Ritchie significantly surpasses national livability norms
Ritchie County scores 75.0 out of 100, a full 50% above the national median of 50.0, placing it among the most livable counties nationwide. This score reflects genuine competitive advantages in affordability and stability.
2 / 5
Top-tier livability within West Virginia
Ritchie exceeds the state average of 72.2 and ranks among West Virginia's highest-performing counties. The county demonstrates sustained strength across multiple livability dimensions.
3 / 5
Housing is remarkably affordable, risk profile strong
Ritchie boasts the lowest median gross rent ($583/month) and median home value ($107,800) among these peers, earning a cost score of 92.9. The county's exceptional risk score of 83.9 signals strong resilience to economic shocks and environmental pressures.
4 / 5
Income opportunities lag, health outcomes moderate
An income score of 16.2 and median household income of just $50,256 constrain economic mobility and earning potential. Health outcomes at 58.9 are also below ideal, suggesting access or preventive care gaps.
5 / 5
Perfect for the resilient, budget-first settler
Ritchie County is made for individuals and families prioritizing ultra-low housing costs and community stability over income growth. It suits remote workers, retirees on fixed incomes, and those seeking maximum financial breathing room.
Ritchie significantly surpasses national livability norms
Ritchie County scores 75.0 out of 100, a full 50% above the national median of 50.0, placing it among the most livable counties nationwide. This score reflects genuine competitive advantages in affordability and stability.
Top-tier livability within West Virginia
Ritchie exceeds the state average of 72.2 and ranks among West Virginia's highest-performing counties. The county demonstrates sustained strength across multiple livability dimensions.
Housing is remarkably affordable, risk profile strong
Ritchie boasts the lowest median gross rent ($583/month) and median home value ($107,800) among these peers, earning a cost score of 92.9. The county's exceptional risk score of 83.9 signals strong resilience to economic shocks and environmental pressures.
Income opportunities lag, health outcomes moderate
An income score of 16.2 and median household income of just $50,256 constrain economic mobility and earning potential. Health outcomes at 58.9 are also below ideal, suggesting access or preventive care gaps.
Perfect for the resilient, budget-first settler
Ritchie County is made for individuals and families prioritizing ultra-low housing costs and community stability over income growth. It suits remote workers, retirees on fixed incomes, and those seeking maximum financial breathing room.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.649%, Ritchie County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.73%—though barely—placing it in the mid-range nationally. Despite lower home values, the annual median tax of $700 reflects a rate that's higher than most American counties on a percentage basis.
Ritchie tops West Virginia rates
Ritchie County's 0.649% effective rate is the highest in West Virginia, well above the state average of 0.497%. This makes it a notable outlier within the state, where most counties cluster in the 0.3% to 0.5% range.
The region's heaviest tax load
Ritchie's 0.649% rate significantly exceeds every surrounding county: Raleigh (0.514%), Taylor (0.527%), and Tyler (0.563%) all carry lighter burdens. Among the eight-county cluster in this region, Ritchie stands alone as the highest-taxing jurisdiction.
Pay $700 on a modest home
Despite the median home value of only $107,800, Ritchie County residents pay $700 annually—a tax-to-value ratio that reflects the county's higher rate. With mortgage-related costs included, the annual burden rises to $773; without a mortgage, it's $626.
Assessment appeals are worth your time
Given Ritchie's high effective rate, thorough assessment review becomes even more valuable—overassessment could cost you significantly over time. If your property's assessed value appears inflated, filing an appeal with the county assessor could deliver meaningful savings.
Ritchie County's rent-to-income ratio of just 13.9% significantly undercuts the national average of roughly 15%, making it exceptionally affordable for renters. Even with a median household income of $50,256—32% below the national median—housing remains highly accessible.
Ritchie county sets state affordability standard
At 13.9%, Ritchie's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in West Virginia, well below the state average of 16.9%. Monthly rent of $583 runs $177 cheaper than the state median, offering the best rental value statewide.
Ritchie's rent is region's cheapest option
At $583 monthly, Ritchie's median rent beats every surrounding county—Randolph ($807), Raleigh ($847), and Summers ($922) all charge significantly more. Homeownership is equally bargain-friendly at $342 monthly, the lowest in the region.
