Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Kanawha County, West Virginia
Kanawha County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,048 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $906 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.15 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,048
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- About the same as in West Virginia
- Typical rent
- $906
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 4% more than in West Virginia
- Wage needed
- $20.15
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $41,920 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 47%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% less than in West Virginia
Only here
Renting in Kanawha County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Roane County has the lowest typical rent ($614), 32% below the $906 in Kanawha County.
-
Kanawha County has the 4th lowest homeownership rate of the 55 counties in West Virginia (71%).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Kanawha County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Kanawha County was $1,238 a month in September 2026: 3.2% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $730 | $14.04 | $29,200 |
| 1 bedroom | $844 | $16.23 | $33,760 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,048 | $20.15 | $41,920 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,324 | $25.46 | $52,960 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,377 | $26.48 | $55,080 |
HUD area: Charleston, WV HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 54 ZIP codes in Kanawha County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $940 in 25162 to $1,450 in 25306. 27 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,048).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 25003 | Charleston, WV | $710 | $860 | $970 | $1,220 | $1,520 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25003 | Lincoln County, WV | $710 | $860 | $970 | $1,220 | $1,520 |
| 25015 | Charleston, WV | $810 | $940 | $1,170 | $1,480 | $1,540 |
| 25025 | Charleston, WV | $910 | $1,060 | $1,300 | $1,650 | $1,730 |
| 25035 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,380 |
| 25039 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,380 |
| 25045 | Charleston, WV | $720 | $840 | $1,020 | $1,310 | $1,390 |
| 25045 | Roane County, WV | $720 | $840 | $1,020 | $1,310 | $1,390 |
| 25054 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,380 |
| 25061 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,380 |
| 25064 | Charleston, WV | $750 | $860 | $1,070 | $1,350 | $1,410 |
| 25067 | Charleston, WV | $690 | $800 | $990 | $1,250 | $1,300 |
| 25071 | Charleston, WV | $660 | $770 | $950 | $1,200 | $1,250 |
| 25071 | Roane County, WV | $660 | $770 | $950 | $1,200 | $1,250 |
| 25075 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,380 |
| 25083 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $820 | $1,030 | $1,310 | $1,440 |
| 25083 | Fayette County, WV | $730 | $820 | $1,030 | $1,310 | $1,440 |
| 25086 | Charleston, WV | $690 | $800 | $990 | $1,250 | $1,300 |
| 25102 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,380 |
| 25103 | Charleston, WV | $670 | $770 | $950 | $1,210 | $1,260 |
| 25107 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,380 |
| 25110 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,380 |
| 25112 | Charleston, WV | $750 | $860 | $1,070 | $1,350 | $1,410 |
| 25126 | Charleston, WV | $680 | $750 | $950 | $1,220 | $1,390 |
| 25132 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,380 |
| 25134 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,380 |
| 25143 | Charleston, WV | $760 | $840 | $1,070 | $1,380 | $1,430 |
| 25143 | Putnam County, WV | $760 | $840 | $1,070 | $1,380 | $1,430 |
| 25156 | Charleston, WV | $660 | $770 | $950 | $1,200 | $1,250 |
| 25160 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,380 |
| 25162 | Charleston, WV | $660 | $760 | $940 | $1,200 | $1,250 |
| 25177 | Charleston, WV | $720 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,430 |
| 25177 | Putnam County, WV | $720 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,430 |
| 25201 | Charleston, WV | $900 | $1,040 | $1,290 | $1,630 | $1,700 |
| 25202 | Charleston, WV | $690 | $800 | $990 | $1,260 | $1,310 |
| 25202 | Lincoln County, WV | $690 | $800 | $990 | $1,260 | $1,310 |
| 25214 | Boone County, WV | $690 | $800 | $990 | $1,250 | $1,320 |
| 25214 | Charleston, WV | $690 | $800 | $990 | $1,250 | $1,320 |
| 25301 | Charleston, WV | $660 | $760 | $940 | $1,200 | $1,250 |
| 25302 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,380 |
| 25303 | Charleston, WV | $810 | $930 | $1,160 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 25304 | Charleston, WV | $800 | $930 | $1,150 | $1,450 | $1,510 |
| 25305 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,380 |
| 25306 | Charleston, WV | $1,010 | $1,170 | $1,450 | $1,830 | $1,910 |
| 25309 | Charleston, WV | $660 | $760 | $940 | $1,200 | $1,250 |
| 25311 | Charleston, WV | $750 | $860 | $1,070 | $1,350 | $1,410 |
| 25312 | Charleston, WV | $720 | $820 | $1,020 | $1,320 | $1,430 |
