RentData

Average Rent in Jefferson County, WV↑ Rents rising 10.0% YoY🔺 Most expensive in WV

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 6,263,796

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Jefferson County, WV has rental prices ranging from $1,045/month to $2,300/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,052/month — 25% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $123,896/year, spending $1,052/month on a 1-bedroom represents 10% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Jefferson County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,376/month, Jefferson County ranks #1 most expensive of the 49 cities tracked in West Virginia — pricier than 85% 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 $125/month (10.0%) over the past year, from $1,251 to $1,376. 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 $42,080. The local median household income of $123,896 exceeds that threshold by $81,816, making Jefferson County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$1,045
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,052
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,376
↑10.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,879
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$2,300
Affordable
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Is 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)

To rent a 2BR
$55,040/year
Local median income: $123,896
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,376/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in WVlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Lincoln County$495$571$686$865—
Putnam County$829$834$1,091$1,500—
Morgan County$682$866$979$1,243—
Martinsburg$884$949$1,215$1,682—
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

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,376/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,376/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Jefferson County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Jefferson County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Jefferson County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in WV

See how Jefferson County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Jefferson County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋WV Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections