Buying a home in West Virginia

Property taxes, transfer taxes, home values and first-time buyer help in West Virginia.

Effective property tax rate

0.53%

Median tax $865 ÷ median value $162,600 (ACS 2020–2024)

Typical home value

$179,496

Zillow ZHVI, 2026-08

Transfer & recording taxes Estimate

$612

Total on a $179,496 home; buyer’s typical share $0.

How we estimated

$1.10 per $500 (W. Va. Code §11-22-2(a), now retained by counties) plus a county tax of at least $0.55 per $500 (up to $1.65; §11-22-2(b)) and a $20 affordable-housing fee. Paid by the grantor (seller) unless the buyer accepts the deed unpaid. Shown at the minimum county rate. Sources: W. Va. Code §11-22-2. Checked 2026-10-15.

Buyer’s transfer & recording taxes Estimate

On a $179,496 home. Lender fees and title insurance aren’t included because we don’t have a sourced figure for them in West Virginia. Estimate the rest.

At West Virginia's effective rate of 0.53%, a typical $179,496 home would owe about $951/year ($79/month) in property taxes. Actual bills depend on your county, city and exemptions. Run your numbers.

First-time homebuyer programs

West Virginia Housing Development Fund

Your state housing finance agency offers down payment assistance and low-rate mortgages for eligible buyers. Visit West Virginia Housing Development Fund →

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-year (B25103, B25077); Zillow Home Value Index; TallyClose closing-cost dataset (CC BY 4.0), which cites each state statute; NCSHA HFA directory. Last updated 2026-10-15.