What EPA's radon map says about Nicholas County

EPA places Nicholas County in Zone 2 - Moderate Potential — a predicted county-wide average indoor radon level between 2 and 4 pCi/L, based on the geology, soil and aerial radioactivity data behind EPA's national map. Rank it against the rest of the country and Nicholas County lands in the 48th percentile for radon potential.

How Nicholas County compares

About 24,017 people live in Nicholas County, West Virginia, spread over 646.842 square miles. Averaged across its land area, Nicholas County runs about 37 people per square mile. Among counties sharing Nicholas County's EPA zone, it outranks 45% of them by population. Geologically, Nicholas County is grouped into EPA Region 3 alongside 244 other counties that share its rock and soil setting.

Zone vs. an actual test

Nicholas County's predicted average falls between EPA's 4 pCi/L action level and the national indoor average of about 1.3 pCi/L (outdoor air runs roughly 0.4 pCi/L). Nothing about a Zone 2 label lowers the case for testing in Nicholas County — EPA recommends it in every zone, moderate included.

Testing and mitigation in Nicholas County

Mitigation cost doesn't depend on Nicholas County's zone — it depends on the house's foundation. A typical system runs $800–$2,500 (about $1,200 typical), and testing first is what tells you whether that's needed at all.

Find West Virginia's state radon program

Nicholas County's test kit answers today; a Airthings radon monitor keeps answering for Nicholas County over time. Affiliate link, RadonZoneCheck earns a commission there, at no extra cost to you. RADONZONE-10OFF at checkout knocks 10% off.

More on how this number was built

Nicholas County's zone, rank and region all trace back to named EPA and Census sources — the methodology guide lists exactly which ones. If you're unsure why a low zone still deserves a test, the zone explainer covers that directly.