Average Rent in Jefferson County, WV↑ Rents rising 13.4% YoY🔺 Most expensive in WV
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 6,263,796
Market Overview
Jefferson County, WV has rental prices ranging from $944/month to $2,092/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $950/month — 32% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $123,896/year, spending $950/month on a 1-bedroom represents 9% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Jefferson County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,246/month, Jefferson County ranks #1 most expensive of the 47 cities tracked in West Virginia — pricier than 84% of all US cities in our data.
The Jefferson County Rental Market
The Jefferson County, WV area has a population of about 6,263,796 and 37% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Jefferson County, WV have risen by $147/month (13.4%) over the past year, from $1,099 to $1,246. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Jefferson County, WV without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $38,000. The local median household income of $123,896 exceeds that threshold by $85,896, making Jefferson County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Jefferson County, WV Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in WVlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln County | $495 | $571 | $686 | $865 | — |
| Putnam County | $838 | $843 | $1,106 | $1,515 | — |
| Morgan County | $629 | $733 | $918 | $1,250 | — |
| Martinsburg | $826 | $959 | $1,204 | $1,673 | — |
| Jackson County | $597 | $704 | $862 | $1,140 | — |
| Lincoln County | $612 | $729 | $883 | $1,064 | — |
Rent or Buy in Jefferson County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Jefferson County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Jefferson County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Jefferson CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in WVSee how Jefferson County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Jefferson CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋WV Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections