West Virginia
For Americans thinking of retiring to West Virginia from another state, or comparing it with a move abroad. Prices in West Virginia run at 89.5 against a US average of 100, with housing at 54.2. We cover West Virginia's 55 counties on the map below, each with a page of its own, and no town in depth yet.
Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5), 2024-12-31
West Virginia is not compared with a town — compare two towns instead. Why?
West Virginia, a state of the United States, is not the same kind of thing as a town: it spans many counties and very different places. Putting a state-wide average beside one town's own figures produces a number that looks like an answer and describes nothing a person would experience — so the engine refuses that pairing rather than rendering it thinly. A town against another town, here or abroad, is like-for-like. Build a comparison →
Research in progress. Our quality assessment of the official sources for the United States is not finished yet. Every figure published here is sourced and dated.
West Virginia's 55 counties
Every county in West Virginia on its own figures, against every US county that has the same figure. Pick a county on the map or in the list.
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- Highest fifth (darker = a larger share 65+)
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- At least one hospital rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
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Outlines: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary files (2024). A fifth is among every US county holding the figure, so a color means the same thing in every state.
All 55 counties, with their figures
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Barbour County
15,414 residents, 3,493 aged 65 or older (22.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,702 Lower than 61 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Barbour County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.89 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 21 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,326 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Philippi, Belington, Junior (Census, 1 July 2024).
Barbour County page → -
Berkeley County
139,522 residents, 23,492 aged 65 or older (16.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 94.2 Cheaper than 24 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,048 Lower than 53 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 83 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.17 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 63 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Martinsburg, Hedgesville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Berkeley County page → -
Boone County
20,251 residents, 4,925 aged 65 or older (24.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.7 Cheaper than 48 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charleston, WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,542 Lower than 42 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Boone County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.33 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,326 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Madison, Danville, Whitesville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Boone County page → -
Braxton County
11,885 residents, 3,259 aged 65 or older (27.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,799 Lower than 59 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Braxton County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.58 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 11 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,326 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sutton, Gassaway, Burnsville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Braxton County page → -
Brooke County
21,142 residents, 5,793 aged 65 or older (27.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.0 Cheaper than 45 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,056 Lower than 53 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Brooke County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.27 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 14 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Weirton, Follansbee, Wellsburg (Census, 1 July 2024).
Brooke County page → -
Cabell County
91,183 residents, 18,808 aged 65 or older (20.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,323 Lower than 47 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 45 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.86 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 22 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Huntington, Barboursville, Milton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cabell County page → -
Calhoun County
5,978 residents, 1,616 aged 65 or older (27.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,695 Lower than 62 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Calhoun County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 18 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,326 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Grantsville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Calhoun County page → -
Clay County
7,538 residents, 1,810 aged 65 or older (24.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.7 Cheaper than 48 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charleston, WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,420 Lower than 70 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Clay County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.97 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Clay (Census, 1 July 2024).
Clay County page → -
Doddridge County
7,634 residents, 1,665 aged 65 or older (21.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,970 Lower than 55 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Doddridge County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.64 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 10 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,182 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: West Union (Census, 1 July 2024).
Doddridge County page → -
Fayette County
38,165 residents, 9,377 aged 65 or older (24.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Beckley, WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,447 Lower than 44 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Fayette County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.84 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 24 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,182 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Oak Hill, Fayetteville, Ansted (Census, 1 July 2024).
Fayette County page → -
Gilmer County
7,085 residents, 1,330 aged 65 or older (18.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,923 Lower than 56 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Gilmer County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.76 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 9 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,182 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Glenville, Sand Fork (Census, 1 July 2024).
Gilmer County page → -
Grant County
11,041 residents, 2,896 aged 65 or older (26.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,290 Lower than 74 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Grant County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.83 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 24 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Petersburg, Bayard (Census, 1 July 2024).
Grant County page → -
Greenbrier County
31,578 residents, 8,587 aged 65 or older (27.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,768 Lower than 60 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Greenbrier County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.87 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 22 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, Ronceverte (Census, 1 July 2024).
Greenbrier County page → -
Hampshire County
24,105 residents, 6,228 aged 65 or older (25.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.5 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Winchester, VA-WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,546 Lower than 66 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Hampshire County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.67 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 29 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Romney, Capon Bridge (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hampshire County page → -
Hancock County
27,729 residents, 7,285 aged 65 or older (26.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.0 Cheaper than 45 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,421 Lower than 45 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Hancock County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.60 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 33 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,182 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Weirton, Chester, New Cumberland (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hancock County page → -
Hardy County
14,337 residents, 3,511 aged 65 or older (24.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,421 Lower than 70 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Hardy County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.81 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 24 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Moorefield, Wardensville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hardy County page → -
Harrison County
64,221 residents, 14,351 aged 65 or older (22.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,123 Lower than 51 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Harrison County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.62 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 32 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Clarksburg, Bridgeport, Shinnston (Census, 1 July 2024).
