Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Monongalia County, West Virginia
Monongalia County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,143 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $987 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.98 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,143
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 10% more than in West Virginia
- Typical rent
- $987
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 13% more than in West Virginia
- Wage needed
- $21.98
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $45,720 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 54%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% more than in West Virginia
Only here
Renting in Monongalia County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Monongalia County has the lowest homeownership rate of the 55 counties in West Virginia: 58%.
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Monongalia County has the highest typical rent in its area: $987, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Marion County ($932).
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At $987, Monongalia County ranks 3rd among the 55 counties in West Virginia for the highest typical rent.
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5% of households in Monongalia County have no internet at home, against 11% in West Virginia.
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 Monongalia 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 Monongalia County was $1,384 a month in September 2026: 3.5% 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 | $876 | $16.85 | $35,040 |
| 1 bedroom | $902 | $17.35 | $36,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,143 | $21.98 | $45,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,404 | $27.00 | $56,160 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,704 | $32.77 | $68,160 |
HUD area: Morgantown, WV 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 13 ZIP codes in Monongalia County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $990 in 26570 to $1,220 in 26508. 9 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,143).
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)
| 26501 | Morgantown, WV | $860 | $880 | $1,120 | $1,380 | $1,670 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26505 | Morgantown, WV | $930 | $950 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,800 |
| 26506 | Morgantown, WV | $930 | $950 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,800 |
| 26508 | Morgantown, WV | $940 | $960 | $1,220 | $1,500 | $1,820 |
| 26521 | Morgantown, WV | $890 | $910 | $1,160 | $1,430 | $1,730 |
| 26534 | Morgantown, WV | $880 | $900 | $1,150 | $1,410 | $1,710 |
| 26541 | Morgantown, WV | $900 | $920 | $1,170 | $1,440 | $1,740 |
| 26543 | Morgantown, WV | $890 | $910 | $1,160 | $1,430 | $1,730 |
| 26544 | Morgantown, WV | $890 | $910 | $1,160 | $1,430 | $1,730 |
| 26546 | Morgantown, WV | $860 | $880 | $1,120 | $1,380 | $1,670 |
| 26570 | Marion County, WV | $790 | $790 | $990 | $1,190 | $1,510 |
| 26570 | Morgantown, WV | $790 | $790 | $990 | $1,190 | $1,510 |
| 26590 | Morgantown, WV | $890 | $910 | $1,160 | $1,430 | $1,730 |
- 26501 · Morgantown, WV $1,120$1,380
- 26505 · Morgantown, WV $1,210$1,490
- 26506 · Morgantown, WV $1,210$1,490
- 26508 · Morgantown, WV $1,220$1,500
- 26521 · Morgantown, WV $1,160$1,430
- 26534 · Morgantown, WV $1,150$1,410
- 26541 · Morgantown, WV $1,170$1,440
- 26543 · Morgantown, WV $1,160$1,430
- 26544 · Morgantown, WV $1,160$1,430
- 26546 · Morgantown, WV $1,120$1,380
- 26570 · Marion County, WV $990$1,190
- 26570 · Morgantown, WV $990$1,190
- 26590 · Morgantown, WV $1,160$1,430
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 Monongalia County, 54% 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.
54%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
18,811 households rent in Monongalia County
- Spend half or more of their income 29%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 46%
Compared with the state and the country
- Monongalia 54%
- West Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Monongalia County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Monongalia County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 10
- HUD-assisted
- 2
569 homes in all; 564 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Marjorie Gardens HUD-assisted 1100 Dorsey Ave, Morgantown 26501 126 low-income homes · For families · (304) 292-6418
- Twin Knobs Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 81 Twin Knobs, Morgantown 26508 68 low-income homes · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1997
- Cedar Glen II Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Abigail Ct, Morgantown 26508 51 homes, 50 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 21 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Cedar Glen I Tax credit (LIHTC) 15 Madeline Cir, Morgantown 26508 48 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2000
- Greene Glen I Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 Glen Abbey Ln, Morgantown 26508 48 homes, 47 low-income · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1996
- Stonepath Townhouses Tax credit (LIHTC) Stone Path LN, Morgantown 26508 46 low-income homes · 2 bd: 46 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Holly View Townhouses Tax credit (LIHTC) 9000 Kathryn Dr, Morgantown 26508 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Church Hill Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 4008 Church Hill Dr, Morgantown 26505 38 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Seneca Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 711 Beechurst Ave, Morgantown 26505 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Unity House Apartments, Inc. HUD-assisted 3180 Collins Ferry Rd, Morgantown 26505 36 homes, 35 low-income · For people with disabilities · (304) 598-8665
- Greene Glen II Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 Glen Abbey Ln, Morgantown 26508 32 homes, 31 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1998
- Marjorie Gardens Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1100 Dorsey Ln, Morgantown 26501 In service since 2014 · 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 Monongalia County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Monongalia County; the state's agencies can help you. 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 | $21,650 | $36,050 | $57,700 |
| 2 people | $24,750 | $41,200 | $65,950 |
| 3 people | $27,850 | $46,350 | $74,200 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $51,500 | $82,400 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $55,650 | $89,000 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $59,750 | $95,600 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $63,900 | $102,200 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $68,000 | $108,800 |
Area median income: $103,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Morgantown, WV MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $788 – $964
- 1 bedroom $812 – $992
- 2 bedrooms $1,029 – $1,257
- 3 bedrooms $1,264 – $1,544
- 4 bedrooms $1,534 – $1,874
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Monongalia County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 Monongalia County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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The Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority
103 12th St, Fairmont · 12 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 Monongalia 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
$2,286
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,143
- Security deposit
- $1,143
- Total
- $2,286
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 Monongalia County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $876; 1 bedroom: $902; 2 bedrooms: $1,143; 3 bedrooms: $1,404; 4 bedrooms: $1,704. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Monongalia County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,143) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.98 an hour full time, or $45,720 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Monongalia County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,500 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 Monongalia 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 $1,029 and $1,257 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Monongalia County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $990 in 26570 to $1,220 in 26508. 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 Monongalia County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Monongalia County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Monongalia County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Monongalia County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in West Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).