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Wetzel County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#20 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
66.6
County Score
Cost of Living 90.8Schools 87.3Safety 73.6

County Report Card

About Wetzel County, West Virginia

High National Livability Rank

Wetzel County’s composite score of 66.6 is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This indicates a robust quality of life relative to the broader United States.

Surpassing the State Average

The county exceeds the West Virginia average composite score of 62.0 by nearly five points. It remains a regional leader in cost-to-benefit living standards.

Premier Schools and Safety

Wetzel shines with a School Score of 87.3 and a Cost Score of 90.8, where the median gross rent is only $703. A Safety Score of 73.6 further enhances its appeal for residents.

Infrastructure and Health Needs

The Water Score of 12.1 marks a clear area for improvement in local utility services. Health scores are also modest at 36.1, lagging behind the county's other high-performing dimensions.

Top Choice for Families

Wetzel County is an excellent match for families who value top-tier schools and a safe, affordable community. It provides a high quality of life for those prioritizing education and low living costs.

2040608010069.190.873.636.187.321.443.112.156.4Tax69.1Cost90.8Safety73.6Health36.1Schools87.3Income21.4Risk43.1Water12.1Weather56.466.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Wetzel County DNA

D+overall

How Wetzel County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wetzel County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (90.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (12.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69.1+17.099999999999994
Cost
90.8+42.8
Safety
73.6+18.599999999999994
Health
36.1-13.899999999999999
Schools
87.3+33.3
Income
21.4-29.6
Risk
43.1
Water
12.1-45.9
Weather
56.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$102,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$703/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$102,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,341/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.1

per 100K

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

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Deep Dives

Wetzel County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wetzel County

via TaxByCounty

Wetzel's rate beats the national norm

Wetzel County's effective tax rate of 0.646% remains well below the national median effective rate, keeping costs manageable for residents. The median property tax of $664 is just one-quarter of the national median of $2,690, despite smaller home values averaging $102,800.

Above-average taxes for West Virginia

Wetzel County's 0.646% effective rate ranks among the highest in West Virginia, exceeding the state average of 0.497% by 30%. The median tax of $664 sits nearly at the state median of $699, reflecting Wetzel's position as a higher-tax county in the state.

Highest rates in the immediate region

Wetzel's 0.646% rate is substantially higher than Webster (0.389%), Upshur (0.436%), and Wayne (0.472%), though slightly above Wirt (0.534%) and Wood (0.614%). The $664 median tax is surpassed only by Wood County ($943) among area neighbors.

A $103k home costs $664 annually

On Wetzel's median home value of $102,800, residents pay approximately $664 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages typically pay $772, while mortgage-free owners average $585.

High rates make appeals especially valuable

With Wetzel's elevated tax rate, an assessment challenge could deliver meaningful savings without any filing cost. If your home's market value has declined or assessment seems inflated, appealing is a low-risk way to reduce your annual burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wetzel County

via CostByCounty

Wetzel achieves near-perfect rent balance

Wetzel County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio edges below West Virginia's 16.9% state average and remains healthier than five of the seven counties analyzed. A $53,341 median income combined with $703 monthly rent creates one of the region's most balanced affordability equations.

Wetzel ranks among state's most livable

With a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio, Wetzel County outperforms the West Virginia average, ranking as one of the state's more affordable rental markets. The county's median rent of $703 sits just below the state average despite earning slightly below state median income.

Wetzel balances cost and income smartly

Wetzel's $703 rent and 15.8% rent-to-income ratio position it as the sweet spot between expensive Wayne ($883) and bargain-basement Wirt ($575). The county delivers better income-to-rent alignment than Webster, Upshur, or Wayne despite modest wages.

Renters and owners share balanced burden

Wetzel renters dedicate 15.8% of income to rent, while homeowners pay 10.8% toward a median owner cost of $479. Both segments enjoy healthier affordability ratios than most neighbors, with a median home value of $102,800 offering modest-income families a realistic path to ownership.

Wetzel delivers West Virginia's best balance

For relocators seeking genuine affordability without sacrifice, Wetzel County combines reasonable rents, livable owner costs, and acceptable income-to-housing ratios better than most regional peers. Compare Wetzel's balanced profile against Wirt's exceptional rents and Wayne's bargain home prices to find your fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wetzel County

via IncomeByCounty

Wetzel closes the national income gap

Wetzel County's median household income of $53,341 trails the national median of $74,755 by $21,414—about 29% below the U.S. average. However, Wetzel exceeds West Virginia's state average of $54,746 by a small margin, making it a solid performer within its regional context.

Mid-to-upper ranking West Virginia county

Wetzel ranks in the upper middle of West Virginia's 55 counties, boosted by its per capita income of $28,398—close to the state average of $30,335. The county's relative stability suggests a reasonably balanced labor market with mixed employment across agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

Solid performer in northern cluster

Wetzel's $53,341 median ranks fourth among the seven-county group, outpacing Webster ($42,061) and Wyoming ($48,038) while falling short of Wood ($56,193) and Wayne ($55,539). The county's lower per capita income of $28,398 suggests more part-time work or smaller household earner pools than top performers, but overall economic health remains intact.

