Kanawha County
WV · Pop. 178,198 · Mixed County
Kanawha County, West Virginia covers 902 square miles with a population of 178,198 and a density of 197.6 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, potatoes. The median home price is $135,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.68%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 191-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.9°F and average winter lows of 28.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 44 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Camc - Memorial Hospital is 4.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 91.2% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 191-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.68% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $135,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 91.2% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Camc - Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 4.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Kanawha County, WV is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 65/100
- Median home price
- $135k
- Property tax
- 0.68%
- Growing season
- 191 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 44"
- Broadband
- 91.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Camc - Memorial Hospital, 4.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Kanawha County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Kanawha County?
- Kanawha County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 191-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.9°F, and average winter lows of 28.1°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, potatoes.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $135,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.68%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 91.2% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Camc - Memorial Hospital is 4.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 9 hospitals in the county.
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 Kanawha 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.