Extraordinarily low housing cost burden
Renters spend just $583 monthly, consuming only 13.9% of income, while buyers pay $342 for mortgages on homes averaging $107,800. Both renting and owning leave substantial income for other expenses in Ritchie.
Move to Ritchie for unbeatable affordability
If housing costs drive your relocation, Ritchie County is hard to beat anywhere in the state—rent 28% lower than state average and homeownership costs under $350 monthly. Trade-offs may exist in local job markets or services, so weigh opportunity carefully against savings.
Ritchie County's median household income of $50,256 falls nearly $24,500 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This substantial income gap reflects the county's dependence on extractive industries and limited access to growing economic sectors.
Among lowest earners in West Virginia
At $50,256, Ritchie County ranks below West Virginia's median of $54,746, placing it in the lower-income tier statewide. The county faces steeper economic headwinds than most of its West Virginia peers.
Ritchie trails regional counterparts
Ritchie County's income of $50,256 lags neighboring Raleigh County ($52,055) and nearby Tyler County ($58,293) by several thousand dollars. The gap suggests neighboring counties offer more diverse employment or higher-wage opportunities.
Lowest rent burden in the region
Ritchie County's rent-to-income ratio of just 13.9% is the lowest among its peers, making housing exceptionally affordable relative to local wages. The median home value of $107,800 provides additional accessibility for would-be homeowners.
Low cost of living enables wealth building
Despite lower median income, Ritchie County's affordable housing and low rent burden (13.9%) create space for residents to save and invest. Young families and early-career workers should capitalize on this affordability advantage to fund retirement and education goals.
At 73.3 years, Ritchie County trails the U.S. life expectancy of 75.1 years by nearly 2 years. Nearly 29% of residents report poor or fair health—nearly double the national average—reflecting high rates of chronic disease and limited preventive care.
Ritchie struggles with provider shortages
Though Ritchie's life expectancy sits slightly above the state average of 72.2 years, its poor/fair health rate of 28.9% ranks among West Virginia's worst. The county faces a critical mismatch: health needs are high, but provider availability is critically low.
Ritchie's isolation challenges health access
Ritchie's life expectancy of 73.3 years trails Tucker County (75.1 years) and Tyler County (74.8 years) by 1–2 years, yet its poor/fair health rate of 28.9% far exceeds both neighbors. Rural isolation and limited healthcare infrastructure compound the county's challenges.
Severe shortage of healthcare providers
With just 12 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this county set—Ritchie residents face long waits and travel barriers for basic care. An 8.5% uninsured rate and only 49 mental health providers per 100K underscore the healthcare access crisis.
Coverage is the first step to care
Nearly 1 in 12 Ritchie County residents lack health insurance, adding financial barriers to already-limited provider access. Explore Medicaid eligibility and marketplace plans at healthcare.gov—coverage removes one obstacle to getting the care you need.
Ritchie County's composite risk score of 16.13 places it in the very low risk category, well below the national average. The county's minimal wildfire risk of 3.91 and exceptionally low tornado exposure at 9.00 make it one of America's more protected regions.
Safest county in West Virginia
Ritchie County boasts the lowest composite risk score in West Virginia at 16.13, representing just one-third of the state average of 49.21. This dramatic difference makes Ritchie a relative haven from natural disaster exposure compared to its state peers.
Far safer than nearly all neighboring areas
Ritchie County's 16.13 risk score is substantially lower than all surrounding counties, including nearby Roane County (45.01) and Tyler County (35.59). The county's minimal wildfire exposure and low seismic activity create a notably protected regional position.
Flood risk remains modest primary concern
Despite the county's overall low risk profile, flooding presents Ritchie's most significant hazard at 44.43, though this remains below national averages. Hurricane risk at 45.68 is the only other concern reaching above 40, while tornado and wildfire risks are negligible.
Basic precautions sufficient for Ritchie homes
Ritchie County's low-risk status means residents can focus on standard homeowner insurance and basic weather preparedness rather than specialized coverage. However, those in flood-prone valleys should still maintain flood insurance despite the county's generally favorable exposure profile.