Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Marshall County, West Virginia
Marshall County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,009 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $837 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.40 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,009
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 3% less than in West Virginia
- Typical rent
- $837
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 4% less than in West Virginia
- Wage needed
- $19.40
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 52%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% more than in West Virginia
Only here
Renting in Marshall County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Brooke County has the lowest typical rent ($645), 23% below the $837 in Marshall County.
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 Marshall 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 | $703 | $13.52 | $28,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $822 | $15.81 | $32,880 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,009 | $19.40 | $40,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,300 | $25.00 | $52,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,436 | $27.62 | $57,440 |
HUD area: Wheeling, WV-OH MSA. 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 10 ZIP codes in Marshall County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 26031 to $1,180 in 26036. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,009).
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)
| 26031 | Wheeling, WV-OH | $700 | $820 | $1,000 | $1,290 | $1,430 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26033 | Wetzel County, WV | $770 | $850 | $1,040 | $1,330 | $1,430 |
| 26033 | Wheeling, WV-OH | $770 | $850 | $1,040 | $1,330 | $1,430 |
| 26036 | Wheeling, WV-OH | $860 | $960 | $1,180 | $1,510 | $1,660 |
| 26038 | Wheeling, WV-OH | $730 | $860 | $1,050 | $1,350 | $1,490 |
| 26039 | Wheeling, WV-OH | $730 | $850 | $1,030 | $1,330 | $1,460 |
| 26040 | Wheeling, WV-OH | $700 | $820 | $1,000 | $1,290 | $1,430 |
| 26041 | Wheeling, WV-OH | $720 | $850 | $1,040 | $1,340 | $1,480 |
| 26055 | Wetzel County, WV | $740 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,390 |
| 26055 | Wheeling, WV-OH | $740 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,320 | $1,390 |
- 26031 · Wheeling, WV-OH $1,000$1,290
- 26033 · Wetzel County, WV $1,040$1,330
- 26033 · Wheeling, WV-OH $1,040$1,330
- 26036 · Wheeling, WV-OH $1,180$1,510
- 26038 · Wheeling, WV-OH $1,050$1,350
- 26039 · Wheeling, WV-OH $1,030$1,330
- 26040 · Wheeling, WV-OH $1,000$1,290
- 26041 · Wheeling, WV-OH $1,040$1,340
- 26055 · Wetzel County, WV $1,010$1,320
- 26055 · Wheeling, WV-OH $1,010$1,320
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 Marshall County, 52% 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.
52%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,694 households rent in Marshall County
- Spend half or more of their income 34%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 18%
- Spend less than 30% 48%
Compared with the state and the country
- Marshall 52%
- West Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Marshall County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Marshall 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)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 2
726 homes in all; 709 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Dorsey ST/Burley/Francine/Kermit/Gattsct Public housing 501 10th St, Moundsville 26041 260 homes, 248 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Moundsville · Average payment: $367 a month · Average wait: 5 months · Homes at several sites · (304) 845-3141
- Benwood-McMechen Public housing 2106 Marshall St S, Benwood 26031 182 homes, 178 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Benwood and McMechen · Average payment: $379 a month · Average wait: 6 months · Homes at several sites · (304) 233-0830
- Woodland Knolls Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 248 Woodland KNLS, Moundsville 26041 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1994
- Eagle Hollow Apartments HUD-assisted 141 Eagle Hollow Dr, Wheeling 26003 48 low-income homes · For families · (304) 232-3463
- Hill View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7001 Riffle Dr, Moundsville 26041 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2002 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Hill View Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 409 Pebble Dr, Moundsville 26041 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Wesley Park HUD-assisted 200 Candle Wick Ave, Moundsville 26041 37 homes, 36 low-income · For older adults · (304) 845-9701
- Crestfield Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 610 Washington Ave, Glen Dale 26038 28 low-income homes · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2000
- Stacey Village Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 23 Mountaineer Cir, Wheeling 26003 19 low-income homes · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Ash Grove HUD-assisted 105 Ash Ave, Moundsville 26041 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (304) 234-3500
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 Marshall County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Marshall County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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 | $16,600 | $27,650 | $44,200 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $31,600 | $50,500 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $35,550 | $56,800 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $39,450 | $63,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $42,650 | $68,150 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $45,800 | $73,200 |
| 7 people | $48,950 | $48,950 | $78,250 |
| 8 people | $52,100 | $52,100 | $83,300 |
Area median income: $78,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Wheeling, WV-OH MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $633 – $773
- 1 bedroom $740 – $904
- 2 bedrooms $908 – $1,110
- 3 bedrooms $1,170 – $1,430
- 4 bedrooms $1,292 – $1,580
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 Moundsville Public housing · 248 public housing units (304) 845-3141 Housing Authority of the City of Moundsville: mha@stratuswave.net
- Housing Authority of Benwood and McMechen Public housing · 178 public housing units (304) 233-0830 Housing Authority of Benwood and McMechen: erin@benwood-mcmechenhousing.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 Marshall County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Change, Inc
3158 West St, Weirton · 38 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
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The Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority
103 12th St, Fairmont · 38 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Home improvement and repairs
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Marshall 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
$2,018
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,009
- Security deposit
- $1,009
- Total
- $2,018
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 Marshall County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $703; 1 bedroom: $822; 2 bedrooms: $1,009; 3 bedrooms: $1,300; 4 bedrooms: $1,436. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Marshall County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,009) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.40 an hour full time, or $40,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Marshall County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $39,450 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 Marshall 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 $908 and $1,110 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Marshall County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 26031 to $1,180 in 26036. 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 Marshall County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Marshall 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 Marshall County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Marshall County, 52% of renter households are in that position; in West Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).