Ritchie County, West Virginia

Income Data

-8% vs. West Virginia average
$50,256
Median Household Income
$26,336
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$50,256
-8% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$26,336
-33% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
46.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in West Virginia
#38 / 55
by median household income

How Ritchie County Compares

Ritchie County$50,256
West Virginia Average$54,746
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$50,256
Median Household Income
$26,336
Per Capita Income
$107,800
Median Home Value
46.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Ritchie County, West Virginia

Ritchie County income lags nation by 33%

Ritchie County's median household income of $50,256 falls nearly $24,500 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This substantial income gap reflects the county's dependence on extractive industries and limited access to growing economic sectors.

Among lowest earners in West Virginia

At $50,256, Ritchie County ranks below West Virginia's median of $54,746, placing it in the lower-income tier statewide. The county faces steeper economic headwinds than most of its West Virginia peers.

Ritchie trails regional counterparts

Ritchie County's income of $50,256 lags neighboring Raleigh County ($52,055) and nearby Tyler County ($58,293) by several thousand dollars. The gap suggests neighboring counties offer more diverse employment or higher-wage opportunities.

Lowest rent burden in the region

Ritchie County's rent-to-income ratio of just 13.9% is the lowest among its peers, making housing exceptionally affordable relative to local wages. The median home value of $107,800 provides additional accessibility for would-be homeowners.

Low cost of living enables wealth building

Despite lower median income, Ritchie County's affordable housing and low rent burden (13.9%) create space for residents to save and invest. Young families and early-career workers should capitalize on this affordability advantage to fund retirement and education goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Ritchie County, West Virginia?
The median household income in Ritchie County, West Virginia is $50,256, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Ritchie County?
The per capita income in Ritchie County is $26,336, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $50,256.
How does Ritchie County compare to the West Virginia average?
Ritchie County's median household income of $50,256 is lower than the West Virginia state average of $54,746. The per capita income is $26,336, compared to the state average of $30,335.
What is the per capita income in Ritchie County, West Virginia?
The per capita income in Ritchie County, West Virginia is $26,336, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Ritchie County a low-income area in West Virginia?
Ritchie County's median household income of $50,256 is below the West Virginia average of $54,746. The per capita income of $26,336 is also lower than the state average of $30,335. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Ritchie County rank for income in West Virginia?
Ritchie County ranks #38 out of 55 counties in West Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $50,256 and per capita income of $26,336, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Ritchie County

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Your income is above the Ritchie County median

County median: $50,256 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-8%

vs. National Median

-33%

vs. Ritchie County MedianAbout equal
vs. West Virginia Average8% below
vs. National Median33% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent7.2x

Your monthly income ($4,188) vs. median rent ($583/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.