1st Advantage MortgageAbout 75% of Randolph County homes are owner-occupied, and the median household income is $52,757. A loan makes sense only if its total cost beats your alternatives and the payment fits your budget. Check the lender's West Virginia license first.
On this page
- A quick profile of Randolph County
- Employment and commuting in Randolph County
- Income in Randolph County compared with West Virginia
- The Randolph County housing market in figures
- Regional comparison for Randolph County
- Census places in Randolph County
- Before borrowing in Randolph County
- Age, degrees and coverage in Randolph County
- Debt-to-income, Randolph County edition
- Before you sign
- Licensing and complaints for Randolph County
- Nearby and statewide guides
- Frequently asked questions
A quick profile of Randolph County
The latest five-year Census estimate puts Randolph County's population at 27,576; only 20 of West Virginia's 55 county-level areas are larger. It covers 1,040 square miles of land, or about 27 people per square mile. Randolph County is classed as nonmetropolitan in the OMB's July 2023 list. The Census Bureau counts 16 places in the county (7 incorporated, 9 census-designated); the largest is Elkins, with about 6,811 residents, or 25% of the county.
Employment and commuting in Randolph County
Education and health care employs 31% of working residents, the largest share; retail trade is next with 17%. Compared with West Virginia, the county leans toward retail trade (17% against 12%). Unemployment in Randolph County, ACS five-year: 7.4%; West Virginia: 5.4%. 11% of commuters travel 45 minutes or more each way, and 8% work from home.
| Where residents work | Randolph County | Difference from West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 30.8% | +2.7 pts |
| Retail trade | 16.6% | +4.7 pts |
| Manufacturing | 8.0% | 0.0 pts |
| Construction | 7.6% | +0.9 pts |
| Public administration | 7.3% | +0.1 pts |
| Finance, insurance and real estate | 6.8% | +2.1 pts |
A lender verifies what your own job pays. The county's industry mix tells you about the local economy, not about your application.
Income in Randolph County compared with West Virginia
At $52,757, the typical Randolph County household income is 20% below the median U.S. county ($65,681).
| Household income | Randolph County | vs West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 33.6% | +3.3 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 41.5% | -0.9 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 19.6% | -1.8 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 5.3% | -0.6 pts |
On the low end, 34% of Randolph County households report under $35,000; at the top, 25% report $100,000-plus. The poverty rate is 15.9%, 1 point lower than the state's 16.7%. If your income is irregular, as it often is with tips, gig work or seasonal jobs, plan around your leaner months rather than the Randolph County median.
The Randolph County housing market in figures
Renters in Randolph County pay a median of $821 a month, 6% below the West Virginia figure of $872. By the Census definition, 45% of Randolph County renters are cost-burdened. With a median value of $144,800, a typical Randolph County house costs 2.7 times what the median household earns in a year. 75% of Randolph County households own their home and 25% rent. The median home was built in 1977, so roofs, wiring and heating systems are a common source of repair bills. Nationally, Randolph County's $821 rent is 6% below the middle county.
| Cost | Randolph County | West Virginia figure | Higher or lower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $821/mo | $872/mo | 6% lower |
| Median home value | $144,800 | $162,600 | 11% lower |
| Owners | 75% | 75% | +0.1 pts |
| Rent-burdened renters | 45% | 49% | -3.8 pts |
| Burdened owners | 15% | 20% | -4.9 pts |
| Mobile homes | 16.8% | 13.6% | +3.2 pts |
| Vacant units | 18% | 15% | +2.9 pts |
At a $144,800 median value, many Randolph County owners hold equity. Using it lowers cost only if you can carry the risk (equity vs. unsecured).
Regional comparison for Randolph County
Upshur County is closest, 21 miles from center to center; the sixth, Highland County, is 33 miles off. 4 of the six report a higher median household income than Randolph County; Highland County is highest at $65,625 and Pocahontas County lowest at $42,119. Some neighbors are in Virginia. Lender licensing is state by state, so a loan for a Randolph County resident follows West Virginia rules.
| Adjacent area | How far | HH income (median) | Rent (median) | Owner share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randolph County | - | $52,757 | $821/mo | 75% |
| Upshur County, WV | 21 mi | $54,338 | $886/mo | 81% |
| Barbour County, WV | 26 mi | $51,394 | $803/mo | 78% |
| Tucker County, WV | 28 mi | $53,358 | $656/mo | 81% |
| Pendleton County, WV | 29 mi | $64,931 | $770/mo | 85% |
| Pocahontas County, WV | 32 mi | $42,119 | $715/mo | 84% |
| Highland County, VA | 33 mi | $65,625 | $856/mo | 89% |
Census places in Randolph County
The table lists the 14 largest of 16 Census places in Randolph County, by population. Together all 16 hold about 10,652 people, so roughly 61% of residents live outside any named place. Mill Creek has the highest median household income on the list ($47,852) and Beverly the lowest ($30,000), counting places with at least 500 residents. From Elkins to the smallest crossroads, Randolph County residents share this guide.
