Cost of Living in Cabell County, West Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cabell County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cabell County ranks #2,430 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cabell County, West Virginia
Cabell's rents strain above national threshold
Cabell County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds the national affordability benchmark of 15%, making housing a significant budget burden here. Despite median household income of $52,828, residents spend nearly one-fifth of earnings on rent—a sign of housing-cost stress.
Cabell ties Barbour for worst affordability
At 19.9%, Cabell County shares West Virginia's highest rent-to-income burden with Barbour County, both well above the statewide average of 16.9%. Cabell's median rent of $877 reflects its position as the state's largest metropolitan area, where housing demand drives up costs.
Cabell's metro costs outpace rural peers
Cabell's $877 median rent significantly exceeds smaller rural counties like Boone ($823), Braxton ($578), and Clay ($589). The 19.9% rent burden places Cabell alongside Barbour—both must be approached cautiously by renters with modest incomes.
Cabell's rental crisis versus ownership advantage
Cabell households earn a median $52,828 and face a steep $877 monthly rent (19.9% of income) but more manageable $753 mortgages (17.1%). Homeownership remains more affordable than renting here, though both require substantial housing budgets compared to rural counties.
Huntington's affordability trade-offs
Cabell County (home to Huntington) offers urban amenities but at a rental cost—median rent hits $877 monthly with a 19.9% burden. Consider whether metro benefits outweigh housing costs; compare Cabell to rural alternatives before relocating to West Virginia's largest city.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cabell County
Affordability Verdict
Cabell County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $877/month representing approximately 19.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 34.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Cabell County pay $877/month on average, compared to $753/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 14%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,271/year. With a median household income of $52,828, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Cabell County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within West Virginia, Cabell County is more affordable than Boone County by roughly 7% ($877/mo vs $823/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cabell County
Rent Burden
19.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,233
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.1%
of gross income
The median home in Cabell County may be a stretch
Median home value is $156,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,246 vs. your max of $1,233.
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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