Nicholas
West Virginia

What stands out

If you had to describe Nicholas County in numbers, start here: winter sunshine is in the bottom 4% of American counties (-1.6 on the USDA scale), the average commute is in the top 5% of American counties (31 minutes), and the overdose death rate is in the top 6% of American counties (39 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 Nicholas County, West Virginia. 24,624 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +7).

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 $48,826 a year, lower than 81% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,930. Unemployment runs 4.6%, higher than 84% of American counties. 3% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 31 minutes each way.

West Virginia takes 3.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,479 a year.

Home

The median home costs $160K, cheaper than 80% of American counties, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $663 a month. Property tax is 0.51% of home value, roughly $564 a year on that median home, lower than 87% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 84% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 39 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 72.7 years, shorter than 82% of American counties. There are 39 active physicians in the county, about 15.8 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 8.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.77 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 80% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 56 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 54% 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 52°F, highs near 63 and lows near 41, colder than 65% of American counties. About 51 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 23 out of 100, safer than 77% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 92 Mbps down, slower than 90% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries.