Cost of Living in Raleigh County, West Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Raleigh County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Raleigh County ranks #2,371 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Raleigh County, West Virginia
Raleigh's rent burden tops national average
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Raleigh County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Raleigh County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $847/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Raleigh County is $847/month, while owner costs run $651/month. Owning saves approximately $196/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,900/year. With a median household income of $52,055, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Raleigh County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Marion County where rent averages $901/month, Raleigh County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Raleigh County
Rent Burden
19.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,215
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Raleigh County
Median home value is $142,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,138 vs. your max of $1,215.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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