Wirt
West Virginia

What stands out

Three things set Wirt County apart from the other 3,142 counties: natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 2% of American counties (2 of 100), the typical two-bedroom rent is in the bottom 3% of American counties ($477 a month), and population growth is in the bottom 3% of American counties (-1.8% a year). Within West Virginia it ranks 1st of 55 counties for natural-hazard risk, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Wirt County, West Virginia. 5,202 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.8% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -64).

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 $52,776 a year, lower than 73% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $41,896. Unemployment runs 5.9%, higher than 96% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home.

West Virginia takes 3.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,646 a year.

Home

The median home costs $120K, cheaper than 93% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $477 a month. Property tax is 0.55% of home value, roughly $604 a year on that median home, lower than 82% of American counties. 85% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 93% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 34 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.8 years, shorter than 62% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 3.8 per 10,000 people. 6.4% 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 79% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 63 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 55°F, highs near 66 and lows near 43, colder than 55% of American counties. About 47 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 2 out of 100, safer than 98% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 183 Mbps down, slower than 57% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.