Harrison County page → -
Jackson County
27,450 residents, 6,228 aged 65 or older (22.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,068 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jackson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.14 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 16 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,182 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ravenswood, Ripley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jackson County page → -
Jefferson County
63,102 residents, 11,950 aged 65 or older (18.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 108.9 Cheaper than 1 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,064 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jefferson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.92 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 84 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,182 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Charles Town, Ranson, Shepherdstown (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jefferson County page → -
Kanawha County
172,381 residents, 41,176 aged 65 or older (23.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.7 Cheaper than 48 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Charleston, WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,502 Lower than 43 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 10.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 33 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.01 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Charleston, South Charleston, St. Albans (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kanawha County page → -
Lewis County
16,394 residents, 3,693 aged 65 or older (22.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,807 Lower than 59 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lewis County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.79 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 8 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Weston, Jane Lew (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lewis County page → -
Lincoln County
19,177 residents, 4,356 aged 65 or older (22.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,999 Lower than 54 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lincoln County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.90 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 3 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hamlin, West Hamlin (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lincoln County page → -
Logan County
30,375 residents, 7,070 aged 65 or older (23.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,161 Lower than 50 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Logan County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Logan, Chapmanville, Man (Census, 1 July 2024).
Logan County page → -
McDowell County
16,878 residents, 3,874 aged 65 or older (23.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,570 Lower than 41 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- McDowell County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.53 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Welch, Gary, War (Census, 1 July 2024).
McDowell County page → -
Marion County
55,584 residents, 12,167 aged 65 or older (21.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,264 Lower than 48 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Marion County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 18 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Fairmont, Pleasant Valley, Mannington (Census, 1 July 2024).
Marion County page → -
Marshall County
29,159 residents, 7,623 aged 65 or older (26.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.3 Cheaper than 54 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wheeling, WV-OH metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,800 Lower than 59 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Marshall County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.11 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 17 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Moundsville, McMechen, Glen Dale (Census, 1 July 2024).
Marshall County page → -
Mason County
24,707 residents, 5,985 aged 65 or older (24.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,265 Lower than 48 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mason County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.95 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 20 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,182 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Point Pleasant, New Haven, Mason (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mason County page → -
Mercer County
57,503 residents, 13,507 aged 65 or older (23.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,098 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 43 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.24 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 57 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,326 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bluefield, Princeton, Athens (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mercer County page → -
Mineral County
26,792 residents, 6,422 aged 65 or older (24.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,798 Lower than 59 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mineral County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.32 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 13 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,518 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Keyser, Carpendale, Piedmont (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mineral County page → -
Mingo County
21,455 residents, 4,926 aged 65 or older (23.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,847 Lower than 58 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mingo County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.29 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Williamson, Delbarton, Matewan (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mingo County page → -
Monongalia County
107,991 residents, 16,134 aged 65 or older (14.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.3 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Morgantown, WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,843 Lower than 58 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Monongalia County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.33 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 50 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,326 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Morgantown, Westover, Star City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Monongalia County page → -
Monroe County
12,491 residents, 3,262 aged 65 or older (26.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,834 Lower than 58 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Monroe County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.32 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 50 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,470 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Peterstown, Union, Alderson (Census, 1 July 2024).
Monroe County page → -
Morgan County
18,027 residents, 4,844 aged 65 or older (26.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 94.2 Cheaper than 24 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,848 Lower than 58 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Morgan County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.58 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 33 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,326 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bath (Berkeley Springs), Paw Paw (Census, 1 July 2024).
Morgan County page → -
Nicholas County
23,848 residents, 6,242 aged 65 or older (26.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,806 Lower than 59 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Nicholas County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.45 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 41 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,182 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Summersville, Richwood (Census, 1 July 2024).
Nicholas County page → -
Ohio County
40,496 residents, 9,848 aged 65 or older (24.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.3 Cheaper than 54 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wheeling, WV-OH metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,317 Lower than 47 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Ohio County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 6 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Wheeling, Bethlehem, West Liberty (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ohio County page → -
Pendleton County
5,826 residents, 1,879 aged 65 or older (32.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,416 Lower than 70 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pendleton County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.54 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,326 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Franklin (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pendleton County page → -
Pleasants County
7,338 residents, 1,703 aged 65 or older (23.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,109 Lower than 51 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pleasants County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.87 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 3 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,182 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: St. Marys, Belmont (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pleasants County page → -
Pocahontas County
7,602 residents, 2,213 aged 65 or older (29.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,272 Lower than 75 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pocahontas County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.47 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 11 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,326 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Marlinton, Durbin, Hillsboro (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pocahontas County page → -
Preston County
34,004 residents, 7,664 aged 65 or older (22.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.3 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Morgantown, WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,916 Lower than 56 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Preston County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.29 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 52 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,326 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Kingwood, Terra Alta, Reedsville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Preston County page → -
Putnam County
56,885 residents, 12,524 aged 65 or older (22.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,266 Lower than 48 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Putnam County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.58 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 11 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hurricane, Winfield, Eleanor (Census, 1 July 2024).
