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Roane County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#17 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
67.5
County Score
Cost of Living 97.5Property Tax 90.9Schools 76

County Report Card

About Roane County, West Virginia

Roane County Exceeds National Standards

With a composite score of 67.5, Roane County significantly outperforms the 50.0 national median. It ranks as a top-tier rural location when compared to counties across the United States.

A Top Performer in West Virginia

The county beats the West Virginia average of 62.0 by several points. Strong performance in schools and housing makes it a standout choice for residents within the state.

Strong Schools and Low Expenses

A school score of 76.0 makes the county an educational leader, while a cost score of 97.5 ensures extreme affordability. Median rent is just $590, and the tax score remains high at 90.9.

Income Potential and Health Access

An income score of 7.5 highlights a lack of local high-earning jobs for the median $45,194 income. Health metrics also lag at 26.6, suggesting a need for better community wellness resources.

Ideal for Young Starting Families

Roane is an excellent fit for parents who prioritize quality education and incredibly low monthly costs. It rewards those who can work flexibly while enjoying a safe, school-focused community.

Score breakdown

Tax90.9Cost97.5Safety70Health26.6Schools76Income7.5Risk55Water21Weather60.4
🏛90.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠97.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓76
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡55
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧21
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Calhoun County
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67.9
Wirt County
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Jackson County
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Clay County
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Gilmer County
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Kanawha County
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Ritchie County
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Deep Dives

Roane County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Roane County

via TaxByCounty

Roane's taxes stay well below national average

Roane County's effective tax rate of 0.444% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.73%, placing it in the lower 40% nationally. Homeowners pay $538 annually compared to the national median of $2,690, reflecting both modest home values and a reasonable tax rate.

Slightly below state average

Roane County's 0.444% effective rate sits below West Virginia's state average of 0.497%, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state. The median tax of $538 is also lower than the state median of $699.

Middle ground in the region

Roane's 0.444% rate positions it squarely between higher-taxing neighbors like Ritchie (0.649%) and lower-taxing ones like Summers (0.304%) and Tucker (0.353%). It's a moderate option within a geographically diverse tax landscape.

Budget roughly $538 annually

With a median home value of $121,100, Roane County residents pay $538 per year in property tax. Add mortgage costs and the figure rises to $652; without a mortgage, the base tax drops to $473.

Review your assessed value

Even at moderate tax rates, overassessment remains a common problem in West Virginia. If your home's assessed value seems out of line with comparable recent sales in Roane County, you can file an appeal to potentially reduce your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Roane County

via CostByCounty

Roane offers solid affordability with tight income

Roane County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% sits below the national average, yet the county's median household income of $45,194 ranks among West Virginia's lowest. Monthly rent of $590 is genuinely cheap, but represents larger portions of already modest earnings.

Roane ranks among state's more affordable

At 15.7%, Roane's rent-to-income ratio beats West Virginia's 16.9% state average, placing it firmly in the affordability-friendly tier. Monthly rent of $590 runs $170 below state average, benefiting residents significantly.

Roane competes well on rental costs

Roane's $590 rent undercuts Randolph ($807) and Raleigh ($847) substantially, matching Ritchie's bargain pricing. Combined with modest ownership costs of $448 monthly, Roane rivals any neighboring county for affordability.

Housing is affordable but income is limited

Renters spend $590 monthly (15.7% of income), while homebuyers pay $448 on properties averaging $121,100. The real challenge isn't housing costs but the overall income level of $45,194, which limits purchasing power elsewhere.

Roane works for cost-conscious relocators

With rent at just $590 and homeownership near $450 monthly, Roane competes with West Virginia's cheapest options for housing. Consider it if your move prioritizes low living costs and you're comfortable with the county's modest income base.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Roane County

via IncomeByCounty

Roane County earns 40% below nation

Roane County's median household income of $45,194 sits nearly $30,000 below the national median of $74,755, marking one of the largest gaps in the state. The county reflects severe economic stress common to rural Appalachian communities with limited diversification.

Among West Virginia's lowest incomes

At $45,194, Roane County ranks among the state's lowest-income counties, falling about $9,500 below West Virginia's median of $54,746. This places Roane among the most economically challenged regions in the state.

