Cost of Living in Webster County, West Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Webster County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Webster County ranks #77 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Webster County, West Virginia
Webster faces West Virginia's toughest squeeze
Webster County's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this seven-county cluster, squeezed by a $42,061 median household income—among the lowest in the state. Against the national median income of $74,755, Webster renters earn 43% less while managing $687 monthly rents.
Webster ranks among state's least affordable
With a 19.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly above West Virginia's 16.9% state average, Webster County ranks as one of the state's most affordability-challenged markets. The county's below-average income of $42,061 magnifies the burden on renters and owners alike.
Webster offers low rents but tight budgets
Webster's $687 rent is the lowest in this comparison and $73 below the state average, yet the county's exceptionally low income of $42,061 makes housing costs feel heaviest. Only Wyoming County ($48,038) comes close to Webster's income constraints in the regional group.
Lowest rents paired with lowest incomes
Though Webster offers the seven-county comparison's lowest median rent ($687) and owner cost ($446), renters still dedicate 19.6% of income to housing—the highest burden here. Homeowners fare better at 12.7% of income, suggesting ownership is Webster's more attainable path.
Webster demands financial caution for renters
Webster County's affordable prices attract those seeking low cost of living, but renters with modest incomes should budget carefully—housing claims nearly one-fifth of earnings. Homebuyers with stable income may find exceptional value in a median home price of just $78,000.
Cost of Living Advisory: Webster County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Webster County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $687/month in gross rent, with 34.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Webster County is $687/month, while owner costs run $446/month. Owning saves approximately $241/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,114/year. With a median household income of $42,061, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Webster County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Webster County sits 9% less expensive than Preston County ($753/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Webster County
Rent Burden
19.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$981
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Webster County
Median home value is $78,000. Estimated monthly cost: $623 vs. your max of $981.
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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