Raleigh County scores 68.8 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper third nationally and reflects a strong overall livability profile relative to U.S. peers.
2 / 5
Solid middle performer within West Virginia
Raleigh ranks slightly below West Virginia's state average of 72.2, placing it squarely in the middle tier among the state's counties. The county keeps pace with regional peers, though a handful of counties exceed its overall livability score.
3 / 5
Tax burden and housing affordability shine
Raleigh excels in tax competitiveness with a score of 87.8 (effective tax rate of just 0.514%) and affordable housing with a cost score of 83.3—median home values around $142,600 keep ownership accessible. The county's balanced tax and housing profile makes it attractive for cost-conscious families and retirees.
4 / 5
Income and risk levels need attention
The county's income score of 17.4 reflects a median household income of $52,055, which lags most national comparisons and limits economic opportunity. A risk score of 34.5 also signals vulnerability to economic or environmental challenges that warrant monitoring.
5 / 5
A budget-friendly home for practical residents
Raleigh County suits households prioritizing affordability and low taxes over high earning potential or cutting-edge services. It's an appealing choice for retirees, remote workers with stable outside income, or families seeking a no-frills, cost-conscious community.
Raleigh County scores 68.8 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper third nationally and reflects a strong overall livability profile relative to U.S. peers.
Solid middle performer within West Virginia
Raleigh ranks slightly below West Virginia's state average of 72.2, placing it squarely in the middle tier among the state's counties. The county keeps pace with regional peers, though a handful of counties exceed its overall livability score.
Tax burden and housing affordability shine
Raleigh excels in tax competitiveness with a score of 87.8 (effective tax rate of just 0.514%) and affordable housing with a cost score of 83.3—median home values around $142,600 keep ownership accessible. The county's balanced tax and housing profile makes it attractive for cost-conscious families and retirees.
Income and risk levels need attention
The county's income score of 17.4 reflects a median household income of $52,055, which lags most national comparisons and limits economic opportunity. A risk score of 34.5 also signals vulnerability to economic or environmental challenges that warrant monitoring.
A budget-friendly home for practical residents
Raleigh County suits households prioritizing affordability and low taxes over high earning potential or cutting-edge services. It's an appealing choice for retirees, remote workers with stable outside income, or families seeking a no-frills, cost-conscious community.
Score breakdown
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🏛87.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Raleigh County residents spend 19.5% of their income on rent, compared to the national average of about 15%. The county's median household income of $52,055 lags 30% behind the national median of $74,755, making housing costs a bigger squeeze for local renters.
Raleigh ranks among state's least affordable
At 19.5%, Raleigh's rent-to-income ratio exceeds West Virginia's state average of 16.9%, placing it among the less affordable counties statewide. Median rent of $847 monthly also runs $87 above the state average, despite lower incomes.
Higher rent than surrounding counties
Raleigh renters pay $847 monthly versus $807 in nearby Randolph County and $583 in Ritchie County. Only Summers County's $922 rent exceeds Raleigh's, making it a pricier option in the region.
Housing takes nearly one-fifth of income
Rent consumes $847 monthly (19.5% of income), while homeownership averages $651 monthly in mortgage costs. A median home value of $142,600 remains accessible compared to national medians, but rental affordability pressures are real.
Compare Raleigh to more affordable peers
If housing costs matter in your relocation decision, consider Ritchie County (13.9% rent-to-income ratio) or Roane County (15.7%), both nearby with significantly lower rental burdens. Raleigh works best for homebuyers; renters may find better value in neighboring counties.
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.
At 69.5 years, Raleigh County's life expectancy lags nearly 6 years behind the U.S. average of 75.1 years. One in four residents reports poor or fair health, compared to roughly one in six nationally, signaling deeper wellness challenges across the population.
Among West Virginia's lower-performing counties
Raleigh ranks below the state average life expectancy of 72.2 years, making it one of the state's health outliers. With a poor/fair health rate of 25.7%, the county exceeds the state median, indicating concentrated health disparities.
Raleigh versus surrounding Appalachian counties
Raleigh's 69.5-year life expectancy trails nearby Tucker County (75.1 years) and Tyler County (74.8 years) by 5+ years, though it edges out Summers County (69.4 years) by just months. The gap reflects geographic variation in healthcare access and chronic disease burden across the region.
Solid primary care, but gaps remain
Raleigh County has 77 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—above the state average—yet 7.9% remain uninsured. Mental health providers at 294 per 100K offer robust psychiatric support, but ongoing access barriers persist for low-income and rural populations.
Check your coverage options today
If you're among the 7.9% of uninsured Raleigh County residents, marketplace plans and Medicaid expansion benefits may be within reach. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to explore coverage that fits your family's needs and budget.
Raleigh County's composite risk score of 65.52 places it well above the national average, indicating elevated exposure to multiple hazards. This rating reflects significant vulnerability to flooding and earthquakes compared to most U.S. counties, though tornado risk remains relatively modest at 15.59.
Highest risk county in West Virginia
Raleigh County ranks as West Virginia's most disaster-prone county, with a composite risk score of 65.52 compared to the state average of 49.21. This 33% elevation above state peers reflects the county's particular susceptibility to flood and wildfire events.
Significantly riskier than neighboring counties
Raleigh's 65.52 risk score far exceeds nearby Summers County (40.24) and Fayette County neighbors, making it a regional outlier for disaster exposure. The county's flood risk of 80.92 is particularly severe compared to most surrounding areas.
Flooding and earthquakes dominate hazard profile
Raleigh County faces critical flood risk scoring 80.92—among the highest in the nation—with earthquake risk at 70.39 also presenting substantial concern. Wildfire risk at 75.10 rounds out the county's top three hazards, each requiring distinct preparation strategies.
Flood insurance essential for Raleigh residents
Given the county's exceptional flood risk, residents should prioritize comprehensive flood insurance, which standard homeowner policies do not cover. Earthquake insurance and wildfire preparedness plans are equally critical given the county's elevated exposure to these hazards.