McDowell County Property Taxes

McDowell County, West Virginia

Effective Tax Rate

0.00%

60.2% below state avg

Median Annual Tax

$0

$23/mo escrow

#42 of 55 counties in West Virginia

Estimate Your Tax

$
$50K$2M

Annual Tax

$0

Monthly

$0

Eff. Rate

0.56%

vs. West Virginia Avg60.2% below
vs. National Avg89.7% below

At a Glance

Median Home Value

$49,200

State avg $141,022

Tax w/ Mortgage/yr

$556

$46/mo escrow

Tax w/o Mortgage/yr

$255

$21/mo

State Tax Rate Rank

#42

of 55 counties (1 = lowest)

Data Story

About Property Taxes in McDowell County, West Virginia

McDowell County taxes among America's lowest

McDowell County's effective rate of 0.565% ranks in the lowest 5% nationally, with a median property tax of just $278—less than one-tenth the national median of $2,690. The combination of lower home values and modest rates creates an extraordinarily affordable tax environment.

Highest rate in West Virginia but still low

McDowell County's 0.565% rate edges slightly above West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, reflecting the highest effective rate among the eight-county sample. Despite this distinction, the median annual tax of $278 remains well below the state median of $699 due to significantly lower home values.

Highest regional rate but remains competitive

McDowell County's 0.565% rate exceeds Mason County (0.535%) and Mingo County (0.437%), ranking highest in its peer group. Still, the median tax of $278 reflects the county's lower property valuations across the region.

Minimal annual tax burden on median home

A median McDowell County home valued at $49,200 generates just $278 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, homeowners typically pay around $556 per year.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Even in a low-tax environment, property assessments can still exceed actual market value. McDowell County homeowners should verify their assessments through their county assessor's office to ensure they're not paying more than necessary.

How McDowell County Compares

Median Annual Property Tax

McDowell County$278
West Virginia State Average$699
National Average$1,924

McDowell County

0.56%

Effective rate

West Virginia Avg

0.50%

Effective rate

National Avg

0.91%

Effective rate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in McDowell County, West Virginia?
The effective property tax rate in McDowell County, West Virginia is 0.56%. This rate is calculated by dividing the median property tax payment by the median home value in the county.
How much are property taxes in McDowell County?
The median annual property tax payment in McDowell County is $278. Homeowners with a mortgage pay a median of $556, while those without a mortgage pay $255.
How does McDowell County compare to the West Virginia average?
McDowell County's effective tax rate of 0.56% is higher than the West Virginia state average of 0.50%. The median annual property tax in McDowell County is $278, compared to the state average of $699.
What is the median home value in McDowell County, West Virginia?
The median home value in McDowell County, West Virginia is $49,200, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.
Why is McDowell County property tax rate higher than the West Virginia average?
McDowell County's effective property tax rate of 0.56% is higher than the West Virginia average of 0.50%. This difference of 0.07% can be attributed to local funding needs for schools, infrastructure, and municipal services. Higher rates often correlate with more urbanized areas or counties with greater public service demands.
How does McDowell County rank for property taxes in West Virginia?
McDowell County ranks #42 out of 55 counties in West Virginia by effective property tax rate (1 = lowest). With a rate of 0.56% and median annual tax of $278, it falls in the upper third of counties statewide.

Counties with Similar Tax Rates

Nearby Counties

Other Counties in West Virginia

Data updated: March 2026

Data from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Effective tax rate is calculated as median property tax divided by median home value.