2023 Raleigh County, West Virginia Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Raleigh County, West Virginia, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Raleigh County, West Virginia Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
73,666
Median Age
42.8 years
Median Household Income
$52,055
Bachelor's Degree+
21.63%
Uninsured Rate
4.6%
Total Households
29,062
Total Workers
27,275
Citizenship Rate
99.5%
Total Veterans
3,703
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
16.5%
Families in Poverty
3,117
SNAP Recipients
19.08%
Households w/ SNAP
5,545

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Raleigh County, West Virginia 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Raleigh County, West Virginia by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Raleigh County, West Virginia is 73,666. The median age of the population in Raleigh County, West Virginia is 42.8 years. The median age for males is 41.0 years, and for females it is 44.0 years.

The age distribution of the population in Raleigh County, West Virginia by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Raleigh County, West Virginia, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 5.04%
5–17 years (children) 16.09%
18–24 years (young adults) 7.68%
25–34 years 11.92%
35–54 years 24.94%
55–64 years 12.59%
65 years and over (seniors) 21.74%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Raleigh County, West Virginia

The total dependency ratio in Raleigh County, West Virginia is 75.01. The youth dependency ratio is 36.97, and the old-age dependency ratio is 38.04. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Raleigh County, West Virginia, including Beckley (25801) (30,869).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Raleigh County, West Virginia?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Raleigh County, West Virginia
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Raleigh County, West Virginia is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Raleigh County, West Virginia is calculated at 23.45, suggesting a low level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Raleigh County, West Virginia by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Raleigh County, West Virginia, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 87.15%
Black/African American Alone 6.74%
Two or More Races 3.35%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 1.70%
Asian Alone 0.80%
Some Other Race Alone 0.24%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.02%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.01%

Raleigh County, West Virginia 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Raleigh County, West Virginia.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Raleigh County, West Virginia over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $52,055. This figure is based on a total of 29,062 households.

The distribution of household income in Raleigh County, West Virginia across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Raleigh County, West Virginia, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 21.04%
$20,000 to $34,999 15.93%
$35,000 to $49,999 11.98%
$50,000 to $74,999 15.60%
$75,000 to $149,999 25.97%
$150,000 or more 9.48%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Raleigh County, West Virginia, explore the data for: Beckley (25801) ($49,370).


Raleigh County, West Virginia 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Raleigh County, West Virginia.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Raleigh County, West Virginia is based on a total of 21,694 properties.

The property value distribution in Raleigh County, West Virginia across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Raleigh County, West Virginia, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 9.08%
$25,000 to $49,999 6.05%
$50,000 to $99,999 19.11%
$100,000 to $199,999 35.23%
$200,000 to $499,999 26.02%
$500,000 to $999,999 4.05%
$1,000,000 or more 0.47%

Educational Attainment in Raleigh County, West Virginia (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Raleigh County, West Virginia.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Raleigh County, West Virginia, totaling 52,444 individuals.

85.52% of Raleigh County, West Virginia population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 21.63%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Raleigh County, West Virginia, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 14.48%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 38.29%
Some college or associate's degree 25.60%
Bachelor's Degree 13.03%
Graduate or professional degree 8.59%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Raleigh County, West Virginia?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Raleigh County, West Virginia.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Raleigh County, West Virginia shows that 4.6% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 3,238 individuals out of a total population of 70,811 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 14.9% for males and 3.4% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 6.4% of males and 7.2% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Raleigh County, West Virginia, uninsured rates for children are 2.5% for males and 0.5% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.4% for males and 0.7% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Raleigh County, West Virginia, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 2.5% 0.5%
18-34 years 14.9% 3.4%
35-64 years 6.4% 7.2%
65+ years 0.4% 0.7%

Raleigh County, West Virginia 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Raleigh County, West Virginia based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Raleigh County, West Virginia shows that 99.5% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 73,266 individuals out of a total population of 73,666 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 98.2% were born in the United States, 0.0% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.5% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 0.7% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (535 individuals), while 0.5% are non-citizens (400 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Raleigh County, West Virginia, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 98.2%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.0%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 0.5%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 0.7%
Not a U.S. citizen 0.5%
Total U.S. Citizens 99.5%

Raleigh County, West Virginia 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Raleigh County, West Virginia.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Raleigh County, West Virginia show that 90.9% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 24,393 workers out of a total workforce of 26,832 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.1% (14 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (1.2%) and bicycling (0.0%).

6.7% of workers in Raleigh County, West Virginia report working from home. An additional 1.2% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Raleigh County, West Virginia, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 90.9% 24,393
Public transportation 0.1% 14
Bicycle 0.0% 9
Walked 1.2% 310
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 1.2% 321
Worked from home 6.7% 1,785
Total Workers - 26,832

Raleigh County, West Virginia 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Raleigh County, West Virginia, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Raleigh County, West Virginia totals 27,275 workers. Of these, 14,180 (52.0%) are male and 13,095 (48.0%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Raleigh County, West Virginia is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Raleigh County, West Virginia, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 10,751 (39.4%) 8,375 (30.7%)
Private Non-Profit 566 (2.1%) 777 (2.8%)
Government (All Levels) 2,485 (9.1%) 3,350 (12.3%)
  • Local Government 1,074 1,327
  • State Government 812 1,092
  • Federal Government 599 931
Self-Employed 359 (1.3%) 477 (1.7%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Raleigh County, West Virginia.