| Community | Type | Residents | Household income (median) | Rent (median) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elkins | city | 6,811 | $44,217 | $903 | 10 mi |
| Valley Bend | CDP | 661 | n/a | n/a | 3 mi |
| Mill Creek | town | 659 | $47,852 | $857 | 7 mi |
| Beverly | town | 629 | $30,000 | $519 | 4 mi |
| Valley Head | CDP | 462 | $83,125 | n/a | 18 mi |
| Montrose | town | 295 | $98,250 | n/a | 20 mi |
| East Dailey | CDP | 292 | $107,688 | n/a | 1 mi |
| Womelsdorf (Coalton) | town | 280 | $68,125 | n/a | 10 mi |
| Huttonsville | town | 225 | $36,125 | $1,091 | 7 mi |
| Norton | CDP | 196 | n/a | n/a | 12 mi |
| Harman | town | 119 | n/a | $683 | 21 mi |
| Dailey | CDP | 23 | n/a | n/a | 2 mi |
| Bowden | CDP | 0 | n/a | n/a | 12 mi |
| Helvetia | CDP | 0 | n/a | n/a | 19 mi |
Before borrowing in Randolph County
Based on the Randolph County data above, these borrowing questions are most likely to matter locally.
- Mobile homes in Randolph County. At 17% of units, they are a big part of local housing; check whether yours is titled as real or personal property.
- Rent squeeze. 45% of renters spend 30%+ of income on rent; borrow only if the loan cuts what you pay overall.
- Debt consolidation. One fixed payment can save money only if the written APR and fees beat what you pay now (guide).
Age, degrees and coverage in Randolph County
In Randolph County, 20% of adults have at least a four-year degree (24% in West Virginia). About 7% go without health insurance.
| People and households | Randolph County | Compared with West Virginia | Compared with median county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's or higher | 19.8% | -4.3 pts | -2.4 pts |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 7.4% | +2.0 pts | +3.0 pts |
| Median age | 44.4 | +1.7 yrs | +2.9 yrs |
| No health insurance | 7.1% | +1.1 pts | -0.7 pts |
| No high school diploma | 11.7% | +1.0 pts | n/a |
| Work from home | 8.1% | -0.9 pts | -0.6 pts |
| Poverty rate | 15.9% | -0.8 pts | +2.7 pts |
| No vehicle | 7.7% | -0.3 pts | +2.3 pts |
| Commute length | Randolph County |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 44.6% |
| 15 to 29 min | 32.1% |
| 30 to 44 min | 12.0% |
| 45 to 59 min | 3.8% |
| 60+ min | 7.4% |
Debt-to-income, Randolph County edition
DTI math using Randolph County medians ($52,757 income, $821 rent):
- $52,757 a year is $4,396 of gross monthly income
- Less median rent of $821, which is 19% of it
- $762: what a 36% ratio leaves once rent is paid
Lenders set their own limits and look beyond the ratio. The DTI calculator uses your figures instead of Randolph County's.
Before you sign
Steps that save money for Randolph County residents:
- Price the Randolph County expense first and borrow that amount, no more.
- Collect three written offers and compare APR and total repaid.
- Check the license, then the reviews, then the offer.
- Lock paid-off cards after consolidating so balances stay at zero.
Licensing and complaints for Randolph County
Before sharing details with a lender, a Randolph County resident can confirm its license with the West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions. If a Randolph County lender ignores a dispute, the CFPB complaint portal is the federal backstop. State-level detail for Randolph County borrowers is in the West Virginia guide.
Nearby and statewide guides
No city in Randolph County has its own guide yet; the state page is next up.
Frequently asked questions
Is $52,757 a good income in Randolph County?
It is the county median, so half of Randolph County households earn more and half less; 25% earn $100,000 or more.
Is Randolph County expensive for renters?
Median rent is $821 against $872 statewide, and 45% of renter households are cost-burdened.
Should Randolph County homeowners use home equity instead?
Maybe, but weigh the risk: 75% of Randolph County homes are owner-occupied, and a home-equity loan or line is secured by the house while a personal loan usually is not.
How many towns are in Randolph County?
The Census Bureau counts 16 places mainly in the county, led by Elkins, Valley Bend, Mill Creek, Beverly, Valley Head.
Are Randolph County applicants treated differently?
No. Everyone answers the same questions and is screened on the same objective points; lending partners set their own criteria under fair-lending laws.