Roane significantly behind peers

Roane County's income of $45,194 trails neighboring Summers County ($42,544—the only lower county) and lags well behind nearby Tyler County ($58,293) by $13,000. The disparity suggests Roane's neighbors have stronger job markets or higher-wage employers.

Rent consumes 15.7% of earnings

Roane County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% remains affordable, keeping housing costs manageable despite lower overall incomes. The median home value of $121,100 remains accessible, though lower median household income limits down payment capacity.

Strategic saving critical for stability

With a median household income of $45,194, Roane County residents must prioritize emergency savings before investment to weather economic volatility. Even small monthly contributions to savings accounts and employer 401(k) plans build financial resilience over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Roane County

via CrimeByCounty

Roane County Boasts Low Crime Rates

Roane County features a high safety score of 98.9, far exceeding national averages. Its total crime rate of 705.8 per 100,000 residents is roughly 70% lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Safety Ranking in the Mountain State

Roane ranks as one of the safer counties in West Virginia, with a crime rate well below the state average of 949.0. Five different reporting agencies coordinate to maintain this high level of public safety.

Comparison with Regional Neighbors

At 705.8 per 100,000, Roane is safer than neighbor Ritchie County's 905.1. It is slightly more active than Summers County, which reports a crime rate of 567.3 per 100,000.

Property Crimes and Violent Safety

Property crime accounts for 606.0 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime remains very low at 99.8. This violent crime rate is less than half the West Virginia state average of 213.9.

Proactive Prevention for Homeowners

Since property crime is the primary concern, ensuring all windows and doors have sturdy locks is a vital first step. Joining a local watch group or connecting with neighbors also enhances community-wide safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Roane County

via HealthByCounty

Roane County lags behind national health trends

At 72.7 years, Roane County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 75.1 years by 2.4 years. Nearly 30% of residents report poor or fair health, marking one of the highest rates in the region and double the national average.

Roane ranks among West Virginia's sickest

With a life expectancy just 0.5 years above the state average of 72.2 years, Roane's health profile mirrors statewide struggles. Its poor/fair health rate of 29.8% ranks among the worst in West Virginia, indicating concentrated chronic disease burden.

Roane's health crisis stands out regionally

Roane's 72.7-year life expectancy significantly trails Tucker County (75.1 years) and Tyler County (74.8 years), and its poor/fair health rate of 29.8% is the highest in this county set. The disparity suggests unique local barriers to health and healthcare.

Limited primary care, rising uninsured rates

Roane has 58 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and a concerning 9.0% uninsured rate—highest among these counties. With just 80 mental health providers per 100K, behavioral health support is scarce for a population facing significant health challenges.

Getting insured protects your health and wallet

One in 11 Roane County residents lacks health coverage, delaying care and increasing medical debt. Visit healthcare.gov today to find an affordable plan—coverage opens doors to the preventive and chronic care your county urgently needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Roane County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused education in Roane County

Roane County operates five public schools for 1,795 students, all organized under a single district. The county provides three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school to serve its local families.

Elite graduation rates and high scores

The county achieves a remarkable 97% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 92.8%. With a school score of 58.6, Roane County outpaces both state and national medians despite spending slightly less than the state average per pupil.

Unified district with strong participation

Roane County Schools manages all students without the presence of charter schools. Roane County High is the largest school in the system, currently enrolling 540 students.

Small-town and rural school settings

Most students attend one of the four rural schools, though Spencer Elementary offers a town-based environment for 454 students. The average school size is a manageable 359 students, fostering a personal connection between staff and families.

Invest in a top-tier school district

With one of the highest graduation rates in the state, Roane County is a premier destination for families. Explore homes in this district to secure a high-quality education for your children in a supportive community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Roane County

via RiskByCounty

Roane faces below-average disaster risk

Roane County's composite risk score of 45.01 places it below the national average, indicating relatively modest overall disaster exposure. Flooding at 69.18 is the primary concern, while wildfire, tornado, and earthquake risks are all well-controlled.

Middle-tier risk among West Virginia counties

Roane County ranks in the middle of West Virginia's disaster risk spectrum with a score of 45.01, slightly below the state average of 49.21. This positioning reflects manageable hazard exposure compared to high-risk peers like Raleigh and Randolph.

Average risk for this region

Roane County's 45.01 score places it between safer counties like Ritchie (16.13) and riskier neighbors like Randolph (57.06). The county's moderate flood risk of 69.18 is more substantial than rural neighbors to the north but lower than industrial areas to the south.

