Harrison
West Virginia

What stands out

Three things set Harrison County apart from the other 3,142 counties: winter sunshine is in the bottom 5% of American counties (-1.6 on the USDA scale) and the overdose death rate is in the top 10% of American counties (34 per 100,000). Within West Virginia it ranks 47th of 55 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Harrison County, West Virginia. 65,862 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +138).

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 $56,184 a year, lower than 63% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $64,286. Unemployment runs 3.6%, higher than 58% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $153K, cheaper than 83% of American counties, about 1.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $869 a month. Property tax is 0.54% of home value, roughly $795 a year on that median home, lower than 84% of American counties. 74% 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 34 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.8 years, shorter than 72% of American counties. There are 254 active physicians in the county, about 38.6 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.5 of 5 stars. 7.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.80 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 74% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 44 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 58% 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 45 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 30 out of 100, safer than 70% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 262 Mbps down, faster than 80% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.