Roane County
WV · Pop. 13,921 · Suburban County
Roane County, West Virginia covers 484 square miles with a population of 13,921 and a density of 28.8 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, potatoes. A median home price of $121,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.44% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 162-day growing season, average summer highs of 83°F and average winter lows of 23.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 46.1 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Roane General Hospital is 4.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 35.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.44% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $121,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Roane General Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 4.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A 162-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Broadband reaches only 35.3% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 20.2% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Roane County, WV is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 75/100
- Median home price
- $121k
- Property tax
- 0.44%
- Growing season
- 162 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 46.1"
- Broadband
- 35.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Roane General Hospital, 4.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Roane County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Roane County?
- Roane County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 162-day growing season, average summer highs of 83°F, and average winter lows of 23.1°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, potatoes.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $121,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.44%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 35.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Roane General Hospital is 4.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore West Virginia Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in West Virginia
All West Virginia countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Roane County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.