Pendleton
West Virginia

What stands out

If you had to describe Pendleton County in numbers, start here: home internet speed is among the slowest in America (43 Mbps), the property tax rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0.38%), and the typical two-bedroom rent is in the bottom 6% of American counties ($569 a month). Within West Virginia it ranks 1st of 55 counties for home internet speed, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Pendleton County, West Virginia. 6,156 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +3).

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 $52,458 a year, lower than 74% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $40,455. Unemployment runs 2.6%, lower than 81% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

West Virginia takes 3.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,632 a year.

Home

The median home costs $222K, cheaper than 55% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $569 a month. Property tax is 0.38% of home value, roughly $637 a year on that median home, lower than 96% of American counties. 83% 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 18 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.4 years, shorter than 55% of American counties. There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 4.9 per 10,000 people. 8.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.70 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 89% of American counties. 83% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 61 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 63% 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 51°F, highs near 62 and lows near 39, colder than 72% of American counties. About 38 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 14 out of 100, safer than 86% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 43 Mbps down, slower than almost every county in America. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.