Hampshire
West Virginia

What stands out

If you had to describe Hampshire County in numbers, start here: the property tax rate is in the bottom 5% of American counties (0.39%), the overdose death rate is in the top 5% of American counties (42 per 100,000), and home internet speed is in the bottom 7% of American counties (79 Mbps). Within West Virginia it ranks 9th of 55 counties for the property tax rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Hampshire County, West Virginia. 23,275 people live here with you. The population grew 0.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +261).

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 $55,222 a year, lower than 67% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $43,955. Unemployment runs 2.6%, lower than 78% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

West Virginia takes 3.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,749 a year.

Home

The median home costs $257K, pricier than 58% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $702 a month. Property tax is 0.39% of home value, roughly $726 a year on that median home, lower than 95% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.7 per 1,000 residents, higher than 87% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 42 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.8 years, shorter than 62% of American counties. There are 15 active physicians in the county, about 6.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 5.0 of 5 stars. 8.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.11 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 63% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 62 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 53% 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 65 and lows near 42, colder than 59% of American counties. About 33 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 20 out of 100, safer than 80% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 79 Mbps down, slower than 93% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.