Cost of Living in Morgan County, West Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Morgan County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Morgan County ranks #873 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Morgan County, West Virginia
Morgan County rents beat national norms
At 15.7%, Morgan County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national threshold of affordability, meaning renters here spend a smaller share of their paychecks on housing than Americans overall. The median rent of $832 per month is reasonable for a county where median household income reaches $63,805—closer to the national median of $74,755 than many West Virginia peers.
Better positioned than most WV counties
Morgan County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio beats the West Virginia state average of 16.9%, placing it in the more affordable tier statewide. With rents at $832 versus the state median of $760, Morgan County costs a bit more but incomes are stronger enough to make the math work.
Competitive with Eastern Panhandle peers
Morgan County's $832 rent and 15.7% affordability ratio compare favorably to nearby Ohio County ($823 rent, 17.1% ratio) and Preston County ($753 rent, 14.7% ratio). Pendleton County edges ahead with a 14.7% ratio, but Morgan County offers similar economic stability with stronger household incomes.
Rents and mortgages divide the burden
Renters in Morgan County spend $832 monthly while homeowners carry a $863 monthly mortgage cost—nearly identical burdens for two populations with very different asset positions. With median household income at $63,805, renters dedicate 15.7% of earnings to rent and homeowners roughly 16.3% to mortgage, leaving room for other expenses.
Consider Morgan County for stability
If you're relocating from a high-cost metro area, Morgan County offers a balanced market: rents comparable to the state average but with higher household incomes to support them. The 15.7% rent-to-income ratio signals genuine affordability, and median home values near $223,100 make homeownership achievable for middle-income families.
Cost of Living Advisory: Morgan County
Affordability Verdict
Morgan County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $832/month — about 15.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Morgan County pay $832/month on average, compared to $863/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 4%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,986/year. With a median household income of $63,805, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Morgan County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Wayne County where rent averages $883/month, Morgan County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Morgan County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,489
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.2%
of gross income
The median home in Morgan County may be a stretch
Median home value is $223,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,781 vs. your max of $1,489.
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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