| 25312 | Putnam County, WV | $720 | $820 | $1,020 | $1,320 | $1,430 |
| 25313 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,330 | $1,380 |
| 25314 | Charleston, WV | $860 | $990 | $1,230 | $1,550 | $1,620 |
| 25315 | Charleston, WV | $690 | $800 | $990 | $1,250 | $1,300 |
| 25320 | Charleston, WV | $730 | $840 | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,370 |
| 25320 | Jackson County, WV | $730 | $840 | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,370 |
| 25387 | Charleston, WV | $810 | $930 | $1,160 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
- 25003 · Charleston, WV $970$1,220
- 25003 · Lincoln County, WV $970$1,220
- 25015 · Charleston, WV $1,170$1,480
- 25025 · Charleston, WV $1,300$1,650
- 25035 · Charleston, WV $1,050$1,330
- 25039 · Charleston, WV $1,050$1,330
- 25045 · Charleston, WV $1,020$1,310
- 25045 · Roane County, WV $1,020$1,310
- 25054 · Charleston, WV $1,050$1,330
- 25061 · Charleston, WV $1,050$1,330
- 25064 · Charleston, WV $1,070$1,350
- 25067 · Charleston, WV $990$1,250
- 25071 · Charleston, WV $950$1,200
- 25071 · Roane County, WV $950$1,200
- 25075 · Charleston, WV $1,050$1,330
- 25083 · Charleston, WV $1,030$1,310
- 25083 · Fayette County, WV $1,030$1,310
- 25086 · Charleston, WV $990$1,250
- 25102 · Charleston, WV $1,050$1,330
- 25103 · Charleston, WV $950$1,210
- 25107 · Charleston, WV $1,050$1,330
- 25110 · Charleston, WV $1,050$1,330
- 25112 · Charleston, WV $1,070$1,350
- 25126 · Charleston, WV $950$1,220
- 25132 · Charleston, WV $1,050$1,330
- 25134 · Charleston, WV $1,050$1,330
- 25143 · Charleston, WV $1,070$1,380
- 25143 · Putnam County, WV $1,070$1,380
- 25156 · Charleston, WV $950$1,200
- 25160 · Charleston, WV $1,050$1,330
- 25162 · Charleston, WV $940$1,200
- 25177 · Charleston, WV $1,010$1,320
- 25177 · Putnam County, WV $1,010$1,320
- 25201 · Charleston, WV $1,290$1,630
- 25202 · Charleston, WV $990$1,260
- 25202 · Lincoln County, WV $990$1,260
- 25214 · Boone County, WV $990$1,250
- 25214 · Charleston, WV $990$1,250
- 25301 · Charleston, WV $940$1,200
- 25302 · Charleston, WV $1,050$1,330
- 25303 · Charleston, WV $1,160$1,470
- 25304 · Charleston, WV $1,150$1,450
- 25305 · Charleston, WV $1,050$1,330
- 25306 · Charleston, WV $1,450$1,830
- 25309 · Charleston, WV $940$1,200
- 25311 · Charleston, WV $1,070$1,350
- 25312 · Charleston, WV $1,020$1,320
- 25312 · Putnam County, WV $1,020$1,320
- 25313 · Charleston, WV $1,050$1,330
- 25314 · Charleston, WV $1,230$1,550
- 25315 · Charleston, WV $990$1,250
- 25320 · Charleston, WV $1,040$1,310
- 25320 · Jackson County, WV $1,040$1,310
- 25387 · Charleston, WV $1,160$1,470
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Kanawha County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in West Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
47%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
22,131 households rent in Kanawha County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 53%
Compared with the state and the country
- Kanawha 47%
- West Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Kanawha County
HUD lists 78 properties with homes for low-income households in Kanawha County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 43
- HUD-assisted
- 19
- public housing
- 17
5,023 homes in all; 3,921 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Vista View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1300 Renaissance Cir, Charleston 25311 333 low-income homes · Studio: 15 · 1 bd: 151 · 2 bd: 116 · 3 bd: 48 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2006 · For families · (304) 345-6300
- Charleston Arbors HUD-assisted 100 Washington St E, Charleston 25301 205 homes, 204 low-income · For older adults · (304) 346-4259
- Carroll Terrace Public housing Charleston 25311 203 homes, 199 low-income · Run by Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority · Average payment: $309 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (304) 348-6451
- Southmoor Hills Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5019 Kingswood Dr, South Charleston 25309 162 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 78 · 3 bd: 60 · 4 bd: 20 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Hillcrest - Oakhurst Public housing 5324 Starling Dr, Charleston 25306 154 low-income homes · Run by Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority · Average payment: $299 a month · Average wait: 15 months · Homes at several sites · (304) 348-6451
- Orchard Manor Public housing 2064 Lippert St, Charleston 25387 150 low-income homes · Run by Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority · Average payment: $278 a month · Average wait: 23 months · (304) 348-6451
- Riverview Towers HUD-assisted 1 Kanawha Ter, Saint Albans 25177 136 low-income homes · For older adults · (304) 722-5371
- Oakwood Terrace HUD-assisted 872 Westminister Way, Charleston 25314 152 homes, 124 low-income · For families · (304) 343-5679
- Parkland Terrace Public housing 4420 Pennsylvania Ave SW, South Charleston 25309 124 homes, 121 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of South Charleston · Average payment: $435 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (304) 768-9315
