Median Income
$51,667
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$138,100
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.6%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$890
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.3%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.2%
72% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
16% lower than US avg
How Ridgeley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population304
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density1,048/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans14.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,667
Per Capita$32,136
Unemployment6.2%
Poverty10.4%
County GDP$3,542M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$138,100
Rent$890
Ownership80.9%
Zillow$214,110
Housing Units244
Rent Burden24.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property168/100K
Health
Obesity42.3%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking22.1%
Depression34.0%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation849 ft (259 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.6%
High School+89.8%
Graduate+11.6%
School Score4.81
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute16 min
Broadband81.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Ridgeley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ridgeley receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ridgeley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ridgeley is $51,667, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 10.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ridgeley is $138,100, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $890 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ridgeley is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 168 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
10.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Ridgeley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches, including 28.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Ridgeley has a population of 304 with a density of 1,048 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (96.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 14.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Ridgeley is $51,667, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,136 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,577 business establishments, including 167 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,667 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,136 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,857 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.2% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.4% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,577 |
| County GDP | $3,542M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 167 |
| Healthcare | 256 |
| Retail | 244 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,083 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
The median home value in Ridgeley is $138,100, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,110, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $890 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 244 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,083. 24.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $138,100 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $214,110 |
| Median List Price | $179,749 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $179,749 |
| $/Sq Ft | $164 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.7% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $890 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.1% |
| Housing Units | 244 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,083 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.23% |
In Ridgeley, 42.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 38.8% have high blood pressure. 22.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.4% report binge drinking. 33.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 34.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,881. The dentist ratio is 1:1,294. 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ridgeley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.3% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.8% |
| Asthma | 12.8% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.1% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.2% |
| Depression | 34.0% |
| Mental Distress | 24.0% |
| Physical Distress | 17.2% |
| Short Sleep | 39.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,881 |
| Dentists | 1:1,294 |
| Mental Health | 1:246 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 55.8% |
| Premature Death | 11,358/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 256 |
Ridgeley has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 168 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ridgeley receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Ridgeley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 168.2/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Ridgeley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 302 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. The area receives 28.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 849 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.7°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 849 ft (259 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,048/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6413°N, 78.7729°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Allegany County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE)
2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 13, 2019.
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
89 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
193 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 111 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
29 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1994 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1989 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1975 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WAITES RUN (5,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
69 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
97 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
82 km |
| 2024 |
DOVE HOLLOW |
1,634 |
82 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
81 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
98 km |
| 2012 |
POINT 2 |
1,126 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. |
1,055 |
89 km |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
24 km |
| 2024 |
SPRING RUN |
847 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
GRACE MOUNTAIN |
760 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
WOLF GAP |
710 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
ELKHORN TOWER |
696 |
84 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
696 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
618 |
97 km |
| 2001 |
SOUTH BRANCH |
519 |
53 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
22 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Ridgeley has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 31°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Ridgeley. 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 | $1,030 |
| Toddler | $695 |
| Preschool | $695 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $647 |
| Toddler | $587 |
| Preschool | $587 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridgeley
What is the population of Ridgeley?
Ridgeley has a population of 304 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,048 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Ridgeley expensive to live in?
Ridgeley 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 $51,667, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $138,100 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $890 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ridgeley safe?
Ridgeley is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 168 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ridgeley receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ridgeley?
Ridgeley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches, with 28.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Ridgeley?
The unemployment rate in Ridgeley is 6.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 1,577 business establishments in the area, including 167 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ridgeley?
The median home value in Ridgeley is $138,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,110. For renters, the median monthly rent is $890. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,083.
How are the schools in Ridgeley?
Schools in Ridgeley have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.6% of adults in Ridgeley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. 11.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ridgeley?
The obesity rate in Ridgeley is 42.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.1% of adults are smokers. 33.2% are physically inactive. 34.0% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,881.
What is transportation like in Ridgeley?
The average commute in Ridgeley is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ridgeley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgeley is 96.1% White, 1% Black or African American. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 14.5% of the population are military veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
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