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Overall Rating: 78/100 · 120,000 veterans (8.9% of population)
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your West Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
Full exemption - 100% of military retirement income exempt from state income tax since 2019
0.55% average effective rate
Full (refundable credit, 90%+)
90–100% P&T: refundable state income-tax credit = full property tax paid on homestead (since 2024). Nothing below 90%.
Source ↗No sales tax exemptions for veterans
$74,680
VA Medical Center
200 Veterans Avenue, Beckley, WV 25801
304-255-2121
Primary care, mental health, cardiology, surgery, emergency care 24/7
Tuition Benefit
Any veteran with general discharge or better, regardless of state of origin
4-year value: $72,320
Median Home
$267,000
1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL Index
89
Unemployment
3.2%
Major employers: West Virginia University (6,100), WVU Medicine (21,700), Mylan Pharmaceuticals, FBI CJIS
Pros: Best job market in WV, excellent schools, vibrant college town, low unemployment, diverse economy, growing population
Cons: Highest housing costs in WV, traffic congestion, student-dominated areas, limited airport access
Most veterans considering West Virginia for relocation pair this with one of these next steps:
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Quick calculator
Determines which West Virginia property tax tier you qualify for. 30 seconds.
Buying a home
$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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