- Lippert Terrace Public housing 4420 McCorkle Ave SE, Charleston 25304 112 low-income homes · Run by Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority · Average payment: $405 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (304) 348-6451
- Jacob Arbors HUD-assisted 521 Jacob St, Charleston 25301 105 homes, 104 low-income · For older adults · (304) 346-5298
- Agsten Manor HUD-assisted 715 Randolph St, Charleston 25302 103 homes, 102 low-income · For older adults · (304) 344-0994
- Dunbar Towers HUD-assisted 1000 Myers Ave, Dunbar 25064 102 low-income homes · For older adults · (304) 768-4554
- Myers Ave-Dutch Hollow A Public housing 1225 Myers Ave, Dunbar 25064 101 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Dunbar · Average payment: $454 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (304) 768-8006
- Miracle Acres HUD-assisted 101 Miracle Dr, Saint Albans 25177 100 homes, 99 low-income · For families · (304) 727-9368
- Harris/Anderson Apts Public housing 110 Smoot Ave, Dunbar 25064 93 low-income homes · Run by Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority · Average payment: $310 a month · Average wait: 16 months · Homes at several sites · (304) 348-6451
- Villager/Cody/Carson STS Public housing 650 6th St, Saint Albans 25177 90 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of St. Albans · Average payment: $396 a month · Average wait: 4 months · Homes at several sites · (304) 727-5441
- Lee Terrace Public housing 1319 Lee St E, Charleston 25301 100 homes, 80 low-income · Run by Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority · Average payment: $393 a month · Average wait: 15 months · (304) 348-6451
- South Park Village Public housing Charleston 25304 80 low-income homes · Run by Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority · Average payment: $367 a month · Average wait: 19 months · (304) 348-6451
- Southmoor Hills Apartments HUD-assisted 5000 Colonial Park Dr, South Charleston 25309 248 homes, 76 low-income · For families · (304) 768-9721
- Jarrett Terrace Public housing 824 Central Ave, Charleston 25302 102 homes, 75 low-income · Run by Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority · Average payment: $305 a month · Average wait: 28 months · (304) 348-6451
- Homes of Washington Manor (crh 5) Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Clendenin ST, Charleston 25301 74 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2012 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Vandalia Terrace Apartments HUD-assisted 1507 Dorchester Rd, Charleston 25303 72 homes, 71 low-income · For families · (304) 744-9041
- The Village on Park HUD-assisted 1600 Park Ave, Nitro 25143 60 homes, 59 low-income · For older adults · (304) 755-4753
- CRHLP 3 Public housing 500 Clendenin St, Charleston 25301 96 homes, 51 low-income · Run by Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority · Average payment: $418 a month · Average wait: 18 months · (304) 348-6451
- Carriage Hill Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Surrey Ter, Saint Albans 25177 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Chelyan Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 Appalachian St, Cabin Creek 25035 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Crossroads Village Apts Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Crossroads Vlg, Nitro 25143 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 26 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Knollview Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 571 Maccorkle Ave SW, Saint Albans 25177 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 23 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Charleston Replacement Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Patrick St, Charleston 25387 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2007 · For families
- CRHLP 1 Public housing 719 Patrick St, Charleston 25387 44 low-income homes · Run by Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority · Average payment: $411 a month · Average wait: 9 months · Homes at several sites · (304) 348-6451
- Meg Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Meg Dr, Sissonville 25320 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2007 · For families
- South Charleston Unity Apartments HUD-assisted 4718 Kanawha Ave SW, South Charleston 25309 43 homes, 42 low-income · For older adults · (304) 766-2464
- CRHLP 5 Public housing 700 Clendenin St, Charleston 25301 66 homes, 40 low-income · Run by Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority · Average payment: $364 a month · Average wait: 44 months · (304) 348-6451
- Pocatalico Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2005 Teresa Ln, Sissonville 25320 38 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2001
- Elk Crossing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1511 Frame Rd, Elkview 25071 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Shrewsbury Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 502 Dickinson St, Charleston 25301 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Glenwood School Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 810 Grant St, Charleston 25302 31 low-income homes · Studio: 3 · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Charleston Replacement Housing #7 Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 Timothy Way, Charleston 25387 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Elk Valley I Tax credit (LIHTC) 295 S Pinch Rd, Elkview 25071 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Crossroads Village Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Crossroads Vlg, Nitro 25143 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Brooks Manor HUD-assisted 23 Brooks St, Charleston 25301 57 homes, 24 low-income · For older adults · (304) 344-2923
- Cross Lanes Unity Apts. HUD-assisted 101 Unity Ln, Charleston 25313 25 homes, 24 low-income · For older adults · (304) 776-8474
- Chesterfield Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 5250 Chesterfield Ave, Charleston 25304 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2003 · For older adults, families
- Littlepage #4 Tax credit (LIHTC) 715 Rebecca St, Charleston 25387 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Recovery Point of Charleston Tax credit (LIHTC) 1613 6th Ave, Charleston 25387 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Upper Falls Landing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1300 3rd Ave W, Montgomery 25136 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1999
- Crhlp6 Public housing 115 Dooley Ln W, Charleston 25387 23 low-income homes · Run by Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority · Average payment: $321 a month · Average wait: 22 months · Homes at several sites · (304) 348-6451
- Homes of Littlepage Terrace (crh 6) Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 McVey Way, Charleston 25387 23 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2011 · For people with disabilities
- CRHLP 2 Public housing 2018A Hutchinson St, Charleston 25387 44 homes, 22 low-income · Run by Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority · Average payment: $241 a month · Average wait: 20 months · Homes at several sites · (304) 348-6451
- East West Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 603A Ruffner Ave, Charleston 25311 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Littlepage #5 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1820 7th Ave, Charleston 25387 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2019
- Highview Unity Apartments HUD-assisted 701 Garvin Ave, Charleston 25302 19 low-income homes · For older adults · (304) 346-2162
- Concord House I & II HUD-assisted 5511 Noyes Ave, Charleston 25304 18 homes, 16 low-income · For people with disabilities · (304) 525-7851
- Hope Townhouses Tax credit (LIHTC) 1310 2nd Ave, Charleston 25302 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Thomas Patrick Maroney Unity Apartments, Inc. HUD-assisted 1004 John Norman St, Charleston 25301 14 homes, 13 low-income · For people with disabilities · (304) 341-0405
- CRH Orchard Elderly Public housing 301 Copenhaver Dr, Charleston 25387 12 low-income homes · Run by Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority · Average payment: $336 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (304) 348-6451
- Assaley Place Apartments HUD-assisted 1532 Jackson St, Charleston 25311 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (304) 751-6669
- Community Housing, Inc. HUD-assisted 1573 Jackson St, Charleston 25311 8 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities
- Robinson Estates (dupont Ave) Tax credit (LIHTC) 118 E Dupont Ave, Belle 25015 2 low-income homes · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1990
- Robinson Estates (gardner Ave) Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 E Gardner Ave, Belle 25015 2 low-income homes · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1991
- CRH 3 Washington Manor & Littlepage Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Ida Mae Way, Charleston 25301 96 homes
- CRH 5 Washington Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 117 Clark Dr, Charleston 25301 65 homes
- Lynnelle Landing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 408 Loretta Ln, South Charleston 25309 56 homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2002 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families
- Perkins Parke Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Drexel Pl, Cross Lanes 25313 56 homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2003 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families
- Elle Bella Villa Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Everette Ln, Dunbar 25064 50 homes · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 25 · In service since 2008
- Jenna Landing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 308 Jenna Way, Sissonville 25320 48 homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Mill Creek Landing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Wise Acres Dr, Charleston 25311 48 homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2001
