Cost of Living in Lincoln County, West Virginia

$727/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$103,400
Median Home Value
4% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$727/mo
4% below state average
Median Home Value
$103,400
63% 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 Lincoln County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Lincoln County$727/mo
West Virginia Average$760/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$727/mo
Median Gross Rent
$103,400
Median Home Value
$422/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
23.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Lincoln County, West Virginia

Lincoln's tight budget strains low-income renters

Lincoln County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in this group, worsening the burden for residents earning just $48,593 annually. At $727 monthly rent, Lincoln householders devote a larger share of tight incomes to housing than the U.S. average suggests is healthy.

Above-average strain for lowest-income county

Lincoln's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds West Virginia's 16.9% average, hitting the least-affordable tier statewide. Combined with the county's lowest median income ($48,593) in this group, Lincoln residents face the sharpest squeeze.

Cheap rent, but income doesn't match

Lincoln's $727 rent is among the state's lowest, but at $48,593 median income, it's the poorest county here. Logan County is similar ($704 rent, $47,237 income), while Jackson and Lewis offer better income-to-rent ratios despite comparable rents.

Lincoln's precarious affordability math

Lincoln residents earning $48,593 spend $727 on rent (17.9%), leaving little buffer for other necessities on already-stretched incomes. Homeowners fare better at $422 monthly on $103,400 homes, making ownership the clear affordability winner here.

If you're staying, consider buying early

Lincoln County's rock-bottom home values ($103,400) and cheap ownership costs ($422/month) make homeownership a survival strategy for income-constrained households. For renters, Lincoln's low rents help, but income growth elsewhere may offer better long-term prospects.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Lincoln County

$

Rent Burden

18.0%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,134

per month

Owner Cost Burden

10.4%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Lincoln County

Median home value is $103,400. Estimated monthly cost: $825 vs. your max of $1,134.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio18.0%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lincoln County, West Virginia?
Lincoln County, West Virginia has a median monthly rent of $727/mo and a median home value of $103,400. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 23.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Lincoln County?
The median gross rent in Lincoln County is $727/mo. This is 4% below state average for West Virginia.
Is Lincoln County affordable?
Lincoln 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 Lincoln County's rent compare to the state average?
Lincoln County's median rent of $727/mo is 4% below state average of $760/mo for West Virginia.
What is the median home value in Lincoln County?
The median home value in Lincoln County, West Virginia is $103,400. This is 63% 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.