Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rainelle, WV
Thinking about moving to Rainelle, WV? This friendly small town of 1,344 residents offers a low cost of living, with median home prices around $73,500 and average rents at just $555. Commutes are short at about 22 minutes, and crime rates are comparable to state averages. Enjoy mild summers, scenic mountain surroundings, and a welcoming community. While income levels are modest, Rainelle’s relaxed pace and affordable lifestyle make it a great option for those seeking a quieter, rural setting.
Demographics - Rainelle, WV
Demographics - Rainelle, WV
Rainelle is a small town with a population of 1,344, where the median age is 45.3 and the vast majority of residents are White. The community has a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, fostering a close-knit and familiar environment.
Population:
1,344
Density:
680 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.3
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.1%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
3.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rainelle, WV?
With a cost of living index well below the national average, Rainelle offers affordable housing—median home values are around $73,500 and typical rents are just $555 per month. Residents benefit from lower expenses on utilities, healthcare, and groceries, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$73,500
Gross Rent:
$555
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$300
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
75.2
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
54.0
Utilities:
94.5
Transportation:
78.7
Health Care:
86.2
Miscellaneous:
84.0
Crime
Is Rainelle, WV a safe place to live?
Rainelle experiences relatively low violent crime, with chances of being affected at about 1 in 588, and property crime rates that are in line with state norms. The town’s overall crime rate suggests a generally safe and peaceful environment for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,450
Crime Index:
1,620
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Rainelle, WV year-round?
Rainelle enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild summers peaking at 82°F and winters that typically drop to 22°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 55% of the year, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Rainelle’s residents have modest household incomes, with a median around $34,200 and a higher-than-average poverty rate at 28%. The community is known for its friendly, rural character, short commute times, and a strong sense of local connection, despite economic challenges.
Median Income:
$22,900
Household Income:
$34,200
Family Income:
$41,500
Per Capita Income:
$17,900
Income Male:
$28,500
Income Female:
$21,700
Poverty Rate:
28.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.4%
Rent:
$555
Unemployment Rate:
6.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
79.8%
Bachelors or More:
11.4%
Education
How are the schools in Rainelle, WV?
Rainelle offers public education through Rainelle Elementary School, known for its small class sizes and community involvement. For higher education, New River Community and Technical College is just 18 miles away, giving residents convenient access to college-level courses and training.

Public Schools
Name:
Rainelle Elementary School
Street:
127 School Street
Phone:
304-438-6181
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Colleges
Name:
New River Community and Technical College
City:
Lewisburg
State:
WV
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is supported by nearby facilities like Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, and nearly 90% of residents have health insurance. With about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare services are available, though somewhat limited in scope compared to larger cities.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Greenbrier Valley Medical Center
Address:
1320 Maplewood Ave, Ronceverte, WV 24970
Phone:
(304) 647-4411
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rainelle, WV?
The housing market in Rainelle is highly affordable, with a median home price of $73,500 and over two-thirds of residents owning their homes. Rental options are available, and the market sees moderate appreciation and low rates of foreclosure, making it stable for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$73,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$555
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents rely on the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles in Charleston for licensing and registration services, easily accessible by phone or online. The DMV provides comprehensive support for all vehicle-related needs in the state.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5707 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone:
1-800-642-9066
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.