CountyScore

Webster County

West Virginia · WV

#17 in West Virginia
74.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Webster County, West Virginia

Webster outshines most American counties

Webster County's composite score of 74.5 is 49% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it among the top-performing U.S. counties. This exceptional rating reflects remarkable affordability and tax efficiency across its communities.

West Virginia's most livable county

With a score of 74.5, Webster ranks above the state average of 72.2 and stands among West Virginia's top counties for overall livability. Its lead is driven by standout cost-of-living metrics that set it apart regionally.

Unbeatable tax rates and housing costs

Webster leads with a tax score of 91.3 (effective rate: 0.389%) and cost score of 89.4—the state's best. Median home values of just $78,000 and rent at $687/month make Webster exceptionally affordable for extremely budget-conscious movers.

Income disparities demand attention

The income score of 10.9 reflects a median household income of only $42,061, the lowest among this group and well below state/national benchmarks. While affordability is superb, residents must contend with limited earning potential and economic opportunity.

For those living modestly by choice

Webster County is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families prioritizing low housing costs above all else. The trade-off is clear: exceptional affordability at the cost of limited local job prospects and wage growth.

Score breakdown

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

Tax91.3Cost89.4SafetyComing SoonHealth62.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome10.9Risk64.7WaterComing Soon
🏛91.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡64.7
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 Webster County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cleburne County
Alabama
74.5
Median income: $53,319
Gilpin County
Colorado
74.5
Median income: $88,654
Custer County
Idaho
74.5
Median income: $56,957
Lewis County
Idaho
74.5
Median income: $49,643
Franklin County
Indiana
74.5
Median income: $79,702

Deep Dives

Webster County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Webster County

via TaxByCounty

Webster has the nation's friendliest rates

Webster County's effective tax rate of 0.389% ranks among the lowest in America, offering exceptional property tax relief. The median annual tax of just $303 represents 11% of the national median of $2,690—a fraction of what homeowners pay nationwide.

Best tax rate in West Virginia

Webster County's 0.389% effective rate is the lowest among West Virginia counties, sitting 22% below the state average of 0.497%. With a median tax of $303, Webster residents enjoy the greatest tax advantage in the state.

Significantly cheaper than surrounding counties

Webster County's 0.389% rate dramatically undercuts all nearby counties, including Upshur (0.436%), Wayne (0.472%), Wirt (0.534%), Wetzel (0.646%), and Wood (0.614%). At $303 in median taxes, Webster homeowners pay less than one-half what Wood residents pay for comparable property values.

Median $78k home: just $303 yearly

Webster County's median home value of $78,000 results in roughly $303 annually in property taxes—the cheapest rate in the region. Homeowners with mortgages pay approximately $351, while those without average $279.

Already low—but appeals still help

Even at Webster's exceptionally low rates, homeowners should verify their assessments are accurate and fair. Filing an appeal at no cost ensures you're not overpaying, especially if your home value has changed since the last assessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Webster County

via CostByCounty

Webster faces West Virginia's toughest squeeze

Webster County's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this seven-county cluster, squeezed by a $42,061 median household income—among the lowest in the state. Against the national median income of $74,755, Webster renters earn 43% less while managing $687 monthly rents.

Webster ranks among state's least affordable

With a 19.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly above West Virginia's 16.9% state average, Webster County ranks as one of the state's most affordability-challenged markets. The county's below-average income of $42,061 magnifies the burden on renters and owners alike.

Webster offers low rents but tight budgets

Webster's $687 rent is the lowest in this comparison and $73 below the state average, yet the county's exceptionally low income of $42,061 makes housing costs feel heaviest. Only Wyoming County ($48,038) comes close to Webster's income constraints in the regional group.

Lowest rents paired with lowest incomes

Though Webster offers the seven-county comparison's lowest median rent ($687) and owner cost ($446), renters still dedicate 19.6% of income to housing—the highest burden here. Homeowners fare better at 12.7% of income, suggesting ownership is Webster's more attainable path.

Webster demands financial caution for renters

Webster County's affordable prices attract those seeking low cost of living, but renters with modest incomes should budget carefully—housing claims nearly one-fifth of earnings. Homebuyers with stable income may find exceptional value in a median home price of just $78,000.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Webster County

via IncomeByCounty

Webster struggles with the widest gap

Webster County's median household income of $42,061 ranks as the lowest in this seven-county group and sits $32,694 below the national median of $74,755—a stark 44% shortfall. This income level reflects the economic challenges facing coal-dependent rural communities as regional industries decline.

Among West Virginia's lowest earners

Webster ranks in the bottom fifth of West Virginia's 55 counties for household income, with a per capita income of $23,343 that significantly lags the state average of $30,335. The county faces structural economic headwinds requiring targeted investment and workforce development to reverse long-term income decline.

Furthest behind regional peers

Webster's $42,061 median trails all six neighboring counties in this study, falling $9,000 behind Wyoming County and nearly $14,000 behind Wood County. The gap reflects Webster's heavier reliance on extractive industries and less economic diversification than counties with stronger service and manufacturing bases.

Housing affordable but income tight

Webster's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% is technically affordable, and the median home value of $78,000 is the lowest in the region—cheap by design, not by market strength. However, lower home prices often reflect limited demand and economic stagnation, which complicates long-term property value appreciation.

Small steps toward financial resilience

Webster households earning $42,061 face tighter budgets but can still build wealth through disciplined saving and skill investment. Even setting aside $50–100 monthly, combined with pursuit of higher-paying job training or education, compounds into meaningful financial security over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Webster County

via HealthByCounty

Webster lives slightly longer than peers

At 73.5 years, Webster County residents live about 3 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing it in the lower-middle range for American counties. One-quarter (26.2%) report poor or fair health, suggesting high rates of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory illness. These outcomes reflect the broader health struggles facing rural Appalachia.

Modest edge above state baseline

Webster's 73.5 years exceeds West Virginia's average of 72.2 by 1.3 years, positioning it as a moderately performing county statewide. This slight advantage masks significant challenges: with limited economic opportunity and aging infrastructure, Webster residents face barriers to healthy living. The county ranks in the middle tier of West Virginia's 55 counties.

Middling health in Appalachia

Webster's 73.5-year life expectancy sits between struggling Wayne (70.4) and healthier Wood (73.4), reflecting regional variation in economic vitality. Its 26.2% poor/fair health rate mirrors area patterns, but Webster faces acute provider scarcity: only 24 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents, the third-lowest among this peer group. This gap directly limits early disease detection and preventive care.

Thin provider network, low coverage gaps

Webster's 7.4% uninsured rate matches the state, meaning roughly 1,500 residents lack coverage—but the real crisis is provider access. With just 24 primary care providers per 100,000, residents travel 30+ minutes for basic care and months for specialist appointments. Mental health providers (50 per 100K) serve a population with rising addiction and depression rates, leaving gaps in capacity.

Get insured, then find your doctor

Nearly 1,500 Webster County residents are uninsured; visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid and ACA plans. Once covered, contact your local health department or the WV Bureau for Medical Services to locate nearby providers and schedule preventive care. Insurance is the foundation—but local advocacy for provider recruitment is also urgent in Webster.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Webster County

via RiskByCounty

Webster is West Virginia's safest county

Webster County's composite risk score of 35.27 ranks as the lowest in West Virginia and sits 30% below the state average of 49.21. This very low risk rating reflects minimal exposure to most major hazards, making Webster one of the nation's relatively safer counties for natural disasters.

Bottom of risk ranking in West Virginia

Webster County ranks second-lowest among all 55 West Virginia counties for natural disaster risk, surpassed only by Wirt County. This distinction reflects the county's geographic and climatic isolation from major hazard zones, creating a genuinely low-risk environment.

Significantly safer than surrounding region

Webster's 35.27 score dramatically underperforms neighboring Upshur County (44.85), Wetzel County (56.90), and Wyoming County (67.37), all of which face substantially higher overall risk. The county's isolation from major hazard corridors creates a marked safety advantage in the broader Appalachian region.

Flooding remains the only notable concern

Flood risk at 60.46 is Webster's primary hazard, though still well-managed compared to state levels; wildfire risk drops to just 2.16, nearly negligible. Tornado and earthquake risks rank minimal at 4.48 and 24.33 respectively, making Webster a remarkably safe community overall.

Flood insurance covers your main exposure

Even in a low-risk county, flood insurance remains prudent for properties in flood-prone zones or near streams, since standard homeowners policies exclude water damage. The relatively low overall risk means Webster residents can focus protection investments strategically rather than purchasing comprehensive hazard coverage across all categories.

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.