Lewis County
WV · Pop. 16,808 · Suburban County
Lewis County sits in West Virginia across 387 square miles, home to 16,808 people at 43.4 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, pumpkins. The median home price is $136,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.47%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 178-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.3°F and average winter lows of 21.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 48.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital is 4.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 70.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.47% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $136,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 4.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 48.9 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Broadband reaches only 70.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 19.4% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Lewis County, WV is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 82/100
- Median home price
- $136k
- Property tax
- 0.47%
- Growing season
- 178 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 48.9"
- Broadband
- 70.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, 4.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Lewis County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Lewis County?
- Lewis County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 178-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.3°F, and average winter lows of 21.6°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, pumpkins.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $136,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.47%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 70.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital is 4.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore West Virginia Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in West Virginia
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The closest counties to Lewis 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.
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