Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lewis County, West Virginia
Lewis County has a HUD fair market rent of $944 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $730 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $18.15 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $944
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 9% less than in West Virginia
- Typical rent
- $730
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 16% less than in West Virginia
- Wage needed
- $18.15
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $37,760 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 15% less than in West Virginia
Only here
Renting in Lewis County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Braxton County, the typical rent is $606: 17% less than in Lewis County ($730).
-
At 72%, Lewis County ranks 5th among the 55 counties in West Virginia for the lowest homeownership rate.
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 Lewis 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $708 | $13.62 | $28,320 |
| 1 bedroom | $798 | $15.35 | $31,920 |
| 2 bedrooms | $944 | $18.15 | $37,760 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,236 | $23.77 | $49,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,241 | $23.87 | $49,640 |
HUD area: Lewis County, WV. 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 15 ZIP codes in Lewis County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $940 in 26321 to $960 in 26372. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($944).
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)
| 26321 | Doddridge County, WV | $710 | $800 | $940 | $1,250 | $1,250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26321 | Lewis County, WV | $710 | $800 | $940 | $1,250 | $1,250 |
| 26338 | Lewis County, WV | $710 | $800 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,250 |
| 26343 | Lewis County, WV | $720 | $780 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,460 |
| 26343 | Upshur County, WV | $720 | $780 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,460 |
| 26372 | Lewis County, WV | $720 | $780 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,460 |
| 26372 | Upshur County, WV | $720 | $780 | $960 | $1,250 | $1,460 |
| 26378 | Harrison County, WV | $710 | $810 | $940 | $1,250 | $1,320 |
| 26378 | Lewis County, WV | $710 | $810 | $940 | $1,250 | $1,320 |
| 26412 | Braxton County, WV | $710 | $800 | $950 | $1,260 | $1,310 |
| 26412 | Gilmer County, WV | $710 | $800 | $950 | $1,260 | $1,310 |
| 26412 | Lewis County, WV | $710 | $800 | $950 | $1,260 | $1,310 |
| 26447 | Braxton County, WV | $710 | $800 | $940 | $1,250 | $1,250 |
| 26447 | Lewis County, WV | $710 | $800 | $940 | $1,250 | $1,250 |
| 26452 | Lewis County, WV | $710 | $800 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,250 |
- 26321 · Doddridge County, WV $940$1,250
- 26321 · Lewis County, WV $940$1,250
- 26338 · Lewis County, WV $950$1,240
- 26343 · Lewis County, WV $960$1,250
- 26343 · Upshur County, WV $960$1,250
- 26372 · Lewis County, WV $960$1,250
- 26372 · Upshur County, WV $960$1,250
- 26378 · Harrison County, WV $940$1,250
- 26378 · Lewis County, WV $940$1,250
- 26412 · Braxton County, WV $950$1,260
- 26412 · Gilmer County, WV $950$1,260
- 26412 · Lewis County, WV $950$1,260
- 26447 · Braxton County, WV $940$1,250
- 26447 · Lewis County, WV $940$1,250
- 26452 · Lewis County, WV $950$1,240
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 Lewis County, 42% 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.
42%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
1,936 households rent in Lewis County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 17%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lewis 42%
- West Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lewis County
HUD lists 5 properties with homes for low-income households in Lewis 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)
- 2
- HUD-assisted
- 2
- public housing
- 1
348 homes in all; 289 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Weston Arbors HUD-assisted 401 John St, Weston 26452 120 homes, 119 low-income · For older adults · (304) 269-7344
- Criss Manor Public housing 124 E 1st St, Weston 26452 64 homes, 63 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Weston · Average payment: $359 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (304) 269-6159
- Jane Lew Apartments HUD-assisted 107 Virginia St, Jane Lew 26378 60 homes, 59 low-income · For families · (304) 884-8852
- Weston Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 650 Craig St, Weston 26452 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Quarry Glenn Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 32 Quarry Glenn Dr, Weston 26452 56 homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2005 · For families
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 Lewis County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Lewis 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 | $17,150 | $28,600 | $45,750 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $32,650 | $52,250 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $36,750 | $58,800 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $40,800 | $65,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $44,100 | $70,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $47,350 | $75,750 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $50,600 | $81,000 |
| 8 people | $53,900 | $53,900 | $86,200 |
Area median income: $81,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lewis County, WV. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $637 – $779
- 1 bedroom $718 – $878
- 2 bedrooms $850 – $1,038
- 3 bedrooms $1,112 – $1,360
- 4 bedrooms $1,117 – $1,365
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
- Housing Authority of the City of Weston Public housing · 63 public housing units (304) 269-6159 Housing Authority of the City of Weston: westonha@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 Lewis County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
The Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority
103 12th St, Fairmont · 38 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Home improvement and repairs
- and 5 more
-
CCCS of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Inc.
2435 Dudley Avenue, Parkersburg · 60 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lewis 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
$1,888
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $944
- Security deposit
- $944
- Total
- $1,888
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 Lewis County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $708; 1 bedroom: $798; 2 bedrooms: $944; 3 bedrooms: $1,236; 4 bedrooms: $1,241. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lewis County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($944) without spending more than 30% of income takes $18.15 an hour full time, or $37,760 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lewis County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $40,800 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 Lewis 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 $850 and $1,038 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lewis County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $940 in 26321 to $960 in 26372. 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 Lewis County?
HUD lists 5 properties with homes for low-income households in Lewis 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 Lewis County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lewis County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in West Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).