Calhoun
West Virginia

What stands out

Three things set Calhoun County apart from the other 3,142 counties: unemployment is among the highest in America (8.2%), the share working from home is among the lowest in America (1%), and violent crime is in the top 2% of American counties (5.2 per 1,000). Within West Virginia it ranks 1st of 55 counties for unemployment.

Where you are

You live in Calhoun County, West Virginia. 6,279 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.8% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -43).

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 $39,031 a year, lower than 94% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $51,568. Unemployment runs 8.2%, higher than almost every county in America. 1% of workers work from home.

West Virginia takes 2.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,076 a year.

Home

The median home costs $106K, cheaper than 96% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $525 a month. Property tax is 0.41% of home value, roughly $459 a year on that median home, lower than 94% of American counties. 78% 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 32 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.4 years, shorter than 76% of American counties. There are 5 active physicians in the county, about 8.0 per 10,000 people. 7.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.18 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 53% of American counties. 87% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 63 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 51% 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 42 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 5 out of 100, safer than 95% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 57 Mbps down, slower than 97% of American counties. There are 0 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.