2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in West Virginia — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

855 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 24981 (Talcott, WV) - 85/100
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 85/100
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 85/100 44/100
2 25962 Rainelle WV 80/100 35/100
3 26261 Richwood WV 76/100 36/100
4 26419 Pine Grove WV 76/100 44/100
5 26147 Grantsville WV 75/100 48/100
6 24801 Welch WV 74/100 55/100
7 25601 Logan WV 74/100 58/100
8 25661 Williamson WV 73/100 68/100
9 26070 Wellsburg WV 73/100 46/100
10 24970 Ronceverte WV 72/100 45/100
11 26040 Mcmechen WV 72/100 56/100
12 26155 New Martinsville WV 72/100 48/100
13 26425 Rowlesburg WV 72/100 58/100
14 26722 Green Spring WV 72/100 61/100
15 25667 Chattaroy WV 71/100 76/100
16 26003 Wheeling WV 71/100 45/100
17 26271 Hendricks WV 71/100 69/100
18 26136 Big Bend WV 69/100 72/100
19 25085 Gauley Bridge WV 68/100 70/100
20 25984 Rupert WV 68/100 61/100
21 24870 Oceana WV 67/100 60/100
22 25674 Kermit WV 67/100 72/100
23 26656 Belva WV 67/100 71/100
24 24954 Marlinton WV 66/100 41/100
25 25270 Reedy WV 66/100 72/100
26 26241 Elkins WV 66/100 50/100
27 26750 Piedmont WV 66/100 38/100
28 24927 Cass WV 65/100 60/100
29 25401 Martinsburg WV 65/100 56/100
30 25920 Slab Fork WV 65/100 59/100
31 26031 Benwood WV 65/100 56/100
32 26416 Philippi WV 65/100 65/100
33 26430 Sand Fork WV 65/100 64/100
34 26847 Petersburg WV 65/100 56/100
35 24986 White Sulphur Springs WV 64/100 58/100
36 25045 Clendenin WV 64/100 58/100
37 26033 Cameron WV 64/100 63/100
38 26323 Anmoore WV 64/100 82/100
39 26351 Glenville WV 64/100 54/100
40 26436 Smithburg WV 64/100 55/100
41 26448 Wallace WV 64/100 70/100
42 24815 Berwind WV 63/100 86/100
43 24853 Kimball WV 63/100 81/100
44 24898 Wyoming WV 63/100 80/100
45 25521 Griffithsville WV 63/100 69/100
46 26041 Moundsville WV 63/100 54/100
47 26047 New Cumberland WV 63/100 58/100
48 26062 Weirton WV 63/100 54/100
49 26836 Moorefield WV 63/100 46/100
50 24817 Bradshaw WV 62/100 86/100
51 24818 Brenton WV 62/100 60/100
52 24892 War WV 62/100 81/100
53 25685 Naugatuck WV 62/100 56/100
54 25845 Glen Fork WV 62/100 88/100
55 25882 Mullens WV 62/100 71/100
56 25904 Pax WV 62/100 74/100
57 25922 Spanishburg WV 62/100 45/100
58 26037 Follansbee WV 62/100 64/100
59 26202 Fenwick WV 62/100 71/100
60 26264 Durbin WV 62/100 63/100
61 26582 Mannington WV 62/100 59/100
62 25164 Procious WV 61/100 64/100
63 25320 Charleston WV 61/100 84/100
64 25434 Paw Paw WV 61/100 55/100
65 25678 Matewan WV 61/100 77/100
66 26159 Paden City WV 61/100 58/100
67 26287 Parsons WV 61/100 57/100
68 26301 Clarksburg WV 61/100 60/100
69 26456 West Union WV 61/100 75/100
70 26571 Farmington WV 61/100 74/100
71 26575 Hundred WV 61/100 61/100
72 24701 Bluefield WV 60/100 53/100
73 25043 Clay WV 60/100 70/100
74 25670 Delbarton WV 60/100 71/100
75 26034 Chester WV 60/100 64/100
76 26050 Newell WV 60/100 64/100
77 26060 Valley Grove WV 60/100 40/100
78 26294 Valley Head WV 60/100 81/100
79 26386 Lumberport WV 60/100 68/100
80 26426 Salem WV 60/100 69/100
81 24828 Davy WV 59/100 83/100
82 24836 Gary WV 59/100 86/100
83 25003 Alum Creek WV 59/100 53/100
84 25676 Lenore WV 59/100 81/100
85 25813 Beaver WV 59/100 58/100
86 25921 Sophia WV 59/100 53/100
87 26059 Triadelphia WV 59/100 54/100
88 26101 Parkersburg WV 59/100 67/100
89 26149 Middlebourne WV 59/100 70/100
90 26206 Cowen WV 59/100 73/100
91 26506 Morgantown WV 59/100 69/100
92 24874 Pineville WV 58/100 80/100
93 24910 Alderson WV 58/100 53/100
94 24946 Hillsboro WV 58/100 51/100
95 25007 Arnett WV 58/100 58/100
96 25301 Charleston WV 58/100 94/100
97 26205 Craigsville WV 58/100 63/100
98 26253 Beverly WV 58/100 70/100

Methodology

The Home Purchase Risk Score combines area indicators that may lead to added costs for homebuyers: water system violation records, lead service line indicators, county radon potential, flood zones and housing age. An indicator does not mean a home needs filtration, mitigation, insurance or upgrades; a home test or inspection decides that. 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: 2026-04-13.

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 service-line indicators and system-level action-level 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.

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