Cost of Living in Jefferson County, West Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jefferson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jefferson County ranks #990 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 31%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jefferson County, West Virginia
Jefferson's income cushions high housing costs
Jefferson County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio is the nation's sweet spot, despite charging $1,103 in monthly rent. The key: a median household income of $95,523—the highest in this group—making housing's bite more manageable than raw numbers suggest.
West Virginia's premium county for homebuying
Jefferson's median home value of $324,500 dwarfs the state trend; homes here cost more than double those in Logan or Lincoln counties. Yet Jefferson residents, earning 28% above the state median, can better absorb this premium.
The region's expensive outlier
Jefferson's $1,103 rent and $324,500 home values far exceed surrounding counties like Harrison ($848 rent, $158,500 homes) and Jackson ($720 rent, $154,600 homes). Jefferson attracts higher-income professionals willing to pay for the premium market.
High income, high costs—balanced trade
Jefferson's $95,523 income supports a 13.9% rent burden ($1,103) and hefty $1,460 monthly owner costs on $324,500 homes. This county reverses the pattern seen elsewhere: housing costs rise, but so do incomes, preserving financial stability.
For professionals seeking urban-style living
Jefferson County suits higher earners ($95K+) comfortable with premium rents and home prices for better job markets and amenities. If your income matches the county average or exceeds it, Jefferson's housing affordability actually rivals national standards.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jefferson County
Affordability Verdict
Jefferson County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,103/month representing approximately 13.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Jefferson County is $1,103/month, while owner costs run $1,460/month. Renting saves approximately $357/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $44,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $62,571/year. With a median household income of $95,523, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Jefferson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within West Virginia, Jefferson County is more affordable than Putnam County by roughly 13% ($1,103/mo vs $975/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County
Rent Burden
13.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,229
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.3%
of gross income
The median home in Jefferson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $324,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,591 vs. your max of $2,229.
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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