Flooding drives Roane's hazard profile

Roane County faces meaningful flood risk at 69.18, making it the dominant natural hazard residents should prepare for. Earthquake risk at 30.98 and hurricane risk at 51.48 are secondary concerns, while wildfire and tornado risks remain minimal.

Flood insurance recommended for riverfront areas

Residents in flood-prone areas of Roane County should obtain dedicated flood insurance coverage, particularly those near waterways and valleys. Standard homeowner insurance provides a foundation, but specialized flood and earthquake coverage will better protect against the county's identified hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Roane County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Climate with Moderate Rainfall

Roane County averages 52.3°F annually, sitting just below the national median. Its 47.4 inches of annual precipitation is typical for the eastern United States.

Consistent with Statewide Norms

The county's 52.3°F average is nearly identical to the state average of 52.8°F. Rainfall patterns also match the state closely, coming in at 47.4 inches against the 47.0-inch average.

Lower Snowfall Than Eastern Peaks

Roane sees 24.2 inches of snow, which is significantly less than the 47.1 inches recorded in Raleigh County. However, it faces more extreme heat, with 15 days over 90°F compared to Raleigh's one.

Sunny Summers and Brisk Winters

July is warm with an average of 72.5°F, while January dips to a chilly 30.8°F. The county experiences a moderate 15 days of 90°F heat alongside two feet of annual snow.

Equip for Variable Conditions

Standard winter tires and home heating are necessary for the 24.2 inches of snow and sub-freezing January nights. Air conditioning is recommended to manage the 15 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Roane County

via SoilByCounty

The typical acidic Appalachian profile

Roane County follows the regional trend of acidic soils, where specific local data is currently unavailable. The West Virginia average pH is 5.25, notably lower than the national median of 6.5. Understanding this acidity is the first step for any local land management project.

Mineral balance and soil workability

While sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded for this county, the region generally features textures that require careful management. These mineral ratios determine how well the soil holds nutrients versus how quickly it drains. Local soil tests are recommended to determine the exact composition of your land.

Wealth of organic matter

West Virginia's soils average 21.03% organic matter, far surpassing the 2.0% national average. This high organic content typically supports an available water capacity of 0.142 in/in across the state. Roane County likely benefits from this rich biological foundation, promoting healthy plant growth.

Water movement and land use

Hydrologic groups and drainage classes are not specified for the dominant soils in this county. These factors are essential for determining where to place gardens or how to manage stormwater on a property. Observation of local runoff patterns can help fill in the gaps for homeowners.

Successful gardening in Zone 6b

Roane County falls within Hardiness Zone 6b, providing a reliable environment for many standard garden varieties. The climate and soil conditions favor everything from leafy greens to hardy perennials. Start your growing journey today by taking advantage of the state's natural organic richness.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Roane County

via LawnByCounty

Easy Growing in Roane County

Roane County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 74.9, significantly outperforming the national median. This Zone 6b region provides a forgiving environment for both novice and experienced gardeners to maintain lush turf.

Balanced Growth and Heat Peaks

The county receives 47.4 inches of rain annually, which keeps lawns hydrated without excessive water bills. Expect 15 extreme heat days, which is close to the state average of 17, making summer irrigation necessary during peak July weeks.

Foundational Soil Preparation

Comprehensive soil data is currently unavailable for Roane County. Gardeners should focus on adding organic matter to improve the soil structure and ensure better drainage before the spring growing surge.

High Resilience to Dry Weather

With only 10 weeks spent in drought conditions last year, Roane County is among the more resilient in the state. Currently, no part of the county is experiencing abnormal dryness, simplifying your summer maintenance routine.

Timing Your Roane County Lawn

Perennial Ryegrass is an excellent choice for this region given the 3,184 growing degree days. Start your lawn projects after April 30th to avoid the final spring frost and ensure healthy root development.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Roane County's county score?
Roane County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 67.5 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 Roane County rank among counties in West Virginia?
Roane County ranks #17 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 Roane County, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Roane County is $538, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Roane County a tax score of 90.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Roane County?
The median household income in Roane County, West Virginia is $45,194 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Roane County earns an income score of 7.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Roane County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Roane County scores 67.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in West Virginia. The best way to evaluate Roane 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 Roane County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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