Pocahontas
West Virginia

What stands out

What stands out about Pocahontas County: the property tax rate is among the lowest in America (0.30%), violent crime is in the top 3% of American counties (5.2 per 1,000), and natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 3% of American counties (3 of 100). Within West Virginia it ranks 1st of 55 counties for the property tax rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. 7,940 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +38).

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 $41,680 a year, lower than 92% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $41,144. Unemployment runs 4.0%, higher than 68% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 20 minutes each way.

West Virginia takes 2.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,177 a year.

Home

The median home costs $186K, cheaper than 69% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $595 a month. Property tax is 0.30% of home value, roughly $383 a year on that median home, lower than almost every county in America. 84% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 97% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 74.6 years, shorter than 64% of American counties. There are 12 active physicians in the county, about 15.1 per 10,000 people. 9.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.73 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 78% of American counties. 83% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 43 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 58% 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 48°F, highs near 59 and lows near 38, colder than 80% of American counties. About 47 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 3 out of 100, safer than 97% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 73 Mbps down, slower than 94% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.