Jackson
West Virginia

What stands out

If you had to describe Jackson County in numbers, start here: winter sunshine is in the bottom 4% of American counties (-1.6 on the USDA scale), violent crime is in the top 12% of American counties (4.7 per 1,000), and the overdose death rate is in the top 12% of American counties (32 per 100,000). Within West Virginia it ranks 26th of 55 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Jackson County, West Virginia. 27,868 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +58).

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 $55,173 a year, lower than 67% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $52,922. Unemployment runs 4.3%, higher than 78% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

West Virginia takes 3.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,747 a year.

Home

The median home costs $200K, cheaper than 63% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $693 a month. Property tax is 0.56% of home value, roughly $834 a year on that median home, lower than 81% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.7 per 1,000 residents, higher than 88% 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 74.8 years, shorter than 62% of American counties. There are 19 active physicians in the county, about 6.8 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 7.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.08 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 56% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 54 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 60% 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 55°F, highs near 67 and lows near 43, colder than 52% of American counties. About 47 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 15 out of 100, safer than 85% of American counties; the county has had 25 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 236 Mbps down, faster than 67% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.