Ritchie
West Virginia

What stands out

What stands out about Ritchie County: natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 3% of American counties (3 of 100), winter sunshine is in the bottom 5% of American counties (-1.6 on the USDA scale), and homeownership is in the top 5% of American counties (84%). Within West Virginia it ranks 5th of 55 counties for natural-hazard risk, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Ritchie County, West Virginia. 8,507 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 0.8% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -12).

West Virginia has some of the lowest home prices in the country, a graduated income tax with rates cut sharply since 2023, and it fully exempts Social Security from tax starting with the 2026 tax year. Property taxes are low. The state has lost population in most years since 2012, and its economy still leans on coal, natural gas and, increasingly, outdoor recreation and remote-worker incentive programs.

Money

The typical household here brings in $48,973 a year, lower than 81% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $51,970. Unemployment runs 4.2%, higher than 74% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

West Virginia takes 3.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,485 a year.

Home

The median home costs $118K, cheaper than 94% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $713 a month. Property tax is 0.63% of home value, roughly $662 a year on that median home, lower than 74% of American counties. 84% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 93% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 26 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.8 years, shorter than 61% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 2.4 per 10,000 people. 8.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.94 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 52% of American counties. 84% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 69 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 55% of eligible voters turned out. Under West Virginia law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 54°F, highs near 65 and lows near 43, colder than 57% of American counties. About 44 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 3 out of 100, safer than 97% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 146 Mbps down, slower than 73% of American counties. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.