Lowest housing burden in the group

Wetzel's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% is the best among all seven counties examined, indicating housing costs consume the smallest percentage of household income. A median home value of $102,800 pairs with regional incomes to create genuine affordability and financial breathing room for residents.

Strong foundation for savings growth

Wetzel households earning $53,341 enjoy the lowest housing burden in the region, freeing up real money for retirement accounts, emergency funds, and investments. This structural advantage—low housing costs relative to income—positions Wetzel residents to accumulate wealth faster than peers in more expensive counties.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wetzel County

via CrimeByCounty

Wetzel County Exceeds National Safety Standards

Wetzel County enjoys a safety score of 99.0, driven by a total crime rate of only 630.6 per 100,000. This rate is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Residents live in one of the safer jurisdictions in the country according to 2022 statistics.

Outperforming the West Virginia Average

Wetzel County's total crime rate of 630.6 per 100,000 is much lower than the state average of 949.0. The county's safety score of 99.0 also beats the state average of 98.5. Five reporting agencies contribute to this data, illustrating a strong commitment to public safety.

Wetzel County Leads Regional Safety Trends

Wetzel County maintains a lower total crime rate (630.6) than neighbors like Wood County (2211.9). This makes Wetzel a regional standout for overall low crime activity. Despite being smaller, its safety metrics are among the most favorable in the northern part of the state.

The Balance of Crime in Wetzel

Uniquely, Wetzel’s violent crime rate of 346.5 per 100,000 is higher than the state average of 213.9, though still below the national average. Conversely, its property crime rate is exceptionally low at 284.1 per 100,000. This data suggests that while property is very secure, interpersonal safety requires more attention.

Focus on Personal and Home Safety

With property crime rates being very low, Wetzel residents are already in a strong position. Improving home lighting and maintaining neighborhood watch programs can help address broader safety concerns. Awareness of your surroundings remains the most effective way to stay safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Wetzel County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Educational Infrastructure by the River

Wetzel County operates nine public schools, including four elementary schools and four high schools, serving 2,258 students. The system is uniquely balanced to provide localized secondary education across its rural and town centers.

Top-Tier Scores and High Investment

With a school score of 65.0, Wetzel County significantly outperforms the state average of 56.7. This success is fueled by a high per-pupil expenditure of $11,343 and a strong 94.0% graduation rate.

Wetzel County Schools Leads the Region

Wetzel County Schools is the sole district, managing a diverse student body of 2,258 with no charter school competition. The district maintains high standards, resulting in performance metrics that rival national leaders.

Diverse Locales and High Engagement

The county splits its nine schools between five rural and four town settings, with an average enrollment of 282 students. New Martinsville School is the largest at 789 students, while Long Drain School offers a smaller PK-8 experience for 167 students.

Invest in High-Performing Districts

Homebuyers in Wetzel County benefit from some of the highest educational scores and spending levels in West Virginia. Explore properties in New Martinsville or Paden City to be near these high-achieving public institutions.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wetzel County

via RiskByCounty

Wetzel faces moderately elevated disaster risk

Wetzel County's composite risk score of 56.90 exceeds West Virginia's state average of 49.21 by 16%, signaling above-average natural hazard exposure. This relatively low rating masks significant flood vulnerability that requires specific attention even as overall risk remains manageable.

Mid-range risk among West Virginia counties

Wetzel ranks in the middle band of West Virginia's 55 counties for natural disaster risk, neither among the safest nor the most vulnerable. The county's profile reflects typical Appalachian exposure without the extreme hazard concentrations found in neighboring counties like Wood and Wayne.

Moderate risk between safer and riskier neighbors

Wetzel's 56.90 score falls between lower-risk Upshur County (44.85) and higher-risk Wyoming County (67.37), offering a middle ground in the regional risk landscape. The county's flood exposure of 78.28 closely mirrors neighbors facing similar water management challenges along shared river systems.

Flooding dominates Wetzel's hazard profile

Flood risk of 78.28 towers over all other hazards in Wetzel, nearly 7.5 times higher than tornado risk (15.94) and vastly exceeding wildfire threat (10.62). Residents should treat riverine and stormwater flooding as the primary concern, with secondary attention to hurricane-driven precipitation.

Flood insurance is essential protection

With flood risk at 78.28, federal or private flood insurance should be a priority for all Wetzel property owners, especially those within 500 feet of creeks and rivers. Pair this coverage with standard homeowners insurance and consider modest home elevation or waterproofing measures to minimize flood exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Wetzel County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking water violations reach high levels in Wetzel

Wetzel County earns a Water Quality Grade of F with 35 health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 266.3 per 100K sits well above the state average of 173.7. These numbers highlight a need for significant improvement in meeting Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Minimal watershed assessment shows no impairment

Only two water bodies were assessed in the 2022 ATTAINS cycle, and neither was found to be impaired. This lack of data means the majority of the county's watersheds remain unassessed under federal standards. The current 0.0% impairment rate may not represent the health of all local streams.

