IncomeBy County

Roane County, West Virginia

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-17% vs. West Virginia average
$45,194
Median Household Income
$26,492
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$45,194
-17% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$26,492
-33% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
37.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in West Virginia
#47 / 55
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Roane County Compares

Roane County$45,194
West Virginia Average$54,746
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$45,194
Median Household Income
$26,492
Per Capita Income
$121,100
Median Home Value
37.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Roane County

Income Verdict

Roane County has a median household income of $45,194 and per capita income of $26,492 — a gap of $18,702, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $590/month and a median household income of $45,194, rent consumes approximately 15.7% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $45,194, residents of Roane County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $26,492 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Roane County earns approximately 17.4% below the West Virginia state median household income of $54,746.

Data Story

About Household Income in Roane County, West Virginia

Roane County earns 40% below nation

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Roane County, West Virginia?
The median household income in Roane County, West Virginia is $45,194, 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 Roane County?
The per capita income in Roane County is $26,492, 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 $45,194.
How does Roane County compare to the West Virginia average?
Roane County's median household income of $45,194 is lower than the West Virginia state average of $54,746. The per capita income is $26,492, compared to the state average of $30,335.
What is the per capita income in Roane County, West Virginia?
The per capita income in Roane County, West Virginia is $26,492, 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 Roane County a low-income area in West Virginia?
Roane County's median household income of $45,194 is below the West Virginia average of $54,746. The per capita income of $26,492 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 Roane County rank for income in West Virginia?
Roane County ranks #47 out of 55 counties in West Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $45,194 and per capita income of $26,492, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Roane County

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Your income is above the Roane County median

County median: $45,194 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-17%

vs. National Median

-40%

vs. Roane County MedianAbout equal
vs. West Virginia Average▼ 17% below
vs. National Median▼ 40% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.4x

Your monthly income ($3,766) vs. median rent ($590/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$45,136
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Perry County
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$45,261
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$45,262
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$45,266
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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

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