Cost of Living in Brooke County, West Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Brooke County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Brooke County ranks #54 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Brooke County, West Virginia
Brooke beats national affordability standard
Brooke County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national affordability threshold of 15%, making it one of the nation's more affordable housing markets. With median household income of $52,116 and rent at just $603 monthly, Brooke offers solid housing value.
Brooke ranks among West Virginia's best
At 13.9%, Brooke County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, well below West Virginia's 16.9% statewide average. This northern panhandle county demonstrates that affordability exists even in more accessible parts of the state.
Brooke offers northern panhandle value
Brooke's $603 median rent ranks among the region's lowest, undercut only by Calhoun County ($483) while remaining competitive with Clay ($589). At 13.9%, Brooke's rent burden is the lowest in this dataset, delivering exceptional affordability for renters.
Brooke's balanced ownership advantage
Households earning $52,116 annually allocate just $603 to rent (13.9% of income) but more—$581 monthly (13.4%)—to mortgage payments. The comparable affordability between renting and buying is unusual; both paths remain accessible to median-income households in Brooke.
Brooke County: Northern panhandle bargain
If proximity to Pittsburgh appeals and affordability matters, Brooke County delivers West Virginia's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 13.9%. With median homes valued at $127,700 and rents just $603 monthly, Brooke rewards residents seeking accessible housing without sacrificing location.
Cost of Living Advisory: Brooke County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Brooke County is affordable. The median rent is $603/month against a median household income of $52,116, putting rent at 13.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Brooke County is $603/month, while owner costs run $581/month. Owning saves approximately $22/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,900/year. With a median household income of $52,116, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Brooke County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Brooke County sits 8% less expensive than Mason County ($654/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Brooke County
Rent Burden
13.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,216
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Brooke County
Median home value is $127,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,019 vs. your max of $1,216.
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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