Limited monitoring sites track inorganic pollutants

Only five monitoring sites are active in Wetzel County, though they have recorded 1,994 measurements. The data primarily focuses on inorganics, metals, and physical characteristics. While the data frequency is high, the low number of sites creates a narrow view of total county water quality.

Fishing Creek flows at 44% of normal mean

The South Fork of Fishing Creek at Smithfield is currently discharging 17 cfs. This is 44% of its typical long-term flow, indicating a dry spell for the watershed. Lower flows like this can lead to warmer water temperatures and increased concentration of minerals.

Supplement municipal water with filtration

Given the Grade F compliance and high violation rate, utilizing a home water filter is a practical step for residents. Since most local watersheds are not yet federally assessed, you cannot rely solely on watershed health to guarantee safety. Monitor your local water utility reports for updates on violation remediation.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wetzel County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Northern Temperate Climate

Wetzel County averages 51.1°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median. The county experiences cold winters and warm, humid summers.

Below the State Average

At 51.1°F, Wetzel is cooler than the 52.8°F West Virginia state average. Its northern location keeps temperatures lower than the state's southern coalfields.

High Precipitation in the North

The county receives 50.6 inches of precipitation, which is higher than the state average of 47.0 inches. This ensures a lush, green landscape throughout the summer.

Steamy Summers and Brisk Winters

Wetzel faces 15 days of extreme heat above 90°F, despite a July average of 72.1°F. Winters are cold, with January averages dipping to 28.6°F.

Manage Humidity and Heat

With 15 extreme heat days, efficient cooling is important for summer comfort. While snow data is limited, the 28.6°F January average suggests significant heating needs.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wetzel County

via SoilByCounty

Entisols with Classic Appalachian Acidity

Wetzel County is characterized by Entisols with an average pH of 5.11. This is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.25 and remains roughly 1.4 points below the national median pH of 6.5.

Balanced Silt and Clay Mix

The mineral profile consists of 41.6% silt, 17.5% clay, and 16.4% sand. This balanced composition helps the soil retain nutrients effectively while maintaining a structure that allows for good root penetration.

Healthy Water Capacity for Farming

Organic matter levels sit at 10.74%, which is lower than the state average of 21.03% but still significantly higher than many national soils. Crucially, the available water capacity of 0.146 in/in is better than the state average, ensuring reliable moisture for crops.

Reliable Well-Drained Soils

The county's soil is classified as well-drained, which is ideal for both gardening and construction. This drainage class prevents the saturation that can lead to root rot during the heavy rain common to the region.

Productive Gardening in Zone 6b

A soil score of 44.1 and the 6b hardiness zone make Wetzel County a solid location for standard Appalachian vegetables like corn and beans. Regular additions of compost will help boost organic matter to state-average levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wetzel County

via LawnByCounty

Stepping Up Your Wetzel Lawn

Wetzel County scores 57.7 for lawn difficulty, making it easier than the national average but tougher than the state average of 66.5. This Zone 6b county offers a balanced but slightly acidic environment for homeowners. Success here depends on proactive soil management and timing with the spring thaw.

Perfect Rain and Moderate Heat

The county averages 50.6 inches of rain per year, sitting right at the top end of the ideal range for grass growth. With 15 extreme heat days, the climate is slightly milder than the state average of 17. A moderate 3000 growing degree days provides a standard pace for mowing and maintenance schedules.

Well Drained but Acidic Soils

The soil is classified as well-drained, which is excellent for preventing root rot during heavy rains. However, a pH of 5.11 indicates significant acidity that will likely inhibit grass growth without corrective lime. The 17.5% clay content helps hold moisture, but the lack of sand means compaction can still occur in high-traffic areas.

Preparing for Dry Spells

Wetzel County spent 11 weeks in drought over the last year, though it is currently 0.0% abnormally dry. Because the soil is well-drained, grass can dry out quickly during these infrequent but impactful dry periods. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain the moisture provided by the 50.6 inches of annual rain.

Wait for May to Seed

The last spring frost typically occurs on May 4, so wait until then to start any new seeding projects. Cool-season grasses like perennial ryegrass or fescue are best suited for the local July average of 72.1°F. Be sure to wrap up major lawn work by October 12, when the first fall frost usually arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wetzel County's county score?
Wetzel County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 66.6 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 Wetzel County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Wetzel County ranks #20 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 Wetzel County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Wetzel County is $664, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Wetzel County a tax score of 69.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wetzel County?
The median household income in Wetzel County, West Virginia is $53,341 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wetzel County earns an income score of 21.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wetzel County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Wetzel County scores 66.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Wetzel 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 Wetzel 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.