Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Taylor County, West Virginia
Taylor County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,020 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $835 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.62 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,020
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 2% less than in West Virginia
- Typical rent
- $835
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 4% less than in West Virginia
- Wage needed
- $19.62
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,800 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 8% less than in West Virginia
Only here
Renting in Taylor 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, Tucker County has the lowest typical rent ($656), 21% below the $835 in Taylor 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 Taylor 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 | $710 | $13.65 | $28,400 |
| 1 bedroom | $823 | $15.83 | $32,920 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,020 | $19.62 | $40,800 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,308 | $25.15 | $52,320 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,380 | $26.54 | $55,200 |
HUD area: Taylor 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 11 ZIP codes in Taylor County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $990 in 26354 to $1,200 in 26424. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,020).
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)
| 26347 | Barbour County, WV | $830 | $950 | $1,180 | $1,510 | $1,610 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26347 | Taylor County, WV | $830 | $950 | $1,180 | $1,510 | $1,610 |
| 26354 | Barbour County, WV | $790 | $790 | $990 | $1,220 | $1,500 |
| 26354 | Marion County, WV | $790 | $790 | $990 | $1,220 | $1,500 |
| 26354 | Morgantown, WV | $790 | $790 | $990 | $1,220 | $1,500 |
| 26354 | Taylor County, WV | $790 | $790 | $990 | $1,220 | $1,500 |
| 26424 | Taylor County, WV | $870 | $1,010 | $1,200 | $1,550 | $1,720 |
| 26435 | Taylor County, WV | $830 | $950 | $1,180 | $1,510 | $1,610 |
| 26440 | Barbour County, WV | $860 | $930 | $1,160 | $1,460 | $1,670 |
| 26440 | Morgantown, WV | $860 | $930 | $1,160 | $1,460 | $1,670 |
| 26440 | Taylor County, WV | $860 | