Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Mineral County, West Virginia
Mineral 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 $809 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
- $809
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 7% 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
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in West Virginia
Only here
Renting in Mineral 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, Grant County has the lowest typical rent ($644), 20% below the $809 in Mineral County.
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Mineral County has the 5th highest typical household income of the 55 counties in West Virginia ($69,375).
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 Mineral 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 Mineral County was $811 a month in September 2026. 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 | $708 | $13.62 | $28,320 |
| 1 bedroom | $749 | $14.40 | $29,960 |
| 2 bedrooms | $944 | $18.15 | $37,760 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,243 | $23.90 | $49,720 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,248 | $24.00 | $49,920 |
HUD area: Mineral 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 13 ZIP codes in Mineral County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $940 in 26719 to $1,420 in 26710. 7 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)
| 26710 | Grant County, WV | $1,020 | $1,130 | $1,420 | $1,770 | $2,380 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26710 | Mineral County, WV | $1,020 | $1,130 | $1,420 | $1,770 | $2,380 |
| 26710 | Winchester, VA-WV | $1,020 | $1,130 | $1,420 | $1,770 | $2,380 |
| 26717 | Grant County, WV | $800 | $840 | $990 | $1,310 | $1,320 |
| 26717 | Mineral County, WV | $800 | $840 | $990 | $1,310 | $1,320 |
| 26719 | Mineral County, WV | $710 | $750 | $940 | $1,250 | $1,260 |
| 26726 | Grant County, WV | $710 | $750 | $940 | $1,250 | $1,260 |
| 26726 | Mineral County, WV | $710 | $750 | $940 | $1,250 | $1,260 |
| 26743 | Grant County, WV | $710 | $740 | $940 | $1,240 | $1,260 |
| 26743 | Mineral County, WV | $710 | $740 | $940 | $1,240 | $1,260 |
| 26750 | Mineral County, WV | $710 | $750 | $940 | $1,250 | $1,260 |
| 26753 | Mineral County, WV | $880 | $940 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $1,560 |
| 26767 | Mineral County, WV | $870 | $900 | $1,050 | $1,420 | $1,490 |
- 26710 · Grant County, WV $1,420$1,770
- 26710 · Mineral County, WV $1,420$1,770
- 26710 · Winchester, VA-WV $1,420$1,770
- 26717 · Grant County, WV $990$1,310
- 26717 · Mineral County, WV $990$1,310
- 26719 · Mineral County, WV $940$1,250
- 26726 · Grant County, WV $940$1,250
- 26726 · Mineral County, WV $940$1,250
- 26743 · Grant County, WV $940$1,240
- 26743 · Mineral County, WV $940$1,240
- 26750 · Mineral County, WV $940$1,250
- 26753 · Mineral County, WV $1,180$1,550
- 26767 · Mineral County, WV $1,050$1,420
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 Mineral County, 49% 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,115 households rent in Mineral County
- Spend half or more of their income 29%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Mineral 49%
- West Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Mineral County
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Mineral 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
- 2
- public housing
- 2
597 homes in all; 593 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Potomac Heights HUD-assisted 500 Carskadon Ln, Keyser 26726 141 homes, 140 low-income · For older adults · (304) 788-5438
- Potomac Village Public housing 51 Jones St, Piedmont 26750 100 homes, 99 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Piedmont · Average payment: $373 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (304) 355-2929
- Harley O. Staggers Homes Public housing 401 Virginia St, Keyser 26726 85 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Keyser · Average payment: $413 a month · Average wait: 5 months · Homes at several sites · (304) 788-2225
- Bayberry Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2010 Bayberry Dr, Keyser 26726 66 homes, 65 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2000
- Greene Gables Tax credit (LIHTC) 7047 Greene Gables Dr, Ridgeley 26753 51 homes, 50 low-income · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2000
- Keyserhouse HUD-assisted 12 N Main St, Keyser 26726 44 low-income homes · For older adults · (304) 788-5960
- Bayridge Greene Tax credit (LIHTC) 507 Simons St, Keyser 26726 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Keyser Greene Tax credit (LIHTC) 562 Pine Swamp Rd, Keyser 26726 38 low-income homes · 2 bd: 38 · In service since 2019 · For older adults
- Pine Woods Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Betson RD, Ridgeley 26753 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2013 · 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 Mineral 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 Mineral 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
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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 | $19,950 | $33,250 | $53,150 |
| 2 people | $22,800 | $38,000 | $60,750 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $42,750 | $68,350 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $47,450 | $75,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $51,250 | $82,000 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $55,050 | $88,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $58,850 | $94,150 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $62,650 | $100,200 |
Area median income: $94,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Mineral County, WV. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $637 – $779
- 1 bedroom $674 – $824
- 2 bedrooms $850 – $1,038
- 3 bedrooms $1,119 – $1,367
- 4 bedrooms $1,123 – $1,373
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 Keyser Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 226 vouchers · 85 public housing units (304) 788-2225 Housing Authority of the City of Keyser: night@keyserha.com
- Housing Authority of the City of Piedmont Public housing · 99 public housing units (304) 355-2929 Housing Authority of the City of Piedmont: jshears@piedmonthousingauthority.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 Mineral County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Telamon Corporation - Martinsburg Branch
67 Aikens Ctr, Martinsburg · 54 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 9 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Mineral 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 Mineral County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $708; 1 bedroom: $749; 2 bedrooms: $944; 3 bedrooms: $1,243; 4 bedrooms: $1,248. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Mineral 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 Mineral County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $47,450 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 Mineral 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 Mineral County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $940 in 26719 to $1,420 in 26710. 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 Mineral County?
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Mineral 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 Mineral County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Mineral County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in West Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).