Cost of Living in Ravenswood, WV

With a cost of living index of 68, Ravenswood, WV is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 32% cheaper than the national average and 5% below the West Virginia state average of 73. Ravenswood is a small community of 3,846 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Ravenswood's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $969 (27% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $99,600 (67% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.2x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Ravenswood is $45,392, which is 40% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Ravenswood. The area sees an average annual temperature of 54.9°F, with summers averaging 75°F and winters around 35°F. Annual rainfall totals 44.2 inches spread over roughly 137 days.

Everyday prices in the Parkersburg-Vienna, WV (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.