countyscore

Raleigh County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#54 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
41.4
County Score
Property Tax 84.1Lawn Care 78.5Weather & Climate 69.8

County Report Card

About Raleigh County, West Virginia

Raleigh County Trails the National Median

Raleigh County holds a composite score of 42.0, falling below the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects the economic and infrastructure challenges facing the southern West Virginia region.

Ranking Below the West Virginia Average

The county's overall score sits significantly below the West Virginia state average of 62.0. It struggles to keep pace with state leaders in categories like safety and community health.

Low Taxes and Affordable Housing Costs

Tax efficiency is a major draw, with a high tax score of 84.4 and an effective rate of only 0.514%. Housing remains accessible, featuring a median home value of $142,600 and a cost score of 64.5.

Significant Safety and Health Hurdles

Safety is the primary concern with a score of 6.4, while the health score lags at 26.4. These factors, combined with an income score of 18.7, present ongoing challenges for resident well-being.

Best for Budget-Conscious Renters

This county suits residents who prioritize low monthly expenses, such as the $847 median rent, over high-end amenities. It appeals to those looking to stretch a $52,055 median income in a very low-tax environment.

2040608010084.162.56.426.441.315.634.521.869.8Tax84.1Cost62.5Safety6.4Health26.4Schools41.3Income15.6Risk34.5Water21.8Weather69.841.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Raleigh County DNA

Foverall

How Raleigh County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Raleigh County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (84.1/100) but notably weak in Safety (6.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
84.1+32.099999999999994
Cost
62.5+14.5
Safety
6.4-48.6
Health
26.4-23.6
Schools
41.3-12.700000000000003
Income
15.6-35.4
Risk
34.5-12.5
Water
21.8-36.2
Weather
69.8+13.799999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$150,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$902/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$150,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,150/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

31.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Fayette County
West Virginia
51.1
Wyoming County
West Virginia
62.6
Summers County
West Virginia
61.4
Boone County
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Mercer County
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Logan County
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McDowell County
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Kanawha County
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Deep Dives

Raleigh County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Raleigh County

via TaxByCounty

Raleigh's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.514%, Raleigh County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.73%, placing it in the lower third of all U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay $733 annually in property tax compared to the national median of $2,690, a difference driven by lower home values rather than higher tax rates.

Above average for West Virginia

Raleigh County's 0.514% effective rate ranks it slightly above West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, making it mid-range among the state's 55 counties. The median tax of $733 exceeds the state median of $699, reflecting a property tax burden that's fairly typical for the region.

Mixed rates across the region

Among neighboring counties, Raleigh falls in the middle: Taylor County (0.527%) is slightly higher, while Summers County (0.304%) and Randolph County (0.391%) are considerably lower. Ritchie County (0.649%) carries the region's heaviest burden, making Raleigh a moderate option for the area.

What $733 means for your home

On the median home value of $142,600, Raleigh County homeowners pay about $733 annually. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $870 once insurance and loan costs are factored in; without a mortgage, the property tax alone sits at $601.

You may be overpaying on taxes

Many West Virginia homeowners discover their properties are assessed above fair market value, making them eligible for tax appeals. If your recent assessment seems high relative to comparable homes in Raleigh County, filing an appeal could reduce your annual burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Raleigh County

via IncomeByCounty

Raleigh earns 30% below the nation

Raleigh County's median household income of $52,055 sits nearly $23,000 below the national median of $74,755. This income gap reflects broader economic challenges facing rural Appalachian communities compared to wealthier urban and suburban areas nationwide.

Middle of the pack in West Virginia

At $52,055, Raleigh County ranks near the state median of $54,746, placing it squarely in the middle tier of West Virginia's 55 counties. The county slightly underperforms the state average, suggesting its economy mirrors broader statewide income trends.

Slightly behind nearby Randolph County

Raleigh County trails neighboring Randolph County by roughly $3,000 in median household income ($55,057 vs. $52,055). Both counties reflect similar economic conditions across central West Virginia, though Randolph's slightly stronger income suggests more diverse employment opportunities.

Rent remains manageable at 19.5%

The county's rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% falls within the affordable range, meaning housing costs consume less than one-fifth of median household income. At a median home value of $142,600, homeownership remains relatively accessible compared to national standards.

Build savings with modest income

With median household income of $52,055, Raleigh residents should prioritize emergency savings and low-cost index fund investing to compound wealth over time. Local credit unions and online brokers offer accessible tools for building retirement security without high fees.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Raleigh County

via CrimeByCounty

Raleigh County Safety Compared to National Standards

Raleigh County reports a total crime rate of 3,195.0 per 100,000 residents, which sits higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a solid safety score of 95.0 out of 100.

