Boone
West Virginia

What stands out

Against every county in America, Boone County is unusual in three ways: the median home price is among the cheapest in America ($90K), the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (78 per 100,000), and the average commute is in the top 2% of American counties (33 minutes). Within West Virginia it ranks 5th of 55 counties for the median home price, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Boone County, West Virginia. 21,705 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.6% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -158).

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 $56,182 a year, lower than 64% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $73,771. Unemployment runs 4.5%, higher than 82% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 33 minutes each way.

West Virginia takes 3.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,789 a year.

Home

The median home costs $90K, cheaper than almost every county in America, about 1.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $735 a month. Property tax is 0.66% of home value, roughly $579 a year on that median home, lower than 70% of American counties. 79% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 95% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 78 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 69.8 years, shorter than 96% of American counties. There are 14 active physicians in the county, about 6.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 6.8% 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. 84% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 52 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 52% 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 55°F, highs near 67 and lows near 44, colder than 52% of American counties. About 50 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 22 out of 100, safer than 78% of American counties; the county has had 31 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 211 Mbps down, faster than 55% of American counties. For a night or a weekend out: 0.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.