Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ranson, WV
Considering a move to Ranson, WV? This friendly small city of 5,678 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $259,000 and average rents at $1,300. Ranson features a low violent crime rate of 185 per 100K, reasonable commute times of about 30 minutes, and a welcoming community with solid public schools and access to quality healthcare. Enjoy four distinct seasons, 58% sunny days, and a laid-back lifestyle with easy access to the scenic beauty of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle.
Demographics - Ranson, WV
Demographics - Ranson, WV
Ranson is a close-knit city of 5,678 people, with a median age of 36.1 and a diverse community where roughly three-quarters identify as White and nearly 13% as Black. The population density is moderate, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a welcoming and multicultural environment.
Population:
5,678
Density:
1,120 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.1
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
75.5%
Black:
12.7%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
10.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ranson, WV?
Living in Ranson is affordable, with a median home value of $259,000 and average rents around $1,300, while the overall cost of living index is comfortably below the national average at 92. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and state income tax rates range from 3% to 6.5%, making it attractive for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$259,000
Gross Rent:
$1,300
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,425
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$460
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.0
Grocery:
96.5
Housing:
88.2
Utilities:
102.1
Transportation:
92.5
Health Care:
95.7
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Ranson, WV a safe place to live?
Ranson enjoys a relatively low violent crime rate of 185 incidents per 100,000 residents, meaning residents have a 1 in 541 chance of being affected by violent crime. Property crime is more common but still moderate for a city of this size, offering peace of mind for families and newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
185
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,605
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 541
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Ranson, WV year-round?
Residents of Ranson experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers peaking at 87°F and winters dipping to 25°F. The city receives about 39.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 58% sunny days, allowing for plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Households in Ranson benefit from a median income of $62,500, with a family median of $72,400 and a poverty rate of 11.2%. Most adults have completed high school, and nearly a quarter hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated, working community with reasonable commute times averaging 30 minutes.
Median Income:
$38,400
Household Income:
$62,500
Family Income:
$72,400
Per Capita Income:
$28,200
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$36,500
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,300
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
30.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.2%
Bachelors or More:
23.7%
Education
How are the schools in Ranson, WV?
Families in Ranson have access to solid public schools like Ranson Elementary and Wildwood Middle, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios around 15:1, as well as private and higher education options nearby. Colleges such as Shepherd University and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College are within a short drive, making lifelong learning accessible to all.

Public Schools
Name:
Ranson Elementary School
Street:
600 N Preston St
Phone:
304-725-7664
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Wildwood Middle School
Street:
1209 Shenandoah Junction Rd
Phone:
304-728-4518
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5

Private Schools
Name:
Saint Joseph School
Street:
110 E. Stephen St, Martinsburg, WV
Phone:
304-267-6447
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Shepherd University
City:
Shepherdstown
State:
WV
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
3,300
Name:
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
City:
Martinsburg
State:
WV
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
4,200
Healthcare
Ranson residents have convenient access to comprehensive healthcare, including Jefferson Medical Center, with 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% of residents insured. The local healthcare index of 76.5 ensures reliable services for both routine and emergency medical needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Jefferson Medical Center
Address:
300 S Preston St, Ranson, WV 25438
Phone:
(304) 728-1600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Berkeley Medical Center
Address:
2500 Hospital Dr, Martinsburg, WV 25401
Phone:
(304) 264-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.3%
Health Care Index:
76.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ranson, WV?
The local housing market features a median home price of $259,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,300. With a homeownership rate of 68.1% and a steady 7.1% annual appreciation, Ranson offers stable investment potential and a healthy mix of owner-occupied and rental properties.
Median Home Price:
$259,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,300
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Ranson residents handle vehicle-related matters through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, accessible via statewide offices, a toll-free phone line, and an easy-to-use website. The DMV provides essential services for licensing, registration, and title needs.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5500 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.