RentData

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

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

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 FY2025
Studio
$944
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$950
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,246
13.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,746
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$2,092
Affordable
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Jefferson County

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
$49,840/year
Local median income: $123,896
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,246/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$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

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,246/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: $1,246/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.

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️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