Cost of Living in Wood County, West Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wood County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wood County ranks #1,953 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wood County, West Virginia
Wood County achieves state average affordability
Wood's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio exactly matches West Virginia's state average, offering a representative view of the state's typical housing burden. With a $56,193 median household income and $789 monthly rent, Wood demonstrates balanced affordability for a mid-sized county.
Wood mirrors West Virginia's affordability profile
Wood County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio ties the state average precisely, making it the benchmark for West Virginia renters. The county's median rent of $789 runs $29 above state average, offset by slightly above-average income of $56,193.
Wood balances with Upshur; outpaces Wayne
Wood's $789 rent and 16.9% ratio closely parallel Upshur County ($799, 18.5%), making them regional peers for renters. Both easily beat Wayne's $883 rents while remaining pricier than Wirt ($575) and Wetzel ($703).
Homeownership more burdened than renting
Wood renters dedicate 16.9% of income to rent, while homeowners pay 13.9% of income toward a median owner cost of $653. The median home value of $153,700—the second-highest in this cluster—reflects Wood's more developed housing market and steeper ownership entry costs.
Wood offers typical West Virginia affordability
Relocators seeking a representative West Virginia market should consider Wood County, where rental and ownership costs reflect state-average affordability. The county's median home value and owner costs run higher than rural peers, suggesting it appeals to buyers with stronger income or those seeking urban conveniences.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wood County
Affordability Verdict
Wood County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $789/month representing approximately 16.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Wood County is $789/month, while owner costs run $653/month. Owning saves approximately $136/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,986/year. With a median household income of $56,193, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Wood County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lewis County where rent averages $737/month, Wood County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wood County
Rent Burden
16.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,311
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wood County
Median home value is $153,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,227 vs. your max of $1,311.
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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