Raleigh County, West Virginia 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Raleigh County, West Virginia, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 3,703 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Raleigh County, West Virginia.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 1,214 veterans (32.8% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 670 veterans (18.1%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Raleigh County, West Virginia is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Raleigh County, West Virginia, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 1,214 32.8%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 670 18.1%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 482 13.0%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 419 11.3%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 396 10.7%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 233 6.3%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 131 3.5%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 42 1.1%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 39 1.1%
Between Korean War and World War II 33 0.9%
Vietnam Era and Korean War 22 0.6%
Korean War and World War II 17 0.5%
Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era 5 0.1%
Total Veterans 3,703 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Raleigh County, West Virginia 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Raleigh County, West Virginia, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 18,850 families in Raleigh County, West Virginia.

Of these families, 3,117 (16.5%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 6,764 families (35.9%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 8,969 families (47.6%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Raleigh County, West Virginia is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Raleigh County, West Virginia, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 1,723 9.1%
50-74% of Poverty 625 3.3%
75-99% of Poverty 769 4.1%
100-124% of Poverty 801 4.2%
125-149% of Poverty 923 4.9%
150-174% of Poverty 665 3.5%
175-184% of Poverty 271 1.4%
185-199% of Poverty 419 2.2%
200-299% of Poverty 3,685 19.5%
300-399% of Poverty 2,838 15.1%
400-499% of Poverty 1,783 9.5%
500%+ of Poverty 4,348 23.1%
Total Families 18,850 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Raleigh County, West Virginia 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Raleigh County, West Virginia, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 29,062 total households in Raleigh County, West Virginia. Of these, 5,545 households (19.08%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 2,662 (48.01%) have children under 18 years, while 2,883 (51.99%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Raleigh County, West Virginia, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 862 (15.55%) 343 (6.19%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 247 (4.45%) 265 (4.78%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 1,550 (27.95%) 295 (5.32%)
Nonfamily Households 3 (0.05%) 1,980 (35.71%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Raleigh County, West Virginia. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Raleigh County, West Virginia is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years5.04%
5–17 years (children)16.09%
18–24 years (young adults)7.68%
25–34 years11.92%
35–54 years24.94%
55–64 years12.59%
65 years and over (seniors)21.74%

The racial and ethnic composition of Raleigh County, West Virginia is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 87.15%, Black/African American Alone: 6.74%, Two or More Races: 3.35%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Raleigh County, West Virginia is $52,055. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Raleigh County, West Virginia is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 21.04%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 15.93%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 11.98%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 15.60%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 25.97%, High Income ($150,000+): 9.48%.

Approximately 23.48% of households in Raleigh County, West Virginia earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Raleigh County, West Virginia is: Less than $25,000: 9.08%, $25,000-$49,999: 6.05%, $50,000-$99,999: 19.11%, $100,000-$199,999: 35.23%, $200,000-$499,999: 26.02%, $500,000-$999,999: 4.05%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.47%.

There are 21,694 owner-occupied housing units in Raleigh County, West Virginia. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 4.52% of owner-occupied housing units in Raleigh County, West Virginia are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Raleigh County, West Virginia, 21.63% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Raleigh County, West Virginia (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 14.48%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 38.29%, Some college or associate's degree: 25.60%, Bachelor's degree: 13.03%, Graduate or professional degree: 8.59%.

In Raleigh County, West Virginia, 85.52% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Raleigh County, West Virginia, 4.6% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 3,238 individuals out of a total population of 70,811 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Raleigh County, West Virginia. For young adults (18-34 years), 14.9% of males and 3.4% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 6.4% of males and 7.2% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Raleigh County, West Virginia have uninsured rates of 2.5% for males and 0.5% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.4% for males and 0.7% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Raleigh County, West Virginia, 99.5% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 73,666 people, 73,266 are U.S. citizens.

Raleigh County, West Virginia has 535 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 0.7% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Raleigh County, West Virginia is: 98.2% were born in the United States, 0.0% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.5% were born abroad of American parent(s), 0.7% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 0.5% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Raleigh County, West Virginia, 90.9% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 26,832 total workers, 24,393 use personal vehicles for their commute.

14 workers in Raleigh County, West Virginia use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.1% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Raleigh County, West Virginia include: 6.7% work from home, 1.2% walk to work, 0.0% bicycle, and 1.2% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Raleigh County, West Virginia. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Raleigh County, West Virginia has 27,275 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 39.4% of male workers and 30.7% of female workers in this category.

In Raleigh County, West Virginia, there are 2,485 male government workers and 3,350 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 9.1% of male workers and 12.3% of female workers.

Self-employment in Raleigh County, West Virginia includes 359 males (1.3%) and 477 females (1.7%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Raleigh County, West Virginia, 5,545 households (19.08% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 29,062 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Raleigh County, West Virginia, 2,662 (48.01%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Raleigh County, West Virginia include diverse household types. Among households with children, 1,550 (27.95%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 862 (15.55%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Raleigh County, West Virginia, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 3,703 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Raleigh County, West Virginia. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Raleigh County, West Virginia is Vietnam Era Only, with 1,214 veterans (32.8% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 670 veterans (18.1%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Raleigh County, West Virginia provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 54.4% of all veterans in Raleigh County, West Virginia. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 2,014 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Raleigh County, West Virginia, 3,117 families (16.5% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 18,850 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Raleigh County, West Virginia, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Raleigh County, West Virginia has 6,764 families (35.9%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 2,389 families (12.7%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Raleigh County, West Virginia, 1,723 families (9.1%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 8,969 families (47.6%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.