Cost of Living in Braxton County, West Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Braxton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Braxton County ranks #111 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 4%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Braxton County, West Virginia
Braxton ranks among nation's most affordable
Braxton County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national affordability threshold of 15%, making it one of West Virginia's better housing markets. With median household income of $44,449 and rent at just $578 monthly, Braxton offers genuine affordability for lower-income households.
Braxton beats statewide affordability average
At 15.6%, Braxton's rent-to-income ratio edges below West Virginia's statewide average of 16.9%, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. Median rent of $578 is the lowest in this dataset, reflecting Braxton's rural character and lower demand.
Braxton offers cheapest regional rents
Braxton's $578 median rent substantially undercuts neighboring Boone ($823), Calhoun ($483), and Clay ($589) counties. While Calhoun edges slightly lower, Braxton's stronger median income of $44,449 creates a better overall affordability profile than its neighbors.
Braxton's affordable housing across tenures
Residents earning a median $44,449 annually pay just $578 on rent (15.6% of income) or $374 on mortgages (10.1%). Both renters and homeowners enjoy reasonable affordability in Braxton, with median home values sitting at just $106,400.
Braxton County: West Virginia's affordability leader
Seeking true affordability in Appalachia? Braxton County delivers the region's lowest rent at $578 monthly and respectable median incomes of $44,449. Whether renting or buying, households here spend less on housing than nearly any other West Virginia county.
Cost of Living Advisory: Braxton County
Affordability Verdict
Braxton County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $578/month representing approximately 15.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 22.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Braxton County is $578/month, while owner costs run $374/month. Owning saves approximately $204/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $23,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $16,029/year. With a median household income of $44,449, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Braxton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Braxton County sits 12% less expensive than Mason County ($654/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Braxton County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,037
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Braxton County
Median home value is $106,400. Estimated monthly cost: $849 vs. your max of $1,037.
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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