Roane
West Virginia

What stands out

If you had to describe Roane County in numbers, start here: unemployment is in the top 3% of American counties (6.3%), violent crime is in the top 3% of American counties (5.1 per 1,000), and the typical two-bedroom rent is in the bottom 4% of American counties ($525 a month). Within West Virginia it ranks 2nd of 55 counties for unemployment.

Where you are

You live in Roane County, West Virginia. 14,027 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +4).

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 $41,299 a year, lower than 92% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,194. Unemployment runs 6.3%, higher than 97% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home.

West Virginia takes 2.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,161 a year.

Home

The median home costs $132K, cheaper than 91% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $525 a month. Property tax is 0.44% of home value, roughly $520 a year on that median home, lower than 92% of American counties. 74% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 97% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 34 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.4 years, shorter than 76% of American counties. There are 14 active physicians in the county, about 10.0 per 10,000 people. 10.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.64 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 90% of American counties. 81% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 54 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 53% 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 55°F, highs near 67 and lows near 43, colder than 54% of American counties. About 46 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 19 out of 100, safer than 81% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 107 Mbps down, slower than 86% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.