Median Income
$50,481
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$215,200
24% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
70/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.7%
62% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Rock Cave Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population364
Median Age56.1 yrs
Density117/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans18.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$50,481
Per Capita$31,030
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,053M
Housing
A
Home Value$215,200
Ownership95.3%
Zillow$118,580
Housing Units138
Rent Burden29.5%
Crime
F
Violent70/100K
Property2,932/100K
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking23.2%
Depression31.3%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain56.4 in/yr
Sunny Days290/yr
Elevation1,755 ft (535 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.7%
High School+85.4%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score4.39
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Broadband82.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Rock Cave a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rock Cave receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Rock Cave has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rock Cave is $50,481, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rock Cave is $215,200, 24% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Rock Cave is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,932 per 100,000, 50% above the national average.
Education
12.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Rock Cave experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 290 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.4 inches, including 55.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Rock Cave has a population of 364 with a density of 117 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 56.1 years, 44% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.7% female and 56.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 18.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.1yrs
Median Age
44% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rock Cave vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rock Cave vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rock Cave is $50,481, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,030 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $932, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 833 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 18.2% of workers work from home.
Income: Rock Cave vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,481 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,030 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $932 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,919 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 833 |
| County GDP | $1,053M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 76 |
| Retail | 88 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,038 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 18.2% |
The median home value in Rock Cave is $215,200, 24% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $118,580, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 138 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $2,038 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $215,200 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $118,580 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.7% |
| Housing Units | 138 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,038 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.95% |
In Rock Cave, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 39.1% have high blood pressure. 23.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 33.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,699. The dentist ratio is 1:2,156. 61.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rock Cave vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.1% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 9.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.2% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.5% |
| Depression | 31.3% |
| Mental Distress | 23.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.9% |
| Short Sleep | 41.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,699 |
| Dentists | 1:2,156 |
| Mental Health | 1:905 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 50.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,984/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 76 |
Rock Cave has a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,932 per 100,000, 50% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rock Cave receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rock Cave vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 70.2/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,932.4/100K |
| 50% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rock Cave experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 290 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 56.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 55.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,755 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 51.8°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 290 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,755 ft (535 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (8.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 117/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.8404°N, 80.3375°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Upshur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mid-Ohio Valley Regional (PKB)
69 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.4"
48% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.00"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
35 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 |
101 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
48 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
57 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
120 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
50 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
57 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
102 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
109 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
117 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
48 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
14 km SE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
103 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
49 km |
| Mar 4, 2019 |
13 km E of Meadow Bridge, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
116 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
99 km |
| Oct 2, 1998 |
10 km NE of Sylvester, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
57 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 41 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 1956 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2017 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2017 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2015 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RICK CREEK ROAD (7,740 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
RICK CREEK ROAD |
7,740 |
99 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
3,569 |
91 km |
| 1991 |
BLUE CREEK |
3,268 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
KUNS BRANCH |
2,475 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
LOCKRIDGE RX |
2,473 |
84 km |
| 2024 |
RAMSHORN-GUINN RIDGES RX |
2,469 |
72 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,114 |
92 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,686 |
99 km |
| 2017 |
CHESTNUT RIDGE RX |
1,624 |
73 km |
| 1991 |
COAL HILL |
1,497 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,446 |
73 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
DRY HOLLOW |
1,327 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
ELK HOLLOW |
1,174 |
90 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,069 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
CHESTNUT RIDGE RX |
1,033 |
72 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
91 km |
| 1994 |
LEATHERWOOD CREEK |
864 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
783 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.8 in |
|
Rock Cave has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 31°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.0") and February the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Rock Cave. 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 | $750 |
| Toddler | $713 |
| Preschool | $733 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $688 |
| Toddler | $588 |
| Preschool | $588 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rock Cave
What is the population of Rock Cave?
Rock Cave has a population of 364 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 117 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.7% female and 56.3% male.
Is Rock Cave expensive to live in?
Rock Cave 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 $50,481, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $215,200 (24% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rock Cave safe?
Rock Cave is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,932 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Rock Cave receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rock Cave?
Rock Cave has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 290 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.4 inches, with 55.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Rock Cave?
The job market in Rock Cave is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $932. There are 833 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Rock Cave?
The median home value in Rock Cave is $215,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $118,580. The homeownership rate is 95.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,038.
How are the schools in Rock Cave?
Schools in Rock Cave have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.7% of adults in Rock Cave hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.4% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rock Cave?
The obesity rate in Rock Cave is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.2% of adults are smokers. 33.5% are physically inactive. 31.3% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 61.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,699.
What are the demographics of Rock Cave?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rock Cave is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 18.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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