Cost of Living in Jackson County, West Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jackson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jackson County ranks #455 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jackson County, West Virginia
Jackson keeps housing costs below national average
Jackson County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio beats the U.S. average and suggests stronger affordability for renters. At $720 monthly rent on a $55,671 median income, Jackson households retain more disposable income than most American peers.
West Virginia's most affordable renting county
Jackson's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, nearly a percentage point below West Virginia's 16.9% average. The median rent of $720 is also the lowest in this group, $40 under the state norm.
The bargain among Appalachian peers
Jackson's $720 rent undercuts all neighboring counties including Lewis ($737), Lincoln ($727), and Harrison ($848). This makes Jackson an attractive anchor for renters prioritizing affordability in rural West Virginia.
Jackson's lean housing budget
Jackson residents earning $55,671 annually spend just $720 on rent (15.5%), one of the lowest burdens statewide, while homeowners invest $576 monthly on median-valued homes of $154,600. This leaves Jackson households with breathing room for other expenses.
The most affordable option in our snapshot
Jackson County stands out for renters and modest-income homebuyers seeking the lowest housing-cost burden in West Virginia. If your budget is tight, Jackson's combination of low rents and reasonable home values makes it a practical choice over pricier Jefferson or income-stretched Logan.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jackson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Jackson County is affordable. The median rent is $720/month against a median household income of $55,671, putting rent at 15.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Jackson County is $720/month, while owner costs run $576/month. Owning saves approximately $144/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,686/year. With a median household income of $55,671, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Jackson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Nicholas County where rent averages $669/month, Jackson County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jackson County
Rent Burden
15.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,299
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jackson County
Median home value is $154,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,234 vs. your max of $1,299.
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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