Berkeley
West Virginia

What stands out

Against every county in America, Berkeley County is unusual in two ways: population growth is in the top 5% of American counties (+2.4% a year) and home internet speed is in the top 9% of American counties (285 Mbps). Within West Virginia it ranks 1st of 55 counties for population growth.

Where you are

You live in Berkeley County, West Virginia. 123,283 people live here with you. The population grew 2.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +2,820).

West Virginia has some of the lowest home prices in the country, a graduated income tax with rates cut sharply since 2023, and it fully exempts Social Security from tax starting with the 2026 tax year. Property taxes are low. The state has lost population in most years since 2012, and its economy still leans on coal, natural gas and, increasingly, outdoor recreation and remote-worker incentive programs.

Money

The typical household here brings in $73,619 a year, higher than 80% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $57,976. Unemployment runs 2.9%, lower than 68% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

West Virginia takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,574 a year.

Home

The median home costs $323K, pricier than 74% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,057 a month. Property tax is 0.56% of home value, roughly $1,294 a year on that median home, lower than 82% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, lower than 52% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 27 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.8 years, shorter than 73% of American counties. There are 175 active physicians in the county, about 14.2 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.5 of 5 stars. 6.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.77 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 82% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 35 points. 58% of eligible voters turned out. Under West Virginia law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 54°F, highs near 66 and lows near 42, colder than 56% of American counties. About 32 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 60 out of 100, riskier than 60% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 285 Mbps down, faster than 91% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.