Preston
West Virginia

What stands out

Against every county in America, Preston County is unusual in three ways: winter sunshine is in the bottom 4% of American counties (-1.6 on the USDA scale), the average commute is in the top 8% of American counties (30 minutes), and the property tax rate is in the bottom 10% of American counties (0.47%). Within West Virginia it ranks 26th of 55 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Preston County, West Virginia. 34,206 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -20).

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 $60,136 a year, lower than 51% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $55,402. Unemployment runs 4.0%, higher than 70% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 30 minutes each way.

West Virginia takes 3.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,957 a year.

Home

The median home costs $144K, cheaper than 86% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $754 a month. Property tax is 0.47% of home value, roughly $700 a year on that median home, lower than 90% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.4 per 1,000 residents, higher than 80% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 21 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.1 years, shorter than 59% of American counties. There are 37 active physicians in the county, about 10.8 per 10,000 people. 8.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.74 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 75% of American counties. 87% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 53 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 51°F, highs near 61 and lows near 40, colder than 72% of American counties. About 52 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 11 out of 100, safer than 89% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 126 Mbps down, slower than 79% of American counties. There are 8 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 3 museums.