countyscore
46.5
County Score
Lawn Care 82.3Property Tax 72.9Cost of Living 71.2

County Report Card

About Wood County, West Virginia

Below the National Median

Wood County carries a composite score of 46.5, falling just below the national median of 50.0. This suggests that while it has strengths, it faces more challenges than the typical U.S. county.

Trailing the State Average

The county’s score of 46.5 is notably lower than the West Virginia state average of 62.0. Significant improvements in safety and risk metrics would be needed to bridge this gap.

Competitive Taxes and Higher Incomes

Wood County manages a Tax Score of 72.9 and an Income Score of 28.0, the latter being among the highest in this group. Housing is also accessible with a Cost Score of 71.2.

Significant Safety and Risk Concerns

Safety is a primary concern with a score of 17.4, accompanied by a low Risk Score of 20.2. These figures point to higher-than-average crime rates and environmental vulnerabilities.

Suited for Wage-Earners Over Families

Wood County may appeal to working professionals who value its relatively higher median income of $56,193. However, those prioritizing safety and environmental stability may find better fits nearby.

Score breakdown

Tax72.9Cost71.2Safety17.4Health38.8Schools43Income28Risk20.2Water52.4Weather60.8
🏛72.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧52.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱82.3
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

Washington County
Ohio
49.9
Wirt County
West Virginia
68.2
Pleasants County
West Virginia
76
Ritchie County
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Athens County
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Meigs County
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Jackson County
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Morgan County
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Deep Dives

Wood County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wood County

via TaxByCounty

Wood's rate beats national, but barely

Wood County's effective tax rate of 0.614% is noticeably lower than the typical American property tax, though higher than most West Virginia peers. The median property tax of $943 is still just one-third the national median of $2,690, reflecting more modest home values of $153,700.

Second-highest tax rate in the state

Wood County's 0.614% effective rate ranks among West Virginia's highest, exceeding the state average of 0.497% by 24%. The median property tax of $943 is the highest in the state and 35% above the state median of $699, making Wood one of the state's pricier tax jurisdictions.

Clearly the most expensive nearby county

Wood County's 0.614% rate and $943 median tax dwarf those of all neighboring counties—more than double Webster's rate (0.389%) and nearly triple its tax ($303). Only Wetzel (0.646%) comes close to Wood's tax burden, yet even Wetzel residents pay $279 less annually in median taxes.

A $154k home costs $943 yearly

Wood County's median home value of $153,700 results in approximately $943 in annual property taxes—the highest median in the region. Homeowners with mortgages pay about $1,065, while those without mortgages average $825.

High rates make appeals especially worthwhile

With Wood County's elevated property tax burden, filing an assessment appeal is a smart financial move and costs nothing. Even a modest reduction in your assessed value could save hundreds annually, making an appeal highly worthwhile if your home is overassessed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wood County

via CostByCounty

Wood County achieves state average affordability

Wood's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio exactly matches West Virginia's state average, offering a representative view of the state's typical housing burden. With a $56,193 median household income and $789 monthly rent, Wood demonstrates balanced affordability for a mid-sized county.

Wood mirrors West Virginia's affordability profile

Wood County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio ties the state average precisely, making it the benchmark for West Virginia renters. The county's median rent of $789 runs $29 above state average, offset by slightly above-average income of $56,193.

Wood balances with Upshur; outpaces Wayne

Wood's $789 rent and 16.9% ratio closely parallel Upshur County ($799, 18.5%), making them regional peers for renters. Both easily beat Wayne's $883 rents while remaining pricier than Wirt ($575) and Wetzel ($703).

Homeownership more burdened than renting

Wood renters dedicate 16.9% of income to rent, while homeowners pay 13.9% of income toward a median owner cost of $653. The median home value of $153,700—the second-highest in this cluster—reflects Wood's more developed housing market and steeper ownership entry costs.

Wood offers typical West Virginia affordability

Relocators seeking a representative West Virginia market should consider Wood County, where rental and ownership costs reflect state-average affordability. The county's median home value and owner costs run higher than rural peers, suggesting it appeals to buyers with stronger income or those seeking urban conveniences.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wood County

via IncomeByCounty

Wood leads the region toward parity

Wood County's median household income of $56,193 remains $18,562 below the national median of $74,755—a 25% gap, the smallest in this seven-county study. Wood's strong regional performance reflects its larger population, industrial base, and connection to nearby urban centers that boost earning power.

Wood ranks among West Virginia's best

Wood County places in the upper quarter of West Virginia's 55 counties for household income, driven by a per capita income of $33,324—the highest among all seven counties and notably above the state average of $30,335. This leadership position reflects a diversified economy with stronger manufacturing, services, and professional employment.

Clear leader of the regional group

Wood's $56,193 median outpaces all six neighboring counties examined here, running ahead of second-place Wayne ($55,539) by $654 and ahead of Webster by $14,132. Wood's per capita income of $33,324 is the highest in the cluster and reflects a more robust labor market with greater earning opportunities.

Housing stable, not overstretched

Wood's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% sits comfortably below the 30% threshold, confirming residents aren't burdened by housing costs. A median home value of $153,700—among the region's highest—reflects genuine market demand and suggests property appreciation potential.

Strongest platform for wealth building

Wood County households earning $56,193 enjoy the highest per capita income in the region plus reasonable housing costs, creating an optimal environment for saving and investing. The combination of steady employment, diversified economy, and moderate housing burden gives Wood families the clearest path to long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wood County

via CrimeByCounty

Wood County Aligns Close to National Averages

Wood County's total crime rate of 2,211.9 per 100,000 is slightly below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.5 out of 100. While higher than some neighbors, it remains safer than many urban centers across the country.

Challenges Above the State Average

Wood County's total crime rate of 2,211.9 is more than double the West Virginia state average of 949.0. Consequently, its safety score of 96.5 falls below the state average of 98.5. Eight reporting agencies work to manage the higher volume of cases in this active county.

Wood County Compared to Rural Wirt

Wood County experiences a much higher crime rate than its neighbor, Wirt County, which sits at only 519.0. As a larger hub, Wood handles significantly more property-related incidents. This regional difference is typical for more populated areas compared to their rural neighbors.

Property Crime Drives the Numbers

Property crime is the primary issue in Wood County, with a rate of 1,972.2 per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate stands at 239.7, which is only slightly above the state average of 213.9. Most interactions with law enforcement here involve theft or property damage rather than violence.

Proactive Security for Wood County Homes

With property crime being the main driver of local statistics, home security systems are a wise investment. Consider installing smart locks, cameras, and improved outdoor lighting to protect your assets. Staying engaged with local law enforcement updates helps you stay one step ahead.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wood County

via HealthByCounty

Wood County leads regional health

At 73.4 years, Wood County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average by 3 years but ranks among the best in West Virginia and its region. Just 23.2% report poor or fair health—the second-lowest rate in this county group—indicating better chronic disease management and functional capacity. With 93,000 residents and urban-area infrastructure, Wood provides a model of what stronger health outcomes look like in Appalachia.

West Virginia's health leader

Wood County's 73.4 years exceeds the state average of 72.2 by 1.2 years, making it one of West Virginia's top-performing counties. Its 23.2% poor/fair health rate is among the state's best, reflecting better access to care, higher incomes, and lower unemployment. As the state's most populous county, Wood demonstrates that with adequate healthcare infrastructure and economic vitality, West Virginia residents can achieve better health outcomes.

Regional health standard-bearer

Wood's 73.4 years ranks near the top of this peer group, trailing only Upshur (74.7), and its 23.2% poor/fair health rate is second-best after Wetzel. With 86 primary care providers per 100,000—among the highest access in this group—and 204 mental health providers per 100,000, Wood has infrastructure that neighboring rural counties lack. This disparity reflects urban advantage: population density supports specialist recruitment and practice viability.

Strong access, remaining gaps

Wood's 7.8% uninsured rate is slightly above state average, meaning about 7,200 residents lack coverage despite the county's relative prosperity. With 86 primary care physicians and 204 mental health providers per 100,000, Wood has the strongest provider network in this group, enabling timely preventive and behavioral health care. Daily reality: most Wood County residents can reach care, though pockets of poverty and underinsurance remain.

Close coverage gaps in Wood

Nearly 7,200 Wood County residents are uninsured; visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find affordable coverage. Wood's strong healthcare infrastructure means once insured, you'll have access to primary care, specialists, and mental health services within reasonable distance. Getting covered also qualifies you for preventive screenings and medications that keep chronic diseases manageable and life expectancy rising.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wood County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Major Educational Hub in Parkersburg

Wood County boasts a massive infrastructure of 27 public schools serving 11,663 students. This includes 16 elementary schools, five middle schools, and three high schools, making it one of the largest systems in the state.

Strong Graduation Outcomes in Urban Centers

The county achieves an 89.0% graduation rate, outperforming the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $7,118 is below the state average, the district maintains a competitive school score of 53.3.

One District Managing Large Scale Enrollment

Wood County Schools manages the entire 11,663-student population, including one alternative school and no charter schools. It is the primary educational driver for the Parkersburg metropolitan area.

City-Centric Schools with Large Campuses

Unlike its neighbors, Wood County is highly urban, with 19 schools located in city settings and five in suburbs. Parkersburg High is the largest school with 1,651 students, while the county average is 486 students.

Find Your Home in Parkersburg

With diverse options from urban centers to quiet suburbs like Williamstown, Wood County offers schools for every family's needs. The area's large high schools provide extensive extracurricular and academic opportunities for growing students.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wood County

via RiskByCounty

Wood County faces significant disaster risk

Wood County's composite risk score of 79.83 ranks it well above the national average and 62% higher than West Virginia's state average of 49.21. This elevated risk reflects exposure across multiple hazard categories, with particularly severe flood and hurricane vulnerabilities.

Among West Virginia's most vulnerable counties

Wood County ranks in the top tier of West Virginia's 55 counties for natural disaster risk, essentially tied with Wayne County at 79.80 as the state's riskiest communities. The county's multiple hazard exposures create compounding vulnerability that requires serious preparedness attention.

