Wetzel
West Virginia

What stands out

Against every county in America, Wetzel County is unusual in three ways: winter sunshine is in the bottom 5% of American counties (-1.6 on the USDA scale), the median home price is in the bottom 6% of American counties ($116K), and unemployment is in the top 6% of American counties (5.6%). Within West Virginia it ranks 47th of 55 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Wetzel County, West Virginia. 14,431 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +33).

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 $50,715 a year, lower than 78% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $55,398. Unemployment runs 5.6%, higher than 94% of American counties. 3% of workers work from home.

West Virginia takes 3.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,559 a year.

Home

The median home costs $116K, cheaper than 94% of American counties, about 1.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $688 a month. Property tax is 0.65% of home value, roughly $688 a year on that median home, lower than 71% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 85% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 25 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 72.1 years, shorter than 86% of American counties. There are 10 active physicians in the county, about 6.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 6.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.86 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 63% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 49 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 55% 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 53°F, highs near 64 and lows near 41, colder than 64% of American counties. About 44 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 25 out of 100, safer than 75% of American counties; the county has had 27 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 234 Mbps down, faster than 66% of American counties. There are 0 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.