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State

Data from November 2026

Housing , home prices, rents and assistance in West Virginia (2026)

A typical home in West Virginia is worth $162,600; the typical rent is $872 a month. Depending on the county, the FHA limit for a one-unit home is between $541,287 and $1,249,125. 8 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve West Virginia; 3 say they serve you in Spanish.

Most populous:

Typical home value by county

  • Under $109,100
  • $109,100–$131,900
  • $131,900–$152,400
  • $152,400–$166,700
  • $166,700 or more

Tap the map to see each county’s figure and open its page.

Typical home value
$162,600
51% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $332,700
Typical rent per month
$872
38% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $1,413
Typical household income
$59,608
26% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $80,734
FHA limit, 1 unit
$541,287 to $1,249,125
It changes by county. The highest: Jefferson County.
U.S.: $541,287 to $1,299,500
Property tax
0.53%
of value a year
The typical bill is $865 a year.
U.S.: 0.94%

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

In short

Living in West Virginia

A typical home in West Virginia is worth $162,600, 51% less than in the country overall. Across its 55 counties, the typical value runs from $50,000 in McDowell County to $350,800 in Jefferson County. A typical household earns $59,608 a year and pays $872 a month in rent; 49% of renters put 30% or more of their income toward housing. 75% of households live in a home they own; they pay a typical property tax of $865 a year, about 0.53% of value.

The conforming loan limit for a one-unit home runs from $832,750 to $1,249,125 depending on the county. To pay HUD’s fair rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in West Virginia ($1,039) without spending more than 30% of income, you need about $19.98 an hour working full time.

Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

The essentials in West Virginia

More on property tax

  • $20,000 homestead exemption for owners 65 or older or disabled

    If you are 65 or older, or are certified as permanently and totally disabled, the first $20,000 of your home's assessed value is exempt from property tax. You must own the home and use it only as your residence. The law requires West Virginia residency for the two consecutive calendar years before the tax year. If you receive a similar exemption in another state, you do not qualify.

    West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • What the law asks for to prove residency for the homestead exemption

    The law says the exemption application comes with a sworn affidavit stating that you are not receiving a similar exemption in another state. As proof of residency, the law names, among others, a voter's registration card or a motor vehicle registration card issued in West Virginia.

    West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • Deadline: apply with the assessor by December 1

    The homestead exemption claim is filed with the assessor of the county where the home is located, on or before December 1 following the July 1 assessment day. If you are 65 or older, you file once: there is no need to refile unless you move to a new home.

    West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • Deadline to protest the assessment: February 20

    If you disagree with your property's assessed value, you may ask for relief from the county commission, sitting as the Board of Equalization and Review, or from the Office of Tax Appeals. The written protest is filed by February 20 of the tax year with the clerk of the county commission or with that office. It states how much of the assessed value is in dispute and, generally, your reasons.

    West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • Senior citizens' tax credit for low-income homeowners

    If you have low income and receive the $20,000 homestead exemption, you may get a refundable credit equal to the property tax you paid on up to the first $20,000 of your home's taxable assessed value. "Low income" means federal adjusted gross income of 150 percent or less of the federal poverty guideline, based on how many family members live in the home; the federal government sets that guideline each year. The credit is claimed with a refund claim within three years after the due date of the state personal income tax return. It does not apply if you must pay the federal alternative minimum tax, and it is not refunded if it is less than $10.

    West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • Real estate transfer excise tax

    When the deed is recorded, a tax of $1.10 for each $500 of value (or fraction) is paid. State law sets it; since July 1, 2025, that money stays with the county where it is collected. There is also an additional county tax of 55 cents per $500, which the county may raise to as much as $1.65 per $500. A $20 fee is also charged on each transfer of real estate for consideration (for example, a sale). The law makes the seller liable; if the buyer accepts the deed without the tax having been paid, the buyer pays it.

    West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) · Verified October 24, 2026

The homes here

Housing in West Virginia

What homes there are in West Virginia, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

In West Virginia, 7 in 10 homes are single-family detached houses; in the U.S., 6.

Mobile homes are 14% of homes in West Virginia, more than in the U.S. (6%).

Year built

In West Virginia, half of the homes were built before 1976; in the U.S., before 1980.

There is more room for a big family here: 65% of homes have 3 bedrooms or more, against 61% in the U.S..

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

The largest group of owner-occupied homes in West Virginia is worth under $100K: 30%.

Monthly rent with utilities

Looking at what people pay in rent in West Virginia, the most common range is between $500 and $999 a month (50%).

With a mortgage

$1,255 a month

United States: $1,963 a month

Without a mortgage

$398 a month

United States: $638 a month

Owners with a mortgage

46%

United States: 61%

In West Virginia, 46% of owners have a mortgage, and their typical cost is $1,255 a month, against $1,963 in the U.S.. Without one it drops to $398.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

From 2015–2019 to 2020–2024, the typical home value in West Virginia rose 36%; in the U.S., it rose 53%.

The typical rent in West Virginia rose 20% over the same time; in the U.S., it rose 33%.

The typical household income in West Virginia rose 28% over that time; home values changed +36% and rent +20%.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureWest VirginiaUnited States
Rental vacancy 6.7%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 1.2%0.9%
More than one person per room 1.3%3.4%
People per household 2.372.53
Drive alone 78%69%
Carpool 9%9%
Public transit 1%3%
Walk or bike 3%3%
Work from home 9%15%
Other means 1%2%
Typical commute 20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

In West Virginia, the rental vacancy rate is 6.7%; in the U.S., 5.5%.

Fewer households are short on space in West Virginia: 1.3% have more than one person per room; in the U.S., 3.4%.

On average, a household in West Virginia has 2.37 people, fewer than in the U.S. (2.53).

The car rules in West Virginia: 78% of workers drive to work alone, and the typical trip takes 20 to 29 minutes.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Places

Explore the counties in West Virginia

Sort by any column or type a name. The 25 most populous are shown; the button reveals the rest.

See the counties page

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Calculator

Work out your payment in West Virginia

Start from the typical home value in West Virginia, $162,600, and this week’s average rate. Move the price and the down payment to see your monthly payment. If you already visited a county, the calculator uses its numbers.

More math for West Virginia

$
%

Estimated monthly payment

$1,293

FHA loan over 30 years, with estimated taxes and insurance.

See the full calculation

Prices and risks

Three official measures that help you decide: how much home prices have changed according to FHFA, how prices compare with the national average according to BEA, and how many homes sit in a flood zone according to FEMA.

Home prices

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in West Virginia rose 54% in the 10 years through 2025.

Price change each year

Period West Virginia United States
In 2025 +4.1% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +40% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +54% +85%

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual state indexes experimental.

Source: FHFA House Price Index (HPI) Data from 2025 data FHFA House Price Index (HPI)

Cost of living

How expensive are prices here?

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), in 2024 prices in West Virginia were 11% lower than the U.S. average. Housing rents were 46% lower than nationwide.

Category West Virginia United States Versus the U.S.
All prices Consumer goods and services 89.5 100.0 11% less
Housing rents What renters pay 54.2 100.6 46% less
Water, power and gas Water, sewer, electricity and gas 92.2 98.4 6% less
Goods Food, clothing, transportation and more 96.5 99.6 3% less
Other services Services other than rent 99.9 100.1 about the same

BEA expresses each index as a percentage of the average U.S. price level: a higher number means higher prices, and a lower one, lower prices.

Source: Regional price parities (BEA) Data from 2024 data Regional price parities (BEA)

Flooding

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in West Virginia 8.1% of homes (61,606) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 10% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. 44 CFR 59.1
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. 42 U.S.C. 4012a
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. FEMA, FloodSmart
West Virginia United States
Homes in a high-risk zone 8.1% 3.5%
Of those, with NFIP insurance 10% 48%
All homes with NFIP insurance 1% 2.9%

The NFIP is the federal flood insurance program; private policies are not counted. FEMA counts homes with its National Structure Inventory. We add up the county figures FEMA publishes.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map Source: Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) As of August 3, 2026 Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA)

Places

Cities in West Virginia

The 5 most populous cities with a page. Each one compares its prices and rents with its county.

