Jefferson
West Virginia

What stands out

Three things set Jefferson County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the average commute is in the top 3% of American counties (32 minutes), the median household income is in the top 5% of American counties ($93,744), and the share working from home is in the top 11% of American counties (13%). Within West Virginia it ranks 3rd of 21 counties for the average commute.

Where you are

You live in Jefferson County, West Virginia. 58,043 people live here with you. The population grew 1.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +712).

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 $93,744 a year, higher than 95% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $61,812. Unemployment runs 2.5%, lower than 84% of American counties. 13% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 32 minutes each way.

West Virginia takes 3.7% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,496 a year.

Home

The median home costs $401K, pricier than 86% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,052 a month. Property tax is 0.57% of home value, roughly $1,732 a year on that median home, lower than 80% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 56% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 15 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.0 years, longer than 64% of American counties. There are 119 active physicians in the county, about 20.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 1.0 of 5 stars. 6.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.89 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 70% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 18 points. 64% 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 66 and lows near 43, colder than 54% of American counties. About 32 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 45 out of 100, safer than 55% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 269 Mbps down, faster than 83% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries, 1 National Park Service site.