Cost of Living in Harrison County, West Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Harrison County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Harrison County ranks #936 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Harrison County, West Virginia
Harrison's rent burden tops national norm
Harrison County residents spend 17.4% of income on rent, higher than the U.S. average of around 15%. This means the typical household earning $58,326 annually pays $848 monthly in rent—a burden that eats into savings and other essentials faster than most Americans experience.
Slightly less affordable than West Virginia
At 17.4%, Harrison's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 16.9%, ranking it among the less affordable West Virginia counties. The county's median rent of $848 also runs $88 above the state median of $760.
More expensive than nearby rural counties
Harrison's $848 rent is steeper than Marion County ($901 puts Marion higher), but significantly above Jackson County ($720) and Lewis County ($737) just across county lines. Renters in Harrison pay a premium compared to less urbanized neighbors.
Where Harrison's income goes
On a $58,326 annual income, renters allocate $848 monthly to rent (17.4%), while homeowners commit $637 monthly toward costs on a median home valued at $158,500. Together, these figures show housing absorbs a significant but manageable share of most households' budgets.
Considering a move within West Virginia?
If affordability matters, Jackson County and Lewis County offer lower rents ($720 and $737) with similar incomes, reducing housing burden by 2-3 percentage points. Conversely, Jefferson County offers higher incomes ($95,523) that better offset its pricier housing market ($1,103 rent).
Cost of Living Advisory: Harrison County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Harrison County is affordable. The median rent is $848/month against a median household income of $58,326, putting rent at 17.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $848/month rent versus $637/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $211/month cheaper — a 25% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,300/year. With a median household income of $58,326, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Harrison County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within West Virginia, Harrison County is less affordable than Marion County by roughly 6% ($848/mo vs $901/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Harrison County
Rent Burden
17.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,361
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Harrison County
Median home value is $158,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,265 vs. your max of $1,361.
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
What is the cost of living in Harrison County, West Virginia?
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Counties with Similar Housing Costs
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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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