c.1910 Affordable West Virginia Home Channels A 1960s Interior $40K

14091 Rocket Boys Dr, War, WV 24892  $40,000

• Contact Realtor: Katie Linkous
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Pros of Living in War, WV

1. Extremely Low Cost of Living & Affordable Housing

• Cost of living is about 30% below the U.S. average and 12–15% lower than the West Virginia average, driven largely by ultra‑affordable housing 

• Median home price is roughly $30,000–58,600, with two-bedroom rent near $650/month, representing some of the lowest housing costs in the state and nation 

2. Low Property Crime and a Close-Knit Community Feel

• Some crime metrics (like property crime) are low compared to similar rural areas, and locals often describe friendly, caring neighbors ).

• Residents praise the hospitality and camaraderie of the community despite hardship.

  “Beautiful county with friendly people… The economy […] poor, but the people are top notch!”

Cons of Living in War, WV

1. Extreme Poverty & Very Low Incomes

• Median household income hovers around $16,500–17,600/year, over 60% below state and national averages. Poverty affects 40–50% of residents, making War one of West Virginia’s poorest towns 

• Economic opportunity is severely limited, and unemployment is relatively low only due to low labor-force participation 

2. Sparse Amenities, Infrastructure, & Health Services

• Amenities are nearly nonexistent—few shops, medical providers, or services exist in town 

• Health infrastructure is weak: few clinics or fire/police stations, and McDowell County has among the worst health outcomes nationally, including drastically low life expectancy and high rates of drug overdose and cancer-related deaths

3. Poor Schools & Limited Education

• Graduation rates hover around 68%—significantly below state averages—and local schools earn failing or low scores due to poor proficiency in core subjects 

• Educational attainment is very low: most adults have at best a high-school diploma or less, with minimal higher-education representation 

4. Declining Population & Economic Isolation

• Population has decreased by roughly 10–14% over five years, signaling limited prospects for growth or revitalization 

• The local economy is heavily tied to the shrinking legacy coal industry; no major employers or infrastructure investments are underway 

5. Health & Social Challenges

• Dwellics notes high cancer mortality rates for the area; substance abuse incidence is reported low, but data quality remains limited 

• McDowell County ranks last in life expectancy in the U.S.—around 63.5 years for men and 71.5 for women—reflecting chronic public health distress