RentData

Average Rent in Parkersburg, WV↑ Rents rising 5.0% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 88,960

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

Market Overview

Parkersburg, WV has rental prices ranging from $793/month to $1,281/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $798/month — 43% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $56,029/year, spending $798/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Parkersburg Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $974/month, Parkersburg ranks #14 most expensive of the 49 cities tracked in West Virginia — more affordable than 74% of all US cities in our data.

The Parkersburg Rental Market

The Parkersburg, WV area has a population of about 88,960 and 25% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Parkersburg, WV have risen by $46/month (5.0%) over the past year, from $928 to $974. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Parkersburg, WV without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,920. The local median household income of $56,029 exceeds that threshold by $24,109, making Parkersburg relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Parkersburg, WV is $148,010, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 12.7. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 13 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$793
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$798
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$974
↑5.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,214
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,281
Affordable
🔔
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Median Home Value
$148,010
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$788/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Parkersburg, 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
$38,960/year
Local median income: $56,029
To buy a median home
$31,511/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $974/month and 20% down on a $148,010 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in WVlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Jefferson County$1,045$1,052$1,376$1,879—
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—

Rent or Buy in Parkersburg?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Parkersburg data

$
Home Value
$148,010
2BR Rent
$974/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$788/mo
🏠 Buy

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

Total monthly buy cost: $1,090/movs rent: $974/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $148,010 home at 7% rate

20% — $29,602
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$788
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$118,408
Total Paid
$283,598
Total Interest
$165,190
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Parkersburg

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Parkersburg

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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Parkersburg

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Parkersburg

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in WV

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📋WV Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections