Brooke
West Virginia

What stands out

Three things set Brooke County apart from the other 3,142 counties: winter sunshine is in the bottom 5% of American counties (-1.6 on the USDA scale), population growth is in the bottom 5% of American counties (-1.5% a year), and the typical two-bedroom rent is in the bottom 7% of American counties ($580 a month). Within West Virginia it ranks 47th of 55 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Brooke County, West Virginia. 22,349 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.5% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -108).

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 $51,963 a year, lower than 75% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $52,534. Unemployment runs 4.5%, higher than 82% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

West Virginia takes 3.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,611 a year.

Home

The median home costs $131K, cheaper than 91% of American counties, about 1.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $580 a month. Property tax is 0.58% of home value, roughly $669 a year on that median home, lower than 79% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.3 per 1,000 residents, higher than 72% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 22 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 73.9 years, shorter than 71% of American counties. There are 9 active physicians in the county, about 4.0 per 10,000 people. 6.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.68 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 91% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 43 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 59% 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 52°F, highs near 62 and lows near 42, colder than 67% of American counties. About 33 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 21 out of 100, safer than 79% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 235 Mbps down, faster than 66% of American counties. There are 0 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.