Hardy County
WV · Pop. 14,236 · Rural County
Hardy County is a rural county in West Virginia, spanning 582 square miles with 14,236 residents at a density of 24.5 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, corn, haylage. The median home price is $160,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.37%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 160-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.9°F and average winter lows of 19.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 38.7 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Grant Memorial Hospital is 15.9 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 86.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.37% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $160,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 24.5 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.6% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A 160-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- The nearest hospital, Grant Memorial Hospital, is 15.9 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Hardy County, WV is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 67/100
- Median home price
- $160k
- Property tax
- 0.37%
- Growing season
- 160 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 38.7"
- Broadband
- 86.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Grant Memorial Hospital, 15.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Hardy County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Hardy County?
- Hardy County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 160-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.9°F, and average winter lows of 19.9°F. The established crops are hay, corn, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $160,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.37%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 86.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Grant Memorial Hospital is 15.9 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore West Virginia Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in West Virginia
All West Virginia countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Hardy County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.