Putnam County page → -
Raleigh County
71,775 residents, 16,577 aged 65 or older (23.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Beckley, WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,960 Lower than 55 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 42 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.09 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 70 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,374 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Beckley, Mabscott, Sophia (Census, 1 July 2024).
Raleigh County page → -
Randolph County
26,882 residents, 6,541 aged 65 or older (24.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,562 Lower than 65 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Randolph County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.99 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Elkins, Beverly, Mill Creek (Census, 1 July 2024).
Randolph County page → -
Ritchie County
8,034 residents, 2,106 aged 65 or older (26.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,515 Lower than 43 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Ritchie County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.70 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 9 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Harrisville, Pennsboro, Ellenboro (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ritchie County page → -
Roane County
13,317 residents, 3,399 aged 65 or older (25.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,750 Lower than 60 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Roane County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 6 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,326 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Spencer, Reedy (Census, 1 July 2024).
Roane County page → -
Summers County
11,532 residents, 3,245 aged 65 or older (28.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,308 Lower than 74 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Summers County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.44 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 12 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,470 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Hinton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Summers County page → -
Taylor County
16,287 residents, 3,697 aged 65 or older (22.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,086 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Taylor County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.39 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 12 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Grafton, Flemington (Census, 1 July 2024).
Taylor County page → -
Tucker County
6,540 residents, 1,880 aged 65 or older (28.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,511 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Tucker County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.40 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 12 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,182 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Parsons, Thomas, Davis (Census, 1 July 2024).
Tucker County page → -
Tyler County
7,881 residents, 2,076 aged 65 or older (26.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,199 Lower than 49 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Tyler County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.47 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sistersville, Paden City, Middlebourne (Census, 1 July 2024).
Tyler County page → -
Upshur County
23,758 residents, 5,494 aged 65 or older (23.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,680 Lower than 62 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Upshur County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.41 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 12 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,326 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Buckhannon (Census, 1 July 2024).
Upshur County page → -
Wayne County
37,309 residents, 8,601 aged 65 or older (23.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.4 Cheaper than 50 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,847 Lower than 58 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wayne County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.61 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Huntington, Kenova, Wayne (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wayne County page → -
Webster County
7,760 residents, 2,171 aged 65 or older (28.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,605 Lower than 64 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Webster County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.66 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,182 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Addison (Webster Springs), Cowen, Camden-on-Gauley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Webster County page → -
Wetzel County
13,734 residents, 3,434 aged 65 or older (25.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,550 Lower than 42 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wetzel County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.87 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,182 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: New Martinsville, Paden City, Pine Grove (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wetzel County page → -
Wirt County
4,879 residents, 1,251 aged 65 or older (25.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.1 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Parkersburg-Vienna, WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,015 Lower than 54 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wirt County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.57 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,326 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Elizabeth (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wirt County page → -
Wood County
82,385 residents, 19,112 aged 65 or older (23.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.1 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Parkersburg-Vienna, WV metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,289 Lower than 47 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 73 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.84 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 23 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,026 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Parkersburg, Vienna, Williamstown (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wood County page → -
Wyoming County
19,801 residents, 4,889 aged 65 or older (24.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. West Virginia nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,769 Lower than 60 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wyoming County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.39 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,326 · Original + drug plan USD $6,431 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Oceana, Mullens, Pineville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wyoming County page →
Sources: US Census Bureau, county population estimates by age, 1 July 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, all items, of each county's metropolitan area or its state's nonmetropolitan portion; The state's published 2025 income-tax rules, the county's own local income tax where one is levied, and the county's Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household; CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026; CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al.; FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), county expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB); CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025); CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by county of residence.
Where West Virginia stands, on the six criteria
West Virginia's six figures are the ones that set its place on the state ranking, where it sits in Tier 8 of 16. Each is measured for the whole of West Virginia, not for any single place within it.
