Randolph ranks well above national livability baseline
Randolph County scores 73.3 out of 100 on CountyScore, a strong 46% improvement over the national median of 50.0. This performance places the county in the upper quartile nationally and signals genuine livability strengths.
2 / 5
One of West Virginia's best performers
Randolph edges above the state average of 72.2, earning a top-tier ranking among West Virginia counties. The county consistently outperforms regional peers and demonstrates sustained livability advantages.
3 / 5
Tax efficiency, health, and housing all competitive
Randolph leads with a tax score of 91.3 (effective rate 0.391%), cost score of 86.1, and health score of 66.3—among the strongest metrics in the state. This combination of low taxes, affordable housing, and solid health outcomes creates a well-rounded livable environment.
4 / 5
Income growth remains the main constraint
Despite its strengths, the county's income score of 19.3 reflects a median household income of $55,057, limiting wage-driven economic advancement. Risk resilience at 43.0 is also middling, suggesting the county could benefit from economic diversification.
5 / 5
Ideal for health-conscious, tax-minded settlers
Randolph County appeals to families and professionals seeking an affordable, tax-light community with reasonable health care access. It's especially suited to those willing to trade lower incomes for stability and balanced living costs.
Randolph ranks well above national livability baseline
Randolph County scores 73.3 out of 100 on CountyScore, a strong 46% improvement over the national median of 50.0. This performance places the county in the upper quartile nationally and signals genuine livability strengths.
One of West Virginia's best performers
Randolph edges above the state average of 72.2, earning a top-tier ranking among West Virginia counties. The county consistently outperforms regional peers and demonstrates sustained livability advantages.
Tax efficiency, health, and housing all competitive
Randolph leads with a tax score of 91.3 (effective rate 0.391%), cost score of 86.1, and health score of 66.3—among the strongest metrics in the state. This combination of low taxes, affordable housing, and solid health outcomes creates a well-rounded livable environment.
Income growth remains the main constraint
Despite its strengths, the county's income score of 19.3 reflects a median household income of $55,057, limiting wage-driven economic advancement. Risk resilience at 43.0 is also middling, suggesting the county could benefit from economic diversification.
Ideal for health-conscious, tax-minded settlers
Randolph County appeals to families and professionals seeking an affordable, tax-light community with reasonable health care access. It's especially suited to those willing to trade lower incomes for stability and balanced living costs.
Score breakdown
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🏛91.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Randolph County's effective tax rate of 0.391% ranks it in the lowest 15% of all U.S. counties, far below the national median of 0.73%. At $539 annually, property taxes here are less than one-fifth of the national median of $2,690.
Second-lowest in West Virginia
Randolph County ranks among the lowest-taxing counties in West Virginia, with an effective rate of 0.391% compared to the state average of 0.497%. Only a handful of counties in the state offer lower tax rates, making Randolph attractive for tax-conscious residents.
The region's tax bargain
Randolph's 0.391% rate is the lowest among nearby counties: Tucker County is 0.353%, Summers County is 0.304%, Raleigh is 0.514%, and Ritchie is 0.649%. Randolph sits near the bottom, making it a competitive option regionally for property tax burden.
Budget $539 per year
On the median home value of $137,800, Randolph County residents pay just $539 annually in property tax. Adding mortgage-related costs brings the total to $608; without a mortgage, the base tax is $499.
Double-check your assessment
Even in low-tax counties, overassessment happens—and you have the right to appeal. If your property's assessed value seems inflated compared to recent sales of similar homes in Randolph, a formal challenge could save you money.
Randolph County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% sits below the national average, offering moderate relief for renters despite the county's median income of $55,057 being 26% lower than the national median of $74,755. Monthly rent averages $807, making it relatively affordable for a Appalachian county.
Randolph slightly exceeds state affordability
At 17.6%, Randolph's rent-to-income ratio edges above West Virginia's 16.9% average, ranking it roughly in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. Rent of $807 runs $47 above the state median, though income levels are comparable.
