Roane solidly outperforms the national livability median
Roane County scores 72.8 out of 100, nearly 46% above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating strong competitive livability. This score positions the county well within the upper half of U.S. counties.
2 / 5
Slight edge above West Virginia average
Roane scores 72.8 versus the state average of 72.2, placing it just above the middle of West Virginia's county distribution. The county performs in line with strong regional peers.
3 / 5
Affordability and tax efficiency lead the way
Roane shines with a cost score of 91.2 and a tax score of 89.8 (effective rate 0.444%), delivering exceptional value for budget-conscious households. Median home values of $121,100 and rents under $600/month make it one of the region's most affordable options.
4 / 5
Lowest county income and moderate health metrics
The county's income score of 12.9 reflects the lowest median household income ($45,194) in this cohort, restricting wage-based prosperity. Health outcomes at 57.2 are also below ideal and warrant community attention.
5 / 5
Best for frugal families with external income sources
Roane County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families with minimal income needs who prize ultra-low living costs. It rewards financial discipline and self-sufficiency but offers limited local wage opportunities.
Roane solidly outperforms the national livability median
Roane County scores 72.8 out of 100, nearly 46% above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating strong competitive livability. This score positions the county well within the upper half of U.S. counties.
Slight edge above West Virginia average
Roane scores 72.8 versus the state average of 72.2, placing it just above the middle of West Virginia's county distribution. The county performs in line with strong regional peers.
Affordability and tax efficiency lead the way
Roane shines with a cost score of 91.2 and a tax score of 89.8 (effective rate 0.444%), delivering exceptional value for budget-conscious households. Median home values of $121,100 and rents under $600/month make it one of the region's most affordable options.
Lowest county income and moderate health metrics
The county's income score of 12.9 reflects the lowest median household income ($45,194) in this cohort, restricting wage-based prosperity. Health outcomes at 57.2 are also below ideal and warrant community attention.
Best for frugal families with external income sources
Roane County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families with minimal income needs who prize ultra-low living costs. It rewards financial discipline and self-sufficiency but offers limited local wage opportunities.
Score breakdown
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🏛89.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.