McDowell
West Virginia

What stands out

Against every county in America, McDowell County is unusual in three ways: the median home price is among the cheapest in America ($42K), violent crime is among the highest in America (6.1 per 1,000), and the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (92 per 100,000). Within West Virginia it ranks 1st of 55 counties for the median home price, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in McDowell County, West Virginia. 18,911 people live here with you. The population shrank 2.1% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -153).

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 $28,235 a year, lower than 98% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $56,048. Unemployment runs 6.3%, higher than 97% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

West Virginia takes 2.6% of that median income in state income tax, about $735 a year.

Home

The median home costs $42K, cheaper than almost every county in America, about 1.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $595 a month. Property tax is 0.56% of home value, roughly $268 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 6.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 92 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 66.3 years, shorter than almost every county in America. There are 11 active physicians in the county, about 5.8 per 10,000 people. 10.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.46 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 97% of American counties. 77% 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. 46% 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 43, colder than 56% of American counties. About 45 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 64 out of 100, riskier than 64% of American counties; the county has had 27 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 124 Mbps down, slower than 80% of American counties.