Rental market overview for West Virginia, powered by HUD and Census data.
Median Rent
$777
Median Income
$50,934
Rent Burden
29.5%
Avg FMR (2BR)
N/A
Affordability
West Virginia: 29.5% rent burden, near the 30% affordability threshold.
<25% 25 to 30%>30%
Affordability Map: Income vs Rent in West Virginia
Each dot is a city, sized by population. The diagonal line is the 30% rent to income threshold. Cities above the line tend to be unaffordable for median earners.
Cities in West Virginia by median income and median rent
City
Median income
Median rent
Rent burden
Charleston
$58,902
$870
29.0%
Huntington
$39,066
$841
42.6%
Morgantown
$41,103
$901
48.6%
Parkersburg
$41,921
$758
31.0%
Wheeling
$46,516
$748
32.4%
Weirton
$57,373
$699
24.4%
Martinsburg
$55,240
$1,046
31.1%
Fairmont
$55,084
$860
29.4%
Beckley
$41,277
$862
31.7%
Clarksburg
$46,595
$748
29.8%
Teays Valley
$102,349
$1,263
22.8%
South Charleston
$58,756
$832
30.3%
St. Albans
$60,524
$931
29.1%
Vienna
$62,979
$819
33.7%
Cross Lanes
$58,696
$903
28.1%
Cheat Lake
$109,732
$1,179
28.1%
Bluefield
$45,854
$854
27.4%
Bridgeport
$96,063
$1,195
23.8%
Oak Hill
$48,050
$776
29.1%
Moundsville
$46,070
$831
27.6%
Dunbar
$48,396
$911
32.2%
Elkins
$39,875
$812
38.5%
Hurricane
$70,861
$856
24.7%
Pea Ridge
$57,863
$897
33.3%
Charles Town
$83,275
$963
26.0%
Nitro
$49,742
$834
34.1%
Brookhaven
$70,179
$971
24.1%
Princeton
$41,782
$720
30.5%
Ranson corporation
$80,242
$1,277
26.2%
New Martinsville
$50,235
$706
28.5%
Buckhannon
$43,621
$712
27.6%
Keyser
$46,724
$706
25.5%
Grafton
$38,934
$420
27.9%
Barboursville
$61,236
$894
28.4%
Point Pleasant
$45,996
$638
25.0%
Pinch
$73,973
$864
26.4%
Westover
$55,625
$884
25.8%
Weston
$44,955
$756
26.3%
Lewisburg
$47,563
$722
31.0%
Ravenswood
$31,818
$895
48.1%
Shady Spring
$64,215
$949
28.2%
Blennerhassett
$80,783
$1,036
36.0%
Pleasant Valley
$61,067
$910
23.2%
Welch
$32,109
$807
40.7%
Summersville
$53,529
$559
29.0%
Shannondale
$83,125
$1,281
18.2%
Ripley
$35,489
$546
22.0%
Williamson
$23,173
$516
24.7%
Kenova
$49,896
$804
22.9%
Kingwood
$74,961
$633
20.9%
Williamstown
$68,029
$798
33.1%
Winfield
$101,500
$1,048
30.8%
Philippi
$36,563
$654
25.2%
Culloden
$75,188
$544
38.0%
Fayetteville
$63,514
$938
33.3%
Madison
$63,864
$696
18.9%
Moorefield
$51,985
$840
24.0%
Inwood
$90,327
$1,662
30.8%
Petersburg
$46,629
$645
23.8%
Follansbee
$47,386
$591
19.4%
Richwood
$30,962
$618
49.3%
Mineralwells
$79,760
$875
25.0%
Stonewood
$49,402
$920
21.9%
Bluewell
$32,763
$825
34.0%
Hooverson Heights
$55,588
$661
23.9%
Shinnston
$55,089
$945
30.8%
St. Marys
$53,125
$638
26.7%
Logan
$38,267
$904
22.6%
Wellsburg
$39,000
$572
27.4%
Star City
$69,063
$985
23.9%
Hinton
$35,735
$813
28.9%
Falling Waters
$84,038
$1,291
17.9%
Chester
$58,988
