Cost of Living in Preston County, West Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Preston County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Preston County ranks #332 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Preston County, West Virginia
Preston County rents remain very affordable
At 14.7%, Preston County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below both the national affordability threshold and West Virginia's 16.9% state average. Median rent of $753 and household income of $61,373 create a balanced housing market where families retain substantial income for other priorities.
Ties Pendleton as state's best value
Preston County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio matches Pendleton County as the best-performing in West Virginia within this group, beating the state average of 16.9% by 2.2 percentage points. At $753 monthly rent with $61,373 median household income, Preston County delivers genuine affordability.
Balanced option among equals
Preston County's 14.7% affordability ratio ties Pendleton County, though Preston's $753 rent is slightly higher than Pendleton's $754 (essentially identical) but lower than Morgan County ($832) and Ohio County ($823). Preston County offers the sweet spot: low costs, reasonable incomes, and no affordability pressure.
Moderate costs across tenure types
Preston County renters pay $753 monthly while homeowners carry $618 in mortgage costs, with both groups managing comfortably within the 14.7% affordability threshold. With median household income at $61,373, renters dedicate 14.7% of earnings to housing, leaving approximately $5,200 annually for other household needs.
Preston County: balanced relocation option
Preston County competes directly with Pendleton County for relocation appeal: 14.7% affordability ratio, $753 rent, and $61,373 median income create a no-pressure housing market. With median home values at $157,700, both renters and buyers find genuine value without the affordability strain visible in neighboring Ohio County.
Cost of Living Advisory: Preston County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Preston County is affordable. The median rent is $753/month against a median household income of $61,373, putting rent at 14.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Preston County is $753/month, while owner costs run $618/month. Owning saves approximately $135/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,486/year. With a median household income of $61,373, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Preston County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Pleasants County where rent averages $700/month, Preston County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Preston County
Rent Burden
14.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,432
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Preston County
Median home value is $157,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,259 vs. your max of $1,432.
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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