RANK #74 / 1001 NAT · #2 / 11 WV · POP 73,195
1YR FORECAST: +0.7%
5YR OUTLOOK: +37%
The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, where visitors can descend into a former working mine, offers a glimpse into Raleigh County's past and is a notable local landmark. Located in southern West Virginia, Raleigh County's seat, Beckley, is one of the state's larger cities. The county is approximately an hour's drive from Charleston, West Virginia's capital. The area is characterized by its mountainous terrain and offers outdoor recreation opportunities, including Lake Stephens for boating and swimming, and Winterplace Ski Resort for winter sports. Life in Raleigh County often appeals to families and retirees, with a majority of residents owning their homes. The public school system in Raleigh County is rated above average. Recent economic developments show investment in sectors such as logistics and distribution, with new facilities creating jobs. The county also sees ongoing interest in energy and infrastructure projects. Public transportation, provided by the New River Transit Authority, serves Beckley and several other towns within Raleigh and Fayette counties.
Raleigh County is one of 75 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of -2.8% runs below the profile's typical +0.8%.
See all 75 Affordable Slow Markets counties →Below national median (11.3x)
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 6.2x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Proposed Data Center Development (Ghent/Whitby Mountain Area)
Undisclosed
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Raleigh Solar + Storage Project
Enel Green Power
|
$120M | Proposed |
|
Beckley Z-Way
West Virginia Division of Highways
|
$111M | Under Construction |
|
Raleigh Solar Project
Enel Green Power North America (formerly Dakota Renewable Energy)
|
$90M | Under Construction |
|
Amazon Fulfillment/Delivery Center
Amazon
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Glade Springs New Construction Homes (Stonehaven and Woodhaven)
CMHK Builders, Inc.
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Raleigh County ranks #74 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 93/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $52,150 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
Housing in Raleigh County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $150,900 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.35, with rents averaging $902/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Raleigh County is losing population (-0.6% YoY) while the job market is essentially flat (-0.4% employment change). Home values are -2.8% over the past 12 months. A slow-bleed pattern — not a collapse, but residents are leaving faster than employers are hiring.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.01% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Raleigh County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.