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
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.
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
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.