Understanding Safety Within West Virginia

The county's crime rate of 3,195.0 is significantly higher than the West Virginia state average of 949.0. While most West Virginia counties boast higher safety scores, Raleigh remains a busy regional hub with reporting from 9 distinct agencies.

Crime Rates vs. Neighboring Counties

Raleigh faces a much higher total crime rate than neighbor Summers County, which reports just 567.3 incidents per 100,000 people. It also exceeds the crime frequency seen in Roane County's rate of 705.8.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Incidents

Property crimes drive the local data at 2,830.3 per 100,000 residents, while the violent crime rate is 364.7. This means theft and burglary are much more common risks for residents than physical violence.

Securing Your Raleigh County Residence

Since property crime represents the vast majority of local incidents, securing entry points remains a top priority. Installing smart cameras and motion lights provides an effective deterrent against residential theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Raleigh County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures and High Elevation

Raleigh County averages 51.3°F, sitting slightly below the national median for annual temperature. This climate provides a balanced four-season experience without the extreme heat found in lower latitudes.

Cooler and Snowier Than Average

The county stays cooler than the 52.8°F state average. With 47.1 inches of snow annually, it is significantly more wintry than the valley counties to the west.

Snowier Than Summers County

Raleigh receives 47.1 inches of snow, far outpacing neighbor Summers County at 18.8 inches. However, it is drier overall, with 45.5 inches of total precipitation compared to the state average of 47.0.

Rare Heat and Steady Snow

Extreme heat is almost non-existent here, with only one day per year reaching 90°F. Winters are cold and consistent, featuring a 30.9°F January average and frequent snow events.

Focus on Winter Readiness

Residents should prepare for nearly four feet of annual snow with proper tires and insulation. Central air conditioning is less critical than in other parts of the state due to the mild 68.6°F summer average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Raleigh County

via SoilByCounty

Regional acidity shapes local soil identity

While specific local data is limited, Raleigh County follows a state-wide trend of acidic soil conditions. West Virginia averages a pH of 5.25, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. Local growers should expect to manage soil acidity to optimize plant health.

A complex mix of texture and structure

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this area. However, the region typically balances drainage and workability based on its varied topography. These textural differences dictate how easily water and roots move through the earth.

High organic matter potential

West Virginia soils boast a high average organic matter content of 21.03%, far exceeding the national average of 2.0%. This richness generally supports a state-wide water capacity of 0.142 in/in. Raleigh County likely mirrors these fertile trends, providing a strong foundation for biomass.

Managing water across the landscape

Drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently specified for this county's dominant soils. Understanding how water flows is critical for both agricultural planning and residential building projects. Local surveyors can provide site-specific data for those looking to break ground.

Cooler seasons in Hardiness Zone 6b

Raleigh County sits in Hardiness Zone 6b, making it ideal for hardy vegetables and perennial shrubs. The combination of acidic soil and a moderate growing season supports diverse mountain flora. Grab a shovel and start your garden with cold-tolerant crops like kale and berries.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Raleigh County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Conditions for Raleigh County Lawns

Raleigh County earns a 78.5 lawn difficulty score, making it much easier to maintain than the national average of 50.0. The Hardiness Zone 6b environment provides a stable climate for grass to thrive with less effort than neighboring regions.

Steady Moisture with Minimal Heat Stress

Annual precipitation of 45.5 inches sits perfectly within the ideal range for grass health. With only one extreme heat day per year, your lawn avoids the scorching temperatures that typically brown out West Virginia turf in the summer.

Preparing Your Local Soil Base

While specific soil texture data is unavailable, local conditions generally benefit from a baseline nutrient test. Without automated data on pH or clay, homeowners should check for proper drainage before the spring growing season begins.

Managing Seasonal Dry Spells

The county experienced 12 weeks of drought over the last year, though current readings show no abnormal dryness. Maintaining deep watering habits twice a week during dry periods will keep your root systems resilient against future shortages.

Starting Your Zone 6b Turf

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are perfect for Raleigh County’s climate. Aim to seed after the last frost on May 6 to give your lawn time to establish before the fall chill arrives in late October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Raleigh County's county score?
Raleigh County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 41.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Raleigh County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Raleigh County ranks #54 among all counties in West Virginia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Raleigh County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Raleigh County is $754, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Raleigh County a tax score of 84.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Raleigh County?
The median household income in Raleigh County, West Virginia is $52,150 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Raleigh County earns an income score of 15.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Raleigh County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Raleigh County scores 41.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Raleigh County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Raleigh County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.