Property Tax in West Virginia (2026): Rates, Exemptions, and Real Numbers

West Virginia Property Tax Rates by County

Highest and lowest effective rates within West Virginia

Property Tax Calculator — West Virginia

Pre-loaded with West Virginia's 0.56% effective rate and $156,800 median price

Property Tax by City in West Virginia

Annual and monthly property tax by city, based on local median prices and the statewide effective rate

West Virginia Homestead Exemption

How West Virginia Assesses Property Values

Assessment cycle: Annual assessment by county assessors at 60% of fair market value.

Property Tax's Impact on Your True Monthly Cost

On a $156,800 home in West Virginia

Property tax represents 5% of the true monthly cost in West Virginia.

Mortgage Calculator Including Property Tax — West Virginia

See your full PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) payment

How West Virginia's Property Tax Affects Affordability

$73/month in property tax reduces the home price you can afford. Use the affordability calculator to see the real impact.

Property Tax After Refinancing in West Virginia

Refinancing changes your P&I but not your property tax. If your home was reassessed at a higher value, your tax bill increases regardless of your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in West Virginia?

West Virginia's effective property tax rate is 0.56%, ranking #41 nationally. The median annual property tax bill is $878 ($73/month). Rates range from 0.35% in Pendleton County to 0.71% in Monongalia County (Morgantown). Source: Tax Foundation Property Taxes by State 2024.

Does West Virginia have a homestead exemption?

Yes — West Virginia offers a homestead exemption for primary residences. Homestead Exemption: first $20,000 of assessed value is exempt for owner-occupied primary residences of homeowners 65+ or permanently disabled. Residential property assessed at 60% of fair market value.. Apply through your county assessor's office after purchasing your home.

How often is property reassessed in West Virginia?

West Virginia reassesses property on a annual assessment by county assessors at 60% of fair market value. basis. When your property is reassessed, your tax bill changes based on the new assessed value multiplied by the applicable rate. If you believe your assessment is too high, you can appeal — most counties allow 30-90 days after receiving your assessment notice.

How is property tax calculated in West Virginia?

Property tax = Assessed Value × Mill Rate (or effective rate). In West Virginia, the effective rate is 0.56% of market value. On a $156,800 home: $156,800 × 0.56% = $878/year. Assessments may use a fraction of market value — the effective rate accounts for this.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment in West Virginia?

Yes. If your assessed value is higher than comparable sales in your area, you can file an appeal with your county assessment board. Steps: (1) Get your assessment notice, (2) Research comparable recent sales, (3) File an appeal by the deadline (typically 30-90 days from assessment notice). Studies show 20-40% of appeals result in a reduction. The process is free and you represent yourself — no attorney required.

Are property taxes included in my mortgage payment in West Virginia?

Most lenders require an escrow account that collects $73/month ($878/year ÷ 12) along with your mortgage payment, then pays the county on your behalf. If your loan-to-value is below 80%, you may be able to opt out of escrow and pay taxes directly. Note: if your assessed value rises, your escrow payment adjusts and your total monthly cost increases.

What West Virginia counties have the highest and lowest property taxes?

West Virginia's highest effective rate is in Monongalia County (Morgantown) at 0.71%. The lowest is Pendleton County at 0.35%. That's a 0.36% spread — on a $156,800 home, the difference is $564/year.