2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in West Virginia — 2026

Last updated: July 19, 2026

855 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 24981 (Talcott, WV) - 83/100
Lead Violations Lowest Score Safest Flood Risk Energy Cost Radon PFAS Reliability EJ Index Homebuyer Risk CO & Gas Safest Gas Remediation Burden Unresolved Violations (by Utility) Water Equity (by Utility)

Out of 855 ZIP codes with data in West Virginia, these are the highest-ranked areas for purchase risk. See also: National Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers — Hidden Risk Factors | All West Virginia Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 855
Highest value 83/100
Median value 40/100
State West Virginia

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 24981 Talcott WV 83/100 44/100
2 25962 Rainelle WV 79/100 35/100
3 26419 Pine Grove WV 79/100 44/100
4 26040 Mcmechen WV 76/100 56/100
5 26147 Grantsville WV 75/100 48/100
6 26155 New Martinsville WV 75/100 48/100
7 26261 Richwood WV 75/100 36/100
8 26425 Rowlesburg WV 75/100 58/100
9 24801 Welch WV 74/100 55/100
10 25601 Logan WV 74/100 58/100
11 26070 Wellsburg WV 74/100 46/100
12 26722 Green Spring WV 74/100 61/100
13 25661 Williamson WV 73/100 68/100
14 26003 Wheeling WV 72/100 45/100
15 24970 Ronceverte WV 71/100 45/100
16 26271 Hendricks WV 71/100 69/100
17 25667 Chattaroy WV 70/100 76/100
18 25085 Gauley Bridge WV 69/100 70/100
19 26136 Big Bend WV 69/100 72/100
20 26750 Piedmont WV 69/100 38/100
21 24870 Oceana WV 67/100 60/100
22 25401 Martinsburg WV 67/100 56/100
23 25674 Kermit WV 67/100 72/100
24 25984 Rupert WV 67/100 61/100
25 26033 Cameron WV 67/100 63/100
26 26062 Weirton WV 67/100 54/100
27 26656 Belva WV 67/100 71/100
28 24954 Marlinton WV 66/100 41/100
29 25270 Reedy WV 66/100 72/100
30 26031 Benwood WV 66/100 56/100
31 26041 Moundsville WV 66/100 54/100
32 26047 New Cumberland WV 66/100 58/100
33 26241 Elkins WV 66/100 50/100
34 26543 Osage WV 66/100 45/100
35 24927 Cass WV 65/100 60/100
36 25410 Bakerton WV 65/100 45/100
37 25920 Slab Fork WV 65/100 59/100
38 26037 Follansbee WV 65/100 64/100
39 26416 Philippi WV 65/100 65/100
40 26430 Sand Fork WV 65/100 64/100
41 26582 Mannington WV 65/100 59/100
42 26847 Petersburg WV 65/100 56/100
43 25045 Clendenin WV 64/100 58/100
44 25434 Paw Paw WV 64/100 55/100
45 26050 Newell WV 64/100 64/100
46 26159 Paden City WV 64/100 58/100
47 26323 Anmoore WV 64/100 82/100
48 26351 Glenville WV 64/100 54/100
49 26436 Smithburg WV 64/100 55/100
50 26448 Wallace WV 64/100 70/100
51 26575 Hundred WV 64/100 61/100
52 24815 Berwind WV 63/100 86/100
53 24853 Kimball WV 63/100 81/100
54 24898 Wyoming WV 63/100 80/100
55 24986 White Sulphur Springs WV 63/100 58/100
56 25521 Griffithsville WV 63/100 69/100
57 26034 Chester WV 63/100 64/100
58 26571 Farmington WV 63/100 74/100
59 26836 Moorefield WV 63/100 46/100
60 24817 Bradshaw WV 62/100 86/100
61 24818 Brenton WV 62/100 60/100
62 24892 War WV 62/100 81/100
63 25685 Naugatuck WV 62/100 56/100
64 25845 Glen Fork WV 62/100 88/100
65 25882 Mullens WV 62/100 71/100
66 25904 Pax WV 62/100 74/100
67 26101 Parkersburg WV 62/100 67/100
68 26264 Durbin WV 62/100 63/100
69 26506 Morgantown WV 62/100 69/100
70 25164 Procious WV 61/100 64/100
71 25320 Charleston WV 61/100 84/100
72 25678 Matewan WV 61/100 77/100
73 26060 Valley Grove WV 61/100 40/100
74 26202 Fenwick WV 61/100 71/100
75 26287 Parsons WV 61/100 57/100
76 26301 Clarksburg WV 61/100 60/100
77 26456 West Union WV 61/100 75/100
78 25043 Clay WV 60/100 70/100
79 25922 Spanishburg WV 60/100 45/100
80 26038 Glen Dale WV 60/100 58/100
81 26059 Triadelphia WV 60/100 54/100
82 26294 Valley Head WV 60/100 81/100
83 26386 Lumberport WV 60/100 68/100
84 26426 Salem WV 60/100 69/100
85 26435 Simpson WV 60/100 63/100
86 26591 Worthington WV 60/100 76/100
87 24701 Bluefield WV 59/100 53/100
88 24828 Davy WV 59/100 83/100
89 24836 Gary WV 59/100 86/100
90 25003 Alum Creek WV 59/100 53/100
91 25670 Delbarton WV 59/100 71/100
92 25921 Sophia WV 59/100 53/100
93 26149 Middlebourne WV 59/100 70/100
94 26164 Ravenswood WV 59/100 69/100
95 26167 Reader WV 59/100 63/100
96 26206 Cowen WV 59/100 73/100
97 26404 Meadowbrook WV 59/100 55/100
98 26851 Wardensville WV 59/100 45/100
99 24874 Pineville WV 58/100 80/100
100 25007 Arnett WV 58/100 58/100

Methodology

The Home Purchase Risk Score combines environmental hazards that create unexpected costs for homebuyers: water system violations requiring filtration, lead service lines requiring replacement, radon requiring mitigation systems, flood zones requiring insurance, and aging infrastructure requiring upgrades. These are factors that standard home inspections may not fully capture.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-07-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Home Purchase Risk Score?

This score (0-100) estimates the hidden environmental costs a homebuyer may face: water filtration needs, lead pipe replacement, radon mitigation, flood insurance, and infrastructure upgrades. Higher scores mean more potential unexpected expenses after purchase.

What should homebuyers do in high-risk ZIP codes?

Request a water quality test, check for lead service lines with the utility, test for radon before closing, verify FEMA flood zone designation, and factor in potential remediation costs ($5,000-$30,000+) to your budget.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →

Related Rankings

Water Safety 2026 EPA violations and water quality scores Lead Risk 2026 Lead pipe infrastructure and EPA exceedances Infrastructure 2026 Aging pipes, system age and remediation costs
Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

Get safety alerts for West Virginia

Free updates when EPA data changes for this area. No spam.

Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.

Share This Page

X Facebook
Check your water filter options Free tool - no phone call required.