Rainelle, WV
Population 1,334 · West Virginia
About Rainelle, WV
Rainelle is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,334 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,875 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rainelle features a median home value of $73,500, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rainelle one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $657, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 689 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (402 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (201 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rainelle shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 24.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rainelle have an average one-way commute time of 29.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.8% of Rainelle residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.7% White, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rainelle, WV
Compared to national averages, Rainelle has a median household income of $36,875 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $73,500, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $657 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Rainelle's income is 32% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 43% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Rainelle, WV?
Rainelle offers affordable housing with a median home value of $73,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $657/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,875) that falls below the national average. However, Rainelle’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rainelle has a population of 1,334 with a median age of 48.9 years. Compare Rainelle with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Rainelle
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shenandoah Junction | 1,339 | $109,048 | $193,900 | Compare |
| Sistersville | 1,340 | $46,875 | $95,800 | Compare |
| Stanaford | 1,327 | $46,944 | $154,700 | Compare |
| Bolivar | 1,317 | $81,641 | $253,700 | Compare |
| Barrackville | 1,362 | $81,250 | $156,400 | Compare |
| Mount Hope | 1,369 | $26,983 | $91,900 | Compare |
| Boaz | 1,374 | $92,708 | $227,400 | Compare |
| MacArthur | 1,287 | $26,824 | $126,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in West Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rainelle With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rainelle
What is the population of Rainelle, WV?
The population of Rainelle, WV is 1,334 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Rainelle?
The median household income in Rainelle, WV is $36,875 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rainelle?
The median home value in Rainelle, WV is $73,500, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rainelle?
The median monthly rent in Rainelle, WV is $657, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rainelle?
The unemployment rate in Rainelle, WV is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rainelle, WV a good place to live?
Rainelle offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,334 and a median age of 48.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rainelle, WV?
12.8% of residents in Rainelle aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Rainelle?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rainelle, WV: median home value is $73,500 (70% below national), median rent is $657/month, and median household income is $36,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rainelle?
The poverty rate in Rainelle, WV is 24.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Rainelle, WV?
Rainelle's population is 0.7% White, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.