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Wirt County

WV · Pop. 5,131 · Rural County

73/100Homestead Score

Wirt County, West Virginia covers 233 square miles with a population of 5,131 and a density of 22 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $113,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.53%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 164-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.6°F and average winter lows of 21.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Roane General Hospital is 14.4 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 66% of homes.

Property Tax: 0.53%
Growing Season: 164 days
Broadband: 66%
Density: 22/sq mi

Pros

  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.53% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $113,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • At 22 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
  • Annual rainfall of 45.2 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.

Cons

  • A 164-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
  • Broadband reaches only 66% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
  • The nearest hospital, Roane General Hospital, is 14.4 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
  • A poverty rate of 18.3% 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

Wirt County, WV is a strong overall fit for homesteading.

Homestead score
73/100
Median home price
$113k
Property tax
0.53%
Growing season
164 days (zone 6b)
Annual rainfall
45.2"
Broadband
66%
Nearest hospital
Roane General Hospital, 14.4 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.53%
Median Household Income$54,688
Poverty Rate18.3%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$113K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone6b
Growing Season164 days
Annual Rainfall45.2 inches
Avg Summer High83.6°F
Avg Winter Low21.5°F
Top CropsHay, Haylage, Corn

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought3/10
Wildfire1/10
Tornado1/10
Flood4/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalRoane General Hospital (14.4 mi)
Emergency RoomNo
Healthcare Facilities0

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage66%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate6.2%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Wirt County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Wirt County?
Wirt County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 164-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.6°F, and average winter lows of 21.5°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $113,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.53%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 66% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Roane General Hospital is 14.4 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Wirt 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.