Balanced costs among regional peers
Randolph's $807 rent positions it between pricier Raleigh ($847) and much cheaper Ritchie ($583). Its homeownership costs of $511 monthly rank among the lowest in the region, making it appealing to buyers.
Renting and buying both remain reasonable
Renters spend $807 monthly (17.6% of income), while homebuyers pay just $511 for mortgages on properties averaging $137,800. This split affordability profile means Randolph works well for either renters or first-time buyers.
Randolph balances cost and opportunity
For those weighing West Virginia moves, Randolph offers middle-ground affordability—cheaper than Raleigh but with slightly higher rents than rural Ritchie. It's a solid choice for renters seeking modest costs and homebuyers targeting sub-$140,000 properties.
Randolph County's median household income of $55,057 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $20,000. Like most West Virginia counties, Randolph faces a persistent income gap driven by limited access to higher-wage industries and educational hubs.
Just above West Virginia's middle
At $55,057, Randolph County slightly exceeds West Virginia's median income of $54,746, ranking in the upper-middle tier statewide. This modest advantage positions the county among the more economically stable regions in the state.
Outpaces Raleigh by $3,000
Randolph County edges out neighboring Raleigh County by roughly $3,000 in median household income, suggesting stronger job market diversity or slightly higher wage levels. Both counties remain interconnected through similar industrial and service-based economies.
Rent eats 17.6% of household income
The county's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% ranks among the most affordable in the region, well below the national concern threshold of 30%. At a median home value of $137,800, housing remains within reach for middle-income families.
Leverage affordability to build assets
With a median household income of $55,057 and low rent burden at 17.6%, Randolph County residents can redirect savings into retirement accounts and investment portfolios. Starting even modest monthly contributions to a Roth IRA compounds significantly over decades.
At 74.3 years, Randolph County's life expectancy approaches the U.S. average of 75.1 years, positioning it among West Virginia's healthier counties. Just 22.7% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of roughly 17%, though room for improvement remains.
Randolph outperforms most of West Virginia
With a life expectancy 2.1 years above the state average of 72.2 years, Randolph County ranks among the state's top performers. Its low poor/fair health rate of 22.7% suggests better chronic disease management and preventive care uptake.
Randolph compares well in the region
Randolph's 74.3-year life expectancy edges slightly below nearby Tucker County (75.1 years) but surpasses Raleigh County (69.5 years) by nearly 5 years. The county demonstrates that rural West Virginia communities can achieve competitive health outcomes.
Adequate primary care, tight mental health capacity
Randolph has 76 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and keeps its uninsured rate at 7.4%—nearly state-level. However, mental health providers at 132 per 100K lag behind larger counties, potentially limiting access to psychiatric care for residents with behavioral health needs.
Keep coverage steady for continued health
With an uninsured rate near the state average, most Randolph residents have access to care—but 7.4% remain uncovered. Verify your health insurance annually and explore marketplace options if your coverage lapses.
Randolph County's composite risk score of 57.06 places it moderately above the national average, driven primarily by flood vulnerability. The county's relatively low tornado risk of 9.13 and minimal wildfire exposure at 16.86 provide some protection compared to other regions.
Second-highest risk in West Virginia
Randolph County ranks second in disaster risk among West Virginia counties with a score of 57.06, exceeding the state average of 49.21 by 16%. The county's flood risk of 78.31 is the primary driver of this elevated ranking.
Riskier than most surrounding counties
Randolph's 57.06 score significantly outpaces nearby Tucker County (12.56) and Taylor County (23.51), reflecting the county's unique flood vulnerability. Only neighboring Raleigh County presents comparable or greater overall disaster risk in the region.
Flooding is Randolph's primary concern
Flooding dominates Randolph County's risk profile with a score of 78.31, making it the county's defining natural disaster threat. Earthquake risk at 33.91 and hurricane risk at 50.81 present secondary but meaningful hazards for residents.
Prioritize flood insurance and readiness
Randolph County residents in flood-prone areas must secure dedicated flood insurance, as standard homeowner policies exclude flood damage. Developing a family emergency plan and maintaining evacuation routes are equally important given the county's substantial flood exposure.