West Virginia state average of 66.5, this Zone 6b region provides a hospitable environment for standard turfgrass. Homeowners here face fewer obstacles than neighbors in more mountainous terrain.

Abundant Rain and Cool Summers

The county receives 52.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly above the ideal 30-50 inch range but keeps grass hydrated. With only 7 extreme heat days per year compared to the state average of 17, heat stress is rarely a concern. A total of 3126 growing degree days ensures steady growth without the scorching conditions of the valley.

Managing Acidic and Loamy Soils

The very channery loam soil has a pH of 5.42, which is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for lawns. Because the ground is somewhat excessively drained and contains 16.7% sand, nutrients can leach away quickly. Regular lime applications are essential here to balance the acidity and improve nutrient uptake.

Moderate Drought Resistance

Upshur County experienced 14 weeks in drought over the past year, showing more vulnerability than some western neighbors. Currently, 0.0% of the area faces active drought conditions, providing a fresh start for the season. To build resilience, homeowners should encourage deep root growth by watering deeply but infrequently.

Start Seeding After Late April

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in this 6b zone, especially with the last spring frost typically occurring on April 29. Aim to complete your fall overseeding before the first frost arrives on October 21. Your lawn has a natural advantage here, as the cooler summer average of 72.0°F prevents the mid-season dormancy common in hotter regions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Upshur County's county score?
Upshur County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 63.7 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 Upshur County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Upshur County ranks #25 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 Upshur County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Upshur County is $700, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Upshur County a tax score of 91.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Upshur County?
The median household income in Upshur County, West Virginia is $51,859 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Upshur County earns an income score of 18.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Upshur County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Upshur County scores 63.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Upshur 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 Upshur County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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