Cost of Living in Hardy County, West Virginia

$820/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$159,700
Median Home Value
8% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$820/mo
8% above state average
Median Home Value
$159,700
43% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
23.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Hardy County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Hardy County$820/mo
West Virginia Average$760/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$820/mo
Median Gross Rent
$159,700
Median Home Value
$562/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
23.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Hardy County, West Virginia

Hardy's housing burden rivals worst peers

Hardy County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.0% exceeds the state average (16.9%) and reflects severe national disadvantage, with median household income of just $49,302 paired against $820 monthly rents. One in five dollars earned vanishes to housing, constraining discretionary spending significantly.

Third-worst affordability statewide

Hardy's 20.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks alongside Gilmer and Greenbrier as the state's most challenging housing markets among these peers. The county's low income and relatively high rents combine into a genuine affordability crisis.

High rents squeeze low incomes

Hardy's $820 monthly rent is the second-highest in this analysis, while its $49,302 median income ranks among the lowest. Homeownership costs $562 monthly with a $159,700 median home value, creating buying barriers for typical households despite relatively affordable mortgages.

20% of income devoted to rent

Renters spend $820 monthly, consuming 20.0% of Hardy's $49,302 median income, while homeowners pay $562. This leaves renters with $200+ less monthly flexibility than homeowners, intensifying pressure on households already strapped by regional income constraints.

Affordability challenges require planning

Hardy's combination of high rents and low incomes makes relocation risky without confirmed wage growth or remote income sources. If considering Hardy, prioritize income stability and compare aggressively against neighboring Grant County's superior affordability.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Hardy County

$

Rent Burden

20.0%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,150

per month

Owner Cost Burden

13.7%

of gross income

The median home in Hardy County may be a stretch

Median home value is $159,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,275 vs. your max of $1,150.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio20.0%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Hardy County, West Virginia?
Hardy County, West Virginia has a median monthly rent of $820/mo and a median home value of $159,700. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 23.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Hardy County?
The median gross rent in Hardy County is $820/mo. This is 8% above state average for West Virginia.
Is Hardy County affordable?
Hardy County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 23.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Hardy County's rent compare to the state average?
Hardy County's median rent of $820/mo is 8% above state average of $760/mo for West Virginia.
What is the median home value in Hardy County?
The median home value in Hardy County, West Virginia is $159,700. This is 43% below the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.