Cost of Living in Pendleton County, West Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pendleton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pendleton County ranks #7 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 0%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pendleton County, West Virginia
Pendleton County: rural affordability at its best
Pendleton County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, well below both the national threshold and even West Virginia's 16.9% state average. With median rent at $754 and household income at $61,738, this rural county delivers genuine breathing room in family budgets.
West Virginia's affordability sweet spot
At 14.7%, Pendleton County ties with Preston County for the best rent-to-income ratio among this group and significantly outperforms West Virginia's 16.9% state average. Median household income of $61,738 and rent of $754 create a balance that makes housing feel genuinely accessible.
Beats every peer on affordability
Pendleton County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio edges out Preston County (14.7%, tied), Pleasants County (13.8%), and crushes Pocahontas County (20.0%) and Ohio County (17.1%). At $754 monthly rent with reasonable incomes, Pendleton County offers some of the healthiest housing math in rural West Virginia.
Low rents, affordable mortgages
Pendleton County renters spend $754 monthly while homeowners carry just $462 in monthly mortgage costs—the lowest owner cost in this group. With median household income at $61,738, renters dedicate 14.7% of earnings to housing, leaving roughly $5,250 annually for other necessities after rent.
Pendleton County rewards relocators
If you're moving to West Virginia for affordability without sacrificing economic stability, Pendleton County deserves serious consideration with its 14.7% rent ratio and $754 median rent. The median home value of $178,600 paired with low ownership costs makes it an excellent choice for families looking to own without stretching finances.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pendleton County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Pendleton County is affordable. The median rent is $754/month against a median household income of $61,738, putting rent at 14.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Pendleton County is $754/month, while owner costs run $462/month. Owning saves approximately $292/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,800/year. With a median household income of $61,738, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Pendleton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Pendleton County sits 7% more expensive than Wetzel County ($703/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pendleton County
Rent Burden
14.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,441
per month
Owner Cost Burden
9.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Pendleton County
Median home value is $178,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,426 vs. your max of $1,441.
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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