Median Income
$33,614
55% lower than US avg
Home Value
$67,600
76% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.0%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$630
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.7%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
27.1%
653% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.9%
60% higher than US avg
How Richwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,617
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density1,625/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans10.7%
Economy
D
Median Income$33,614
Per Capita$25,310
Unemployment27.1%
Poverty19.9%
County GDP$883M
Commute38 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$67,600
Rent$630
Ownership78.8%
Zillow$68,239
Housing Units1,182
Rent Burden28.2%
Health
Obesity42.7%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking24.7%
Depression34.5%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
Rain55.8 in/yr
Elevation2,186 ft (666 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.0%
High School+87.0%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute38 min
Broadband86.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Richwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Richwood receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Richwood has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Richwood is $33,614, 55% below the national average of $75,149. At 27.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 19.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Richwood is $67,600, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $630 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
12.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Richwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 55.8 inches, including 100.0 inches of snow.
Richwood has a population of 2,617 with a density of 1,625 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.2% female and 45.8% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%), with 1.5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 10.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 32.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,617
Total Population
2023 Census
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Richwood is $33,614, which is 55% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,310 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $979, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 27.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 827 business establishments, including 59 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $33,614 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,310 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $979 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,288 |
| Gini Index | 0.465 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 27.1% |
| 653% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.9% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 827 |
| County GDP | $883M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 59 |
| Healthcare | 67 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,314 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 38.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 60.3% |
| Public Transit | 14.1% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Richwood is $67,600, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $68,239. Monthly rent averages $630 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,182 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $2,314 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% 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 | $67,600 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $68,239 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $630 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,182 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,314 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.42% |
In Richwood, 42.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 40.6% have high blood pressure. 24.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.2% report binge drinking. 36.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 34.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,157. The dentist ratio is 1:1,738. 48.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Richwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.7% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.6% |
| Asthma | 12.9% |
| COPD | 11.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.7% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.1% |
| Depression | 34.5% |
| Mental Distress | 25.1% |
| Physical Distress | 18.3% |
| Short Sleep | 43.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,157 |
| Dentists | 1:1,738 |
| Mental Health | 1:711 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 47.6% |
| Premature Death | 14,497/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 67 |
Richwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 55.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 100.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 2,186 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,186 ft (666 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,625/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.2224°N, 80.5380°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Nicholas County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.8"
47% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.99"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 82.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.8 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
43 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
53 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
54 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
85 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
58 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
118 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
70 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
101 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
76 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
49 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
108 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
14 km SE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
44 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
75 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
81 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
48 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 44 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 1956 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2015 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF1 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF1 |
94 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 |
78 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
88 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
RICH HOLE |
15,923 |
86 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
53 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
73 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
59 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
91 km |
| 1991 |
LEFT FORK |
10,196 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
DRY BRANCH |
8,059 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
7,791 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
RICK CREEK ROAD |
7,740 |
49 km |
| 2012 |
BARBOURS CREEK. |
7,244 |
78 km |
| 1991 |
PEACHTREE |
6,635 |
95 km |
| 1991 |
CARBANATE |
6,533 |
63 km |
| 1987 |
JOES BRANCH |
6,340 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
TUCKER HOLLOW |
5,862 |
72 km |
| 1991 |
MILBURN |
4,777 |
72 km |
| 1999 |
SCHYLER FORK |
4,417 |
70 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,219 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
6.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
Driest |
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
4.5 in |
|
Richwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 29°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 55.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.0") and October the driest (3.6").
Average costs for common services in Richwood. 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 | $792 |
| Toddler | $751 |
| Preschool | $749 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $691 |
| Toddler | $564 |
| Preschool | $564 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Richwood
What is the population of Richwood?
Richwood has a population of 2,617 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,625 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.2% female and 45.8% male.
Is Richwood expensive to live in?
Richwood 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 $33,614, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $67,600 (76% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $630 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 Richwood?
Richwood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 55.8 inches, with 100.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Richwood?
The job market in Richwood faces challenges, with unemployment at 27.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $979. There are 827 business establishments in the area, including 59 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 38 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Richwood?
The median home value in Richwood is $67,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $68,239. For renters, the median monthly rent is $630. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,314.
How are the schools in Richwood?
Schools in Richwood score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.0% of adults in Richwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Richwood?
The obesity rate in Richwood is 42.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.7% of adults are smokers. 36.1% are physically inactive. 34.5% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 48.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,157.
What is transportation like in Richwood?
The average commute in Richwood is 38 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 60.3% of workers drive alone to work, 14.1% use public transit, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Richwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Richwood is 97.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Asian. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 10.7% of the population are military veterans. 32.1% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.