Cost of Living in Marshall County, West Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Marshall County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Marshall County ranks #887 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marshall County, West Virginia
Marshall County rents eat 16.4% of income
Renters in Marshall County spend 16.4% of their median household income on housing—slightly better than the national average of 16.9% and beating the state norm. With a median income of $60,329 and median rent of $823/month, Marshall County offers below-national-average housing pressure relative to local earning power.
Middle of the pack in West Virginia
Marshall County ranks in the middle tier of West Virginia counties for rental affordability, with its 16.4% rent-to-income ratio matching conditions in neighboring regions. The county's median rent of $823 runs higher than the state average of $760, but local incomes are also stronger than most peers.
Competitive rents among northern counties
Marshall County's $823/month rent falls between Monongalia County's $943 (the priciest in the region) and Mineral County's $684. Renters here pay about $63 more monthly than the state average, reflecting Marshall's position as a more developed northern corridor with slightly higher cost of living.
Renters and owners split differently
Renters spend $823/month (16.4% of income), while homeowners allocate $580/month (11.5%) to mortgage costs—a $243 gap favoring ownership. The median home value of $139,800 positions Marshall County as an accessible market for buyers compared to state leaders like Monongalia ($254,200).
Steady ground for balanced living
If you're seeking a West Virginia county with stable housing costs and above-average income, Marshall County delivers middle-ground affordability without extreme rent burdens. Compare this profile against higher-cost Monongalia or lower-income McDowell to find your fit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marshall County
Affordability Verdict
Marshall County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $823/month — about 16.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Marshall County is $823/month, while owner costs run $580/month. Owning saves approximately $243/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,857/year. With a median household income of $60,329, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Marshall County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within West Virginia, Marshall County is less affordable than Cabell County by roughly 6% ($823/mo vs $877/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marshall County
Rent Burden
16.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,408
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marshall County
Median home value is $139,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,116 vs. your max of $1,408.
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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