Median Income
$36,875
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$73,500
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.8%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$657
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.6%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.7%
67% higher than US avg
How Rainelle Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,334
Median Age48.9 yrs
Density1,202/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$36,875
Per Capita$22,157
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty20.7%
County GDP$1,454M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,500
Rent$657
Ownership66.7%
Zillow$82,000
Housing Units745
Rent Burden31.7%
Health
Obesity44.6%
Uninsured3.6%
Smoking30.0%
Depression34.5%
Heart Disease9.0%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain53.3 in/yr
Elevation2,389 ft (728 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+82.4%
Graduate+1.0%
School Score5.03
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute30 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Rainelle a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rainelle receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Rainelle offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rainelle is $36,875, 51% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 20.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rainelle is $73,500, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $657 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Rainelle experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 53.3 inches, including 67.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Rainelle has a population of 1,334 with a density of 1,202 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 48.9 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.3% female and 45.7% male. The city is predominantly White (89.6%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 23.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,334
Total Population
2023 Census
48.9yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Rainelle is $36,875, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,157 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $849, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,392 business establishments, including 86 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,875 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,157 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $849 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,500 |
| Gini Index | 0.489 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.7% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,392 |
| County GDP | $1,454M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 86 |
| Healthcare | 150 |
| Retail | 149 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,903 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Rainelle is $73,500, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $82,000, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $657 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 745 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $2,903 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,500 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $82,000 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $657 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.3% |
| Housing Units | 745 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,903 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.95% |
In Rainelle, 44.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.0% of residents, above the national average. 42.9% have high blood pressure. 30.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.2% report binge drinking. 41.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 34.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 27.4% experience frequent mental distress. 3.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:665. The dentist ratio is 1:1,410. 61.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rainelle vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.6% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.3% |
| Heart Disease | 9.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.9% |
| Asthma | 13.9% |
| COPD | 14.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 30.0% |
| 114% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.5% |
| Depression | 34.5% |
| Mental Distress | 27.4% |
| Physical Distress | 21.7% |
| Short Sleep | 40.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 3.6% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:665 |
| Dentists | 1:1,410 |
| Mental Health | 1:643 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 47.4% |
| Premature Death | 14,045/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 150 |
Rainelle experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 53.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 67.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. 96% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 2,389 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,389 ft (728 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,202/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9680°N, 80.7708°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Greenbrier County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.3"
40% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.58"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 96.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
43 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
50 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
76 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
55 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
27 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
57 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
105 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
102 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
71 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
98 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
68 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
77 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
139 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
104 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
14 km SE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
49 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
54 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 51 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
29 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 2021 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2019 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KAYFORD MOUNTAIN (31,509 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
54 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
61 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
72 km |
| 2012 |
RICH HOLE |
15,923 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
94 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
87 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
39 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
53 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
57 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
64 km |
| 1991 |
LEFT FORK |
10,196 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
DRY BRANCH |
8,059 |
64 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
7,791 |
84 km |
| 1987 |
RICK CREEK ROAD |
7,740 |
37 km |
| 2012 |
BARBOURS CREEK. |
7,244 |
71 km |
| 1991 |
PEACHTREE |
6,635 |
67 km |
| 1991 |
CARBANATE |
6,533 |
49 km |
| 1987 |
JOES BRANCH |
6,340 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
5.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
4.7 in |
|
Rainelle has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 26°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 53.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.6") and October the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Rainelle. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$224 ($134-$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179-$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90-$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716-$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134-$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134-$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358-$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90-$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134-$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580-$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358-$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923-$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448-$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475-$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790-$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716-$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179-$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895-$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69-$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24-$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24-$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69-$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58-$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72-$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67-$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074-$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537-$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448-$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179-$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358-$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475-$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134-$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90-$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $721 |
| Toddler | $685 |
| Preschool | $708 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $663 |
| Toddler | $725 |
| Preschool | $725 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rainelle
What is the population of Rainelle?
Rainelle has a population of 1,334 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,202 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.3% female and 45.7% male.
Is Rainelle expensive to live in?
Rainelle is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $36,875, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,500 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $657 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Rainelle?
Rainelle has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 53.3 inches, with 67.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Rainelle?
Rainelle has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $849. There are 1,392 business establishments in the area, including 86 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rainelle?
The median home value in Rainelle is $73,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $82,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $657. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,903.
How are the schools in Rainelle?
Schools in Rainelle score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.8% of adults in Rainelle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rainelle?
The obesity rate in Rainelle is 44.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 30.0% of adults are smokers. 41.5% are physically inactive. 34.5% of residents report depression. 3.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 61.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:665.
What is transportation like in Rainelle?
The average commute in Rainelle is 30 minutes. 80.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rainelle?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rainelle is 89.6% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 23.5% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.