- Trace Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Loretta Ln, South Charleston 25309 48 homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2007 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- CRH 1 Public Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 711 Patrick St, Charleston 25387 44 homes
- CRH 2 Section 8 PBV Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 McVey Way, Charleston 25387 44 homes
- Tyler Heights Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Tyler Ridge Rd, Cross Lanes 25313 40 homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Vickers Parke Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 316 Amanita Dr, South Charleston 25309 40 homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 31 · In service since 2001
- Elk Valley II Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 S Pinch Rd, Elkview 25071 32 homes · In service since 2014 · For families
- CRH 8 Legion Prezioso Tax credit (LIHTC) 1727 7th Ave, Charleston 25387 30 homes
- CRH 4 Orchard Elderly Tax credit (LIHTC) 321 Copenhaver Dr, Charleston 25387 12 homes
- Elk Valley II Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 307 S Pinch Rd, Elkview 25071 In service since 2014 · For older adults
- Greystone & Legion Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1904 Washington St W, Charleston 25387 In service since 2014 · For people with disabilities, families
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Kanawha County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 4 agencies serve in Kanawha County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $17,000 | $28,300 | $45,300 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $32,350 | $51,750 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $36,400 | $58,200 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $40,400 | $64,650 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $43,650 | $69,850 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $46,900 | $75,000 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $50,100 | $80,200 |
| 8 people | $53,350 | $53,350 | $85,350 |
Area median income: $80,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Charleston, WV HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $657 – $803
- 1 bedroom $760 – $928
- 2 bedrooms $943 – $1,153
- 3 bedrooms $1,192 – $1,456
- 4 bedrooms $1,239 – $1,515
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 3,213 vouchers · 1,228 public housing units (304) 348-6451 Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority: mtaylor@ckha.com
- Housing Authority of the City of South Charleston Public housing · 121 public housing units (304) 768-9315 Housing Authority of the City of South Charleston: mhatfield@schawv.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Dunbar Public housing · 101 public housing units (304) 768-8006 Housing Authority of the City of Dunbar: harold8626@frontier.com
- Housing Authority of the City of St. Albans Public housing · 90 public housing units (304) 727-5441 Housing Authority of the City of St. Albans: harold8626@frontier.com
Housing agencies in West Virginia Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in West Virginia
What West Virginia law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
Compare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
Help
Where to get help with rent in Kanawha County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Kanawha County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Religious Coalition for Community Renewal
1117 Quarrier St, Charleston
- Pre-purchase counseling
- Homebuyer education workshops
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Kanawha County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in West Virginia, the average home bill was $155 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,096
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,048
- Security deposit
- $1,048
- Total
- $2,096
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Kanawha County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $730; 1 bedroom: $844; 2 bedrooms: $1,048; 3 bedrooms: $1,324; 4 bedrooms: $1,377. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Kanawha County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,048) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.15 an hour full time, or $41,920 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Kanawha County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $40,400 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Kanawha County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $943 and $1,153 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Kanawha County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $940 in 25162 to $1,450 in 25306. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Kanawha County?
HUD lists 78 properties with homes for low-income households in Kanawha County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Kanawha County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Kanawha County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in West Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).