| Criterion | West Virginia |
|---|---|
| Cost of living BEA price level, all items (US = 100); lower is better |
89.5 Cheaper than 84% of the other 50 · housing 54.2 · goods 96.5 · utilities 92.2 · other services 99.9
BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5) · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-08-28
|
| Taxes on a retired couple state and local tax on the example retired couple, USD a year; lower is better |
USD $3,073 (90% margin USD $3,048–$3,098) Lower than 54% of the other 50
Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household · figure for 2025
|
| Healthcare access share of residents 65+ living in a county with a 4- or 5-star CMS hospital; higher is better |
24 % of residents 65+ Higher than 4% of the other 50
CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Safety homicides per 100,000 a year, 2020–2024, by state of residence; lower is better |
5.8 per 100,000 a year (95% interval 5.3–6.4) Lower than 56% of the other 50
CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Climate months a year whose mean daily high is 18–29 °C (64–84 °F), 1981–2010; more is better |
5.6 months a year More than 94% of the other 50
CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2010 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Natural-hazard risk expected yearly loss to buildings from natural hazards, per USD $1,000 of buildings; lower is better |
USD $2.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 8% of the other 50
FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB) · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-10-27
|
Medicare in West Virginia
For the published example couple, both 67 and married: what Medicare premiums cost a year for two in West Virginia, and the most a bad year can cost. What care itself costs depends on a person's health, so it is not estimated here.
Medicare Advantage, with drug coverage
USD $5,026 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,870)
At most USD $19,626 in a bad year (from USD $18,870), with each person's in-network out-of-pocket maximum
The middle of the 25 plans offered here; "from" is the lowest premium among them.
Original Medicare, with a drug plan
USD $6,431 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,997)
Medigap: no federal price list — not in this total.
No yearly maximum on Original Medicare alone.
Part B for two, plus the middle of the 8 standalone drug plans offered in the state.
The middle of West Virginia's 55 counties, weighted by residents 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025).
The 2027 Part B premium is not yet published (CMS usually publishes it in November); 2026's is used.
Source: CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
West Virginia, since June 1, 2026, lets holders of a Medigap policy in force 24 months replace it once a year, applying within 60 days from the first of their birthday month, with same or lesser benefits from the same insurer or an affiliate. West Virginia's rule
Free, official Medicare counseling in West Virginia: State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), 1-877-987-4463 (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Retiring to West Virginia: pros and cons, by the figures
Retiring to West Virginia, judged on the six figures above: a pro is a figure in the top fifth of the states, a con one in the bottom fifth. Figures in between get no verdict.
Pros
- Cost of living: cheaper than 84% of the other 50 (89.5). BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5)
- Climate: more than 94% of the other 50 (5.6 months a year). CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025)
Cons
- Healthcare access: lower than 96% of the other 50 (24 % of residents 65+). CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025)
- Natural-hazard risk: higher than 92% of the other 50 (USD $2.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings). FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB)
Also shown, not scored
West Virginia's other state-wide figures: shown for context, not part of its tier. Measured for the whole of West Virginia — not for any single place within it.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
|
Population
Total resident population, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredTotal resident population, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. Bigger is not better — this axis exists for context, never for ranking. |
1,766,147 people |
|
Population 65 plus
Residents aged 65 or older, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredResident population aged 65 or older, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. |
398,189 people |
|
Social security beneficiary share
Everyone receiving Social Security — retired, disabled, survivors and dependants — as a share of the population, 2025.
How this is measuredAll OASDI beneficiaries — retired workers, disabled workers, survivors and dependants — as a percentage of the total resident population. SSA Table 1 (2025), population as of 1 July 2025. Not the same measure as the county-level retired-worker share. |
27.3 percent |
Source for every figure: SSA Table 1 (2025) · Census population as of 1 July 2025 · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-08-28 Official source
Taxes on a retired couple in West Virginia
We apply West Virginia's published rules for tax year 2025 to one example household and show the sum, line by line. These are rules already in force for 2025, not a projection.
The example household
| Filing status | married filing jointly, both aged 67 |
|---|---|
| Social Security | USD $45,000 a year, combined |
| Private pension | USD $25,000 a year |
| IRA or 401(k) withdrawal | USD $20,000 a year |
| Home, for property tax | USD $350,000 |
An illustrative household, the same for every state so states can be compared. Each spouse holds half of each income. Your own figures will differ.
West Virginia's rules applied
Federal income tax is left out: it is the same in every state, so it cannot separate them. Sales tax is left out too: it depends on what a household buys, and no state publishes an average of its local rates. The rate is listed below.
The rules behind the sum
- Top income-tax rate: 4.82 % West Virginia Tax Division, 2025 Personal Income Tax Forms and Instructions (IT-140) · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Social Security subtracted (federal AGI up to USD $100,000, joint): 100 % of it West Virginia Tax Division, 2025 Personal Income Tax Forms and Instructions (IT-140) · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Senior citizen deduction, 65 or older: up to USD $8,000 each, less amounts already subtracted: USD $8,000 per person, from age 65, reduced by the Social Security already subtracted West Virginia Tax Division, 2025 Personal Income Tax Forms and Instructions (IT-140) · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Personal exemption (USD $2,000 each): USD $2,000 per person West Virginia Tax Division, 2025 Personal Income Tax Forms and Instructions (IT-140) · checked Oct 26, 2026
We don't cover a town in West Virginia yet. See the towns we cover in the United States.
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