Federal figures released this week says the average weekly wage in Boone County in the third quarter of 2008 was $851. The national average for the period was $841.

All other counties are below the national average in a state that is near the bottom in per capita and medium income.

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics says Wirt County's average weekly wage of $385 was the lowest in West Virginia.

Braxton $527

Calhoun $524

Clay $649

Gilmer $617

Ritchie $583

Roane $527

Wirt $385