Braxton
West Virginia

What stands out

Three things set Braxton County apart from the other 3,142 counties: violent crime is in the top 2% of American counties (5.2 per 1,000), unemployment is in the top 3% of American counties (6.1%), and the school test score is in the bottom 3% of American counties (2.33 where 3.0 is grade level). Within West Virginia it ranks 9th of 55 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Braxton County, West Virginia. 12,505 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +84).

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 $42,245 a year, lower than 92% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $45,932. Unemployment runs 6.1%, higher than 97% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 29 minutes each way.

West Virginia takes 2.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,201 a year.

Home

The median home costs $144K, cheaper than 86% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $608 a month. Property tax is 0.52% of home value, roughly $491 a year on that median home, lower than 86% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 98% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 28 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 75.1 years, shorter than 58% of American counties. There are 11 active physicians in the county, about 8.8 per 10,000 people. 8.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.47 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 97% of American counties. 83% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 49 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 50% 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 43 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 7 out of 100, safer than 93% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 76 Mbps down, slower than 94% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.