$891
36.8%
Romney
$34,063
$594
31.1%
Spencer
$23,983
$580
37.9%
Craigsville
$34,375
$554
28.0%
Terra Alta
$50,278
$743
26.4%
Belington
$46,927
$950
28.0%
Crab Orchard
$48,438
$581
30.5%
Salem
$45,521
$628
23.3%
McMechen
$51,389
$581
27.1%
West Liberty
$39,181
$1,514
51.0%
New Haven
$58,533
$451
34.1%
Sophia
$33,372
$732
35.6%
Montgomery
$27,174
$613
33.8%
Nutter Fort
$56,125
$910
31.5%
Mannington
$54,625
$658
28.5%
Marmet
$47,682
$832
31.4%
Harrisville
$40,114
$677
39.4%
Glen Dale
$80,917
$827
27.5%
Shepherdstown
$58,875
$1,081
31.8%
Bradley
$40,179
$795
26.3%
Chesapeake
$48,375
$883
33.6%
Mabscott
$52,083
$858
44.6%
Prosperity
$66,905
$1,087
23.3%
Parsons
$45,729
$807
30.0%
Eleanor
$65,580
$910
26.3%
Coal City
$26,353
$349
25.1%
Belle
$59,167
$891
28.6%
Barrackville
$66,083
$696
27.8%
Ronceverte
$40,605
$781
30.2%
Rainelle
$39,338
$603
31.5%
Mount Gay-Shamrock
$43,491
$570
51.0%
Boaz
$87,569
$1,236
18.5%
Granville
$29,000
$776
44.7%
Hamlin
$48,611
$750
23.3%
Pennsboro
$48,452
$786
40.6%
Mallory
$31,677
$538
N/A
Wayne
$25,391
$680
51.0%
Fairlea
$24,794
$897
47.5%
Bolivar
$80,125
$1,526
27.8%
Ansted
$55,404
$758
26.7%
Sistersville
$38,950
$535
27.3%
Carpendale
$65,938
$913
34.8%
Ceredo
$32,305
$911
39.3%
Benwood
$38,000
$625
30.9%
Oceana
$37,083
$640
32.1%
Shenandoah Junction
$102,552
$1,606
23.7%
Man
$70,481
$738
26.3%
Fort Ashby
$41,992
$733
38.4%
Glenville
$43,690
$750
27.2%
Washington
$41,920
$967
33.3%
Buffalo
$46,389
$688
27.0%
Athens
$61,667
$1,025
38.0%
Marlinton
$39,643
$642
30.6%
Newell
$23,808
$712
51.0%
Bethany
$63,214
$808
18.9%
New Cumberland
$40,000
$631
31.9%
Rupert
$27,244
$588
51.0%
Monongah
$55,288
$889
30.9%
Mount Hope
$25,404
$569
34.1%
Lesage
$46,693
$695
23.9%
Tornado
$79,952
$1,240
15.7%
White Hall
$67,679
$1,007
20.2%
Piedmont
$47,031
$510
17.0%
Sprague
$57,160
$568
51.0%
Despard
$27,614
$549
34.4%
Clendenin
$50,375
$953
37.7%
Alderson
$30,689
$500
30.3%
Rand
$37,230
$790
36.8%
Beaver
$29,780
$1,331
13.5%
Addison (Webster Springs)
$29,773
$508
37.5%
Bath (Berkeley Springs)
$31,094
$714
27.7%
Chapmanville
$33,500
$574
27.0%
Sutton
$37,167
$714
27.2%
Smithers
$31,536
$597
32.8%
Middlebourne
$62,000
$575
30.8%
Belmont
$55,417
$609
22.7%
Davis
$44,119
$530
18.8%
Mason
$46,406
$766
28.4%
Gassaway
$44,653
$630
18.8%
East Bank
$52,750
$839
51.0%
Glasgow
$48,810
$850
18.4%
Lumberport
$53,594
$641
51.0%
Mill Creek
$45,417
$861
28.2%
Triadelphia
$45,739
$649
51.0%
Montcalm
$34,143
$494
22.2%
Danville
$31,923
$540
32.3%
Beverly
$30,000
$581
31.1%
Rivesville
$59,833
$834
16.3%
Peterstown
$39,167
$625
17.2%
War
$21,150
$668
29.3%
Monaville
$33,924
$701
25.1%
Jefferson
$38,533
$720
46.0%
Beech Bottom
$28,958
$746
17.1%
Thomas
$53,000
$821
17.9%
Jane Lew
$50,583
$679
22.5%
Reedsville
