Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ridgeley, WV
Considering a move to Ridgeley, WV? This small town of 585 residents offers a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere with affordable living—median home prices are just $109,000 and average rent is around $700. Crime rates are below national averages, and you'll enjoy a short 18.5-minute average commute. With access to public schools and a nearby major hospital, Ridgeley provides a peaceful lifestyle, low cost of living, and four-season climate—making it an appealing option for those seeking small-town charm near city amenities.
Demographics - Ridgeley, WV
Demographics - Ridgeley, WV
Ridgeley is a small, close-knit town with a population of 585 and a population density of 2,150 per square mile. The community is predominantly White and has a median age of 43.8, reflecting a balanced mix of working adults and retirees. Most residents speak English at home, creating a familiar, welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
585
Density:
2,150 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.8
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ridgeley, WV?
Living in Ridgeley is highly affordable, with a cost of living index of 78—well below the national average. Median home values hover around $109,000 and average rents are just $700 per month, making homeownership and rental options accessible to most budgets. Everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation are also economical, making this a budget-friendly choice.
Median House Value:
$109,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.0
Grocery:
89.0
Housing:
59.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
82.0
Health Care:
85.0
Miscellaneous:
80.0
Crime
Is Ridgeley, WV a safe place to live?
Ridgeley offers peace of mind with a low violent crime rate of 220 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,400 per 100,000. The chance of being affected by violent crime is just 1 in 455, making it a safer option compared to many communities. Residents can enjoy a secure, small-town atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,400
Crime Index:
1,620
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Ridgeley, WV year-round?
Ridgeley experiences all four seasons, with winters reaching lows of 22°F and summers peaking at 85°F. The town receives about 38.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 55% of the year. The climate supports outdoor activities throughout much of the year while offering distinct seasonal changes.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Households in Ridgeley enjoy a median income of $41,200, though the poverty rate is higher than average at nearly 20%. Most residents have completed high school, and the community sees a low unemployment rate of 5.8%, with an average commute of just 18.5 minutes. The area is predominantly English-speaking and maintains a friendly, small-town feel.
Median Income:
$26,000
Household Income:
$41,200
Family Income:
$52,400
Per Capita Income:
$22,600
Income Male:
$32,500
Income Female:
$25,100
Poverty Rate:
19.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
18.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.4%
Bachelors or More:
11.2%
Education
How are the schools in Ridgeley, WV?
Ridgeley is served by nearby public schools such as Frankfort High and Frankfort Middle, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios around 13:1. The town is also close to Allegany College of Maryland, just two miles away, offering higher education opportunities. While there are no private schools within Ridgeley, families have access to quality public and college education options.

Public Schools
Name:
Frankfort High School
Street:
393 Falcon Way
Phone:
304-298-3543
Students:
510
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4
Name:
Frankfort Middle School
Street:
Route 3, Box 169
Phone:
304-298-3632
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0

Colleges
Name:
Allegany College of Maryland
City:
Cumberland
State:
MD
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to healthcare, with the major UPMC Western Maryland hospital located nearby in Cumberland. The area has about 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people and a high health insurance coverage rate of 90.2%. Local healthcare services are reliable for both routine and emergency needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UPMC Western Maryland
Address:
12500 Willowbrook Rd, Cumberland, MD 21502
Phone:
(240) 964-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
62.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ridgeley, WV?
Ridgeley's housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $109,000 and an average two-bedroom rent at $700. Homeownership is common, with 67% of residents owning their homes, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low. Home values have seen modest appreciation, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$109,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Ridgeley are managed by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, with resources available online and at the Charleston office. The DMV provides comprehensive information for residents on licensing, registration, and state driving requirements. Support is accessible through their official website and toll-free phone line.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5707 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25317
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.