Cost of Living in Barbour County, West Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Barbour County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Barbour County ranks #393 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Barbour County, West Virginia
Barbour's rent burden tops national norm
Barbour County residents spend 19.9% of income on rent, significantly above the national affordability threshold of 15%. This means the average household here dedicates nearly one-fifth of earnings to housing, compared to a healthier national average that sees renters allocate less of their paycheck to shelter costs.
Housing costs strain Barbour renters most
At 19.9%, Barbour's rent-to-income ratio ranks among West Virginia's worst—well above the statewide average of 16.9%. The county's median rent of $803 is higher than most peers despite lower median household income of $48,347, creating a squeeze for renters here.
Barbour faces tighter squeeze than neighbors
Barbour renters spend a larger share of income on housing than residents of nearby Boone County (17.6%) and Braxton County (15.6%). Only Cabell County's 19.9% ratio matches Barbour's burden, suggesting housing affordability challenges are concentrated in a few West Virginia communities.
Where Barbour income goes
The median household earns $48,347 annually while paying $803 in rent or $497 for mortgage payments monthly. Renters here face a steeper affordability crisis than homeowners; mortgage holders spend just 12.3% of income on housing, while renters surrender nearly 20%.
Comparing housing options in Barbour
If you're considering Barbour County, know that homeownership offers significantly better affordability than renting, with a median home value of $126,000. Compare rental costs here ($803/month) to neighboring Brooke County ($603/month) before deciding where to plant roots.
Cost of Living Advisory: Barbour County
Affordability Verdict
Barbour County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $803/month representing approximately 19.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Barbour County pay $803/month on average, compared to $497/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 38%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,300/year. With a median household income of $48,347, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Barbour County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within West Virginia, Barbour County is more affordable than Lewis County by roughly 9% ($803/mo vs $737/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Barbour County
Rent Burden
19.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,128
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Barbour County
Median home value is $126,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,006 vs. your max of $1,128.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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