$54,223
$1,049
21.4%
Cowen
$35,272
$754
35.5%
Hartford City
$50,114
$691
9.0%
Rowlesburg
$50,139
$642
27.9%
Institute
$45,625
$950
30.0%
Fort Gay
$24,519
$762
26.3%
Windsor Heights
$46,058
$888
51.0%
Anmoore
$26,471
$757
51.0%
Matewan
$22,250
$356
27.7%
West Hamlin
$36,354
$350
22.1%
Meadow Bridge
$35,781
$690
51.0%
Delbarton
$34,688
$594
22.2%
Boomer
$29,048
$845
42.7%
Capon Bridge
$63,125
$1,026
23.3%
Valley Grove
$50,208
$789
16.9%
Cedar Grove
$55,600
$858
29.1%
West Dunbar
$31,597
$915
51.0%
Burnsville
$71,250
$736
18.2%
West Milford
$59,297
$670
10.0%
Union
$30,625
$445
28.7%
Robinette
$23,819
$575
42.3%
Bancroft
$80,417
$781
33.9%
Paw Paw
$58,750
$1,000
37.1%
Chelyan
$72,059
$639
12.1%
Lester
$28,125
$820
40.0%
Grant Town
$50,982
$683
23.8%
Masontown
$42,917
$797
32.2%
East View
$51,864
$636
28.8%
Pratt
$67,679
$789
22.6%
Farmington
$54,750
$608
12.3%
Flatwoods
$51,094
$681
41.7%
Ridgeley
$47,788
$722
17.8%
Wardensville
$39,688
$542
26.5%
Hundred
$41,216
$471
36.3%
Leon
$32,083
$800
N/A
Junior
$28,393
$639
51.0%
Tunnelton
$56,023
$1,136
24.5%
West Logan
$56,094
$925
20.0%
Franklin
$78,125
$743
18.8%
Hepzibah
$91,122
$905
N/A
Albright
$59,063
$792
16.4%
Gilbert
$39,375
$673
40.8%
Hendricks
$46,750
$644
18.9%
Flemington
$54,286
$877
29.4%
Kimball
$2,499
$560
N/A
Bayard
$26,250
$675
35.0%
Hedgesville
$81,400
$1,310
17.4%
Bradshaw
$21,458
$542
36.4%
Fairview
$60,455
$508
35.8%
Newburg
$49,219
$713
51.0%
Henderson
$22,000
$836
38.5%
Brandonville
$78,333
$825
36.3%
Kermit
$30,625
$706
19.0%
Brandywine
$31,875
$546
25.5%
Sylvester
$61,000
$940
12.0%
Cairo
$27,300
$600
51.0%
Quinwood
$24,063
$731
29.6%
Matoaka
$40,625
$710
26.0%
Keystone
$18,846
$619
42.3%
Harman
$25,577
$613
31.3%
Bruceton Mills
$57,500
$795
18.8%
How West Virginia Compares to the National Average
Median Rent
$777▼ 43.0%
Rent Burden
29.5%▼ 2.6%
Vacancy Rate
20.5%▲ 138.8%
West Virginia Rental Market Overview
West Virginia has approximately 434 cities with rental data tracked by StayRentals. Roughly 27.6% of housing units in the state are renter-occupied. The state's median rent is approximately $777, which is 43% lower than the national median of $1,365. (Source: Census ACS)
The average West Virginia renter spends approximately 29.5% of their income on rent, compared to the national average of approximately 30.3%. This suggests the state is generally in line with or more affordable than national averages. (Source: Census ACS)
With a rental vacancy rate of approximately 20.5%, the West Virginia rental market may offer renters more options and negotiating power. (Source: Census ACS)
Rent Burden Distribution Across West Virginia Cities
45% of cities in West Virginia have a rent burden at or above 30% of household income.
City count by rent burden bracket for West Virginia
Falling Waters: median rent of $1,291, median income of $84,038, resulting in a rent burden of approximately 17.9%. (Source: Census ACS)
Shannondale: median rent of $1,281, median income of $83,125, resulting in a rent burden of approximately 18.2%. (Source: Census ACS)
Madison: median rent of $696, median income of $63,864, resulting in a rent burden of approximately 18.9%. (Source: Census ACS)
Follansbee: median rent of $591, median income of $47,386, resulting in a rent burden of approximately 19.4%. (Source: Census ACS)
Kingwood: median rent of $633, median income of $74,961, resulting in a rent burden of approximately 20.9%. (Source: Census ACS)
Most expensive cities (highest rent burden):
Richwood: median rent of $618, with a rent burden of approximately 49.3%. Lower incomes relative to rent contribute to higher cost burden. (Source: Census ACS)
Morgantown: median rent of $901, with a rent burden of approximately 48.6%. Lower incomes relative to rent contribute to higher cost burden. (Source: Census ACS)
Ravenswood: median rent of $895, with a rent burden of approximately 48.1%. Lower incomes relative to rent contribute to higher cost burden. (Source: Census ACS)
Huntington: median rent of $841, with a rent burden of approximately 42.6%. Lower incomes relative to rent contribute to higher cost burden. (Source: Census ACS)
Welch: median rent of $807, with a rent burden of approximately 40.7%. Lower incomes relative to rent contribute to higher cost burden. (Source: Census ACS)
HUD Fair Market Rent by Bedroom
HUD Fair Market Rent data is reported at the county level for this state. See city pages for local FMR data.
Population vs Median Rent in West Virginia
In West Virginia, larger cities tend to have similar rents regardless of size.
Renting in West Virginia: What to Know
Renter protections and landlord-tenant laws vary by state and municipality within West Virginia. Most states require landlords to provide advance notice before raising rent on month-to-month leases, though the specific notice period varies. Some municipalities within West Virginia may have additional local tenant protections.
Housing laws change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a local tenant rights organization, legal aid society, or attorney. StayRentals does not provide legal advice.
West Virginia Rental Market Trends
Rent trends for West Virginia are tracked through the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for shelter costs. Nationally, rent costs have generally increased over the past decade, though the rate of increase varies by metro area and time period.
Detailed monthly rent CPI data is available for major metropolitan areas. Visit our homepage for the national rent CPI trend chart, or explore individual city pages for local context. (Source: BLS Consumer Price Index)
Affordable rentals in West Virginia
410 income-restricted apartment buildings tracked across West Virginia, sourced from HUD’s LIHTC, Section 8, Section 202, and Section 811 datasets.
U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index for Rent of Primary Residence
Data is updated periodically. Census ACS data reflects 5-year estimates. HUD Fair Market Rents are updated annually. BLS rent CPI is updated monthly.
StayRentals is not a real estate agent, landlord, or property manager. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Rent estimates are based on government data and may not reflect current market conditions. Housing laws vary by state and municipality. Consult a local tenant rights organization or attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Sources: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index.
Data vintage: HUD FMR FY 2025, Census ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates, BLS CPI updated monthly. Government data may lag 1–2 years behind current market conditions.