Webster
West Virginia

What stands out

What stands out about Webster County: the school test score is among the lowest in America (2.03 where 3.0 is grade level), the median home price is among the cheapest in America ($86K), and violent crime is in the top 2% of American counties (5.4 per 1,000). Within West Virginia it ranks 1st of 55 counties for the school test score, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Webster County, West Virginia. 8,362 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -26).

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 $43,409 a year, lower than 90% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $40,951. Unemployment runs 4.6%, higher than 82% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 30 minutes each way.

West Virginia takes 2.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,250 a year.

Home

The median home costs $86K, cheaper than almost every county in America, about 1.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $692 a month. Property tax is 0.36% of home value, roughly $300 a year on that median home, lower than 96% of American counties. 78% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.4 per 1,000 residents, higher than 98% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 24 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.3 years, shorter than 77% of American counties. There are 6 active physicians in the county, about 7.2 per 10,000 people. 8.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.08 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than almost every county in America. 80% 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. 51% 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 40, colder than 71% of American counties. About 52 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 9 out of 100, safer than 91% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 74 Mbps down, slower than 94% of American counties. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.