West Virginia · Property Tax & Closing Costs
West Virginia property tax by county
Property tax rates, median home values, and closing cost estimates for all 55 counties in West Virginia. The average effective rate across the state is 0.50%, ranking West Virginia 43 of 51 (lowest property taxes nationally). Data is sourced from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates.
Average rate
0.50%
across 55 counties
National rank
#43
of 51, highest rate first
Median home value
$148,800
county median in state
Rate range
0.30%–0.67%
Pocahontas County → McDowell County
Same home, different county
On a $148,800 home (the typical county median in West Virginia), the annual property tax bill depends heavily on where you buy:
Difference
$552/yr
$46/mo · $5,520 over 10 years
Estimate: purchase price × each county's effective rate. Actual bills depend on assessed value, local levies, and exemptions.
Lowest property tax rates in West Virginia
The five West Virginia counties with the lowest effective property tax rates, useful for buyers comparing total cost of ownership across the state.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| Pocahontas County | 0.30% |
| Grant County | 0.31% |
| Summers County | 0.31% |
| Pendleton County | 0.34% |
| Hardy County | 0.35% |
Highest property tax rates in West Virginia
The five West Virginiacounties with the highest effective property tax rates. High rates often reflect strong school district funding or municipal services rather than weakness, but they materially change a buyer's monthly carrying cost.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| McDowell County | 0.67% |
| Wetzel County | 0.67% |
| Boone County | 0.67% |
| Ritchie County | 0.66% |
| Kanawha County | 0.65% |
West Virginia real estate transfer tax
West Virginia charges a combined transfer tax of about 0.22% of the purchase price. On a $148,800 home, that is roughly $327 in total.
| Paid by | Rate | On $148,800 |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer | 0.00% | $0 |
| Seller | 0.22% | $327 |
State excise tax $1.10/$500 (0.22%) per W. Va. Code 11-22-2, seller-paid by custom. Counties may add up to $1.65/$500 (0.33%) more, bringing combined rate up to ~0.55% in some counties. Additional $20 flat fee per transfer.
West Virginia is an attorney-closing state: expect a real estate attorney fee of roughly $600–$1,500 at closing.
Official West Virginia source → · Verified April 2026
Closing costs in West Virginia
Across West Virginia's 55 counties, buyer closing costs run $2,875 to $9,455 at each county's median home value with 20% down. Cash needed at closing, with closing costs and the down payment, runs $12,875 to $79,615. Pick your county for your own figures.
West Virginia closing cost calculatorWest Virginia property tax exemptions
Ways buyers in West Virginia may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Senior / Disabled Homestead Exemption
Exempts the first $20,000 of assessed value of an owner-occupied primary residence for persons 65+ or permanently and totally disabled. 2-year prior residency required. (Ballot measure proposed to raise to $40,000 in Nov 2026.)
View official source →Disabled Veteran Real Property Tax Credit
Refundable income tax credit equal to property tax timely paid on the homestead for honorably discharged veterans with 90-100% VA combined disability rating.
View official source →Senior Citizens Tax Credit
Refundable income tax credit for low-income homeowners 65+ who qualify for the homestead exemption, reimbursing a portion of property tax paid.
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
All 55 counties in West Virginia
Effective property tax rate, median home value, and median annual taxes paid for every county in West Virginia. Click a county to open its full property tax calculator and closing cost breakdown.
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates, tables B25077 (median home value) and B25103 (median real estate taxes paid). Effective rate is computed as median taxes paid divided by median home value at the county level and represents the typical owner-occupied home. Actual bills vary by purchase price, exemptions, and special assessments.