Riskiest county in the immediate region

Wood's 79.83 score substantially exceeds all nearby counties, including Wayne (79.80), Wyoming (67.37), Wetzel (56.90), and Upshur (44.85). This makes Wood an outlier for disaster risk in its Appalachian context, reflecting unique geographic exposure to flooding, earthquakes, and hurricanes.

Flooding, earthquakes, and hurricanes converge

Wood County faces a triple hazard threat: flood risk of 89.60, hurricane risk of 60.03, and earthquake risk of 53.63—all significantly above state averages. These overlapping vulnerabilities create a complex disaster landscape where residents must prepare for water-driven, seismic, and tropical storm threats simultaneously.

Comprehensive insurance is non-negotiable

Wood County residents must secure both flood and comprehensive homeowners insurance immediately, as standard policies leave dangerous coverage gaps given the county's triple hazard exposure. Consider additional earthquake coverage, elevation of critical systems above flood zones, and annual policy reviews to ensure adequate protection levels.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wood County

via WeatherByCounty

Wood County Runs Warmer Than National Averages

Wood County maintains an average annual temperature of 54.5°F, which sits slightly higher than the national median. This humid subtropical climate experiences more consistent warmth than the typical U.S. county while remaining drier than its state peers.

A High-Temperature Outlier in West Virginia

At 54.5°F, Wood County stays notably warmer than the West Virginia state average of 52.8°F. The county receives 43.4 inches of precipitation annually, falling well below the statewide average of 47.0 inches.

River Valley Warmth Beats the Highland Neighbors

Wood County experiences more intense summer heat than southern neighbors like Wyoming County. Its 24 extreme heat days per year nearly double the count seen in higher-elevation counties in the region.

Steamy Summers and Manageable Winters

July averages reach a warm 75.5°F, contributing to 24 days of temperatures hitting 90°F or higher. Winter remains relatively mild for the region, seeing only 11.3 inches of annual snowfall and a winter average of 34.5°F.

Prepare for Humidity and Heat Spikes

Residents should prioritize high-efficiency cooling systems to handle the frequent days where temperatures exceed 90°F. While snow gear is less critical than in mountain counties, light winter layering is necessary for the 32.1°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wood County

via SoilByCounty

Understanding Wood County's Land

Wood County lacks specific pH and taxonomic data in the current regional survey. Like much of the state, these soils are likely more acidic than the national 6.5 median and benefit from regular testing.

A Mosaic of River-Area Soils

Precise sand, silt, and clay measurements are currently unavailable for this county's soil profile. Most local lands near the Ohio River feature varied textures that range from sandy deposits to heavier upland loams.

Targeting High State Benchmarks

With organic matter and water capacity data missing, local gardeners should aim for the state's robust average of 21.03% organic matter. Regular composting can help establish a fertile foundation for any backyard project.

Site-Specific Hydrology Management

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not formally defined in this dataset. Prospective builders and farmers should conduct site-specific evaluations to manage water runoff effectively on their property.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 6b

The 6b hardiness zone in Wood County supports a diverse array of crops from leafy greens to hardy fruit trees. Even without detailed soil data, the temperate climate makes it a prime location for home food production.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wood County

via LawnByCounty

Premium Lawn Conditions in Wood

Wood County is a standout with a lawn difficulty score of 82.3, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. Living in Zone 6b here means you have a significant advantage over most other West Virginia residents. Maintaining a green space is highly efficient in this part of the Ohio River Valley.

Ideal Rainfall and Strong Heat

The 43.4 inches of annual precipitation falls right into the ideal 30-50 inch 'sweet spot' for lawns. Wood County experiences 24 extreme heat days, which is much higher than the state average but supported by 3718 growing degree days. This combination fuels aggressive growth as long as the grass is watered during peak summer heat.

Foundation for River Valley Growth

Specific soil data for pH and texture is unavailable, but the county's high difficulty score indicates a naturally productive base. Most regional valley soils require moderate lime to offset natural acidity and improve nutrient availability. Adding organic compost can help bridge any gaps in soil data and improve overall turf density.

Reliable Moisture and Resilience

Wood County had only 2 weeks in drought over the last year, making it one of the most stable counties in the state. Currently, the drought level is at 0.0%, providing perfect conditions for new growth. This low drought risk allows homeowners to focus more on mowing and less on emergency irrigation.

Seize the Long Growing Season

With a last frost on April 23 and a first frost not until October 30, you have an exceptionally long window for lawn care. The July average of 75.5°F is warm, so consider heat-tolerant fescue blends to keep your lawn green through July. Start your spring fertilizing in late April to capitalize on the 3718 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wood County's county score?
Wood County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 46.5 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 Wood County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Wood County ranks #52 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 Wood County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Wood County is $943, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Wood County a tax score of 72.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wood County?
The median household income in Wood County, West Virginia is $56,193 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wood County earns an income score of 28/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wood County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Wood County scores 46.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Wood 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 Wood County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.