See the other cities (26)

    Help to buy

    Assistance programs in West Virginia

    Our list has 1 official program that helps you buy in West Virginia. Each card says what kind of help it gives and when we checked its official page.

    See the program
    1. Low Down Home Loan

      West Virginia state fund loan of up to $12,000 for the down payment and closing costs, over 15 years at 2% interest, only with the Homeownership Program mortgage. Offered by West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF).

      Repayable Verified November 5, 2026

    Who runs the help in West Virginia

    • West Virginia Housing Development Fund

      The West Virginia Housing Development Fund offers affordable mortgages for low- to moderate-income first-time and repeat home buyers. Its options are available through more than 60 banks, credit unions and independent mortgage companies, as well as nonprofit housing agencies throughout the state.

      The agency's official page · Verified October 24, 2026

    Tenant rights

    Tenant rights in West Virginia

    West Virginia law answers 1 of these 5 questions, each answer with its citation. Where it says “Data not available”, we have not verified it against the source yet.

    A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

    See every right

    1. How much can they charge for a deposit?

      Data not available

    2. When must they return my deposit?

      Data not available

    3. If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?

      Data not available

    4. How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?

      In West Virginia, a month-to-month tenancy can be ended with notice for one full rental period (one month) before the end of any period. A year-to-year tenancy is ended with written notice at least three months before the end of the year. These rules do not apply when a special agreement sets another notice period or says no notice is needed, or to a tenancy that ends on a set date.

      W. Va. Code §37-6-5

    5. Are there limits on late fees?

      Data not available

    A family roasts marshmallows over a campfire at a forest campsite.

    Help and advice

    Who can help you in West Virginia?

    You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counselor gives independent advice on buying, renting, late payments and credit, often free or at low cost.

    8 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve West Virginia; 3 say they serve you in Spanish. Choose your county to see the closest ones with their phone number.

    32 public housing authorities run Section 8 vouchers and public housing in West Virginia.

    See all 8 agencies See the housing agencies

    Where to file a complaint in West Virginia

    • Where to file a housing discrimination complaint

      In West Virginia, housing discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, blindness, disability or familial status is forbidden. To report it, you may call, write or visit the office of the West Virginia Human Rights Commission. The complaint must be filed within 365 days of the most recent date of discrimination.

      West Virginia Human Rights Commission (Office of Inspector General) · Verified October 24, 2026

    • Help with homeowners insurance complaints or questions

      The Consumer Services Unit of the Property and Casualty Division of the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner helps with questions and concerns about homeowners, auto and other insurance. You may call to discuss your policy with a specialist. To have them investigate the issue with the insurance company, you complete the online complaint form, or they can mail you a form.

      West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner · Verified October 24, 2026

    • Basic property insurance when the private market will not cover you (FAIR Plan)

      The West Virginia FAIR Plan began operating in 1986. It makes basic property insurance available to people with an insurable interest in real or personal property located in West Virginia who have been unable to get that insurance in the voluntary (private) market.

      West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner · Verified October 24, 2026

    Guides

    Guides for you in West Virginia

    We picked them with the numbers of West Virginia. Each one says why it can help you.

    Frequently asked questions about housing in West Virginia

    What is the FHA limit in West Virginia in 2026?

    In West Virginia, the FHA limit for a one-unit home runs from $541,287 to $1,249,125. The highest is in Jefferson County.

    How much does a typical home cost in West Virginia?

    The typical home value in West Virginia is $162,600 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). The highest is in Jefferson County ($350,800) and the lowest in McDowell County ($50,000).

    How much does it cost to rent in West Virginia?

    The typical rent in West Virginia is $872 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in West Virginia?

    At HUD's average fair market rent in West Virginia ($1,039, Fiscal year 2027), about $19.98 an hour working full time, so rent stays under 30% of income.

    How much is property tax in West Virginia?

    The typical property tax in West Virginia is $865 a year, about 0.53% of home value (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    Where can I find free help in Spanish to buy a home in West Virginia?

    There are 8 HUD-approved counseling agencies in West Virginia; 3 say they serve you in Spanish. Each county page lists the closest ones with their phone number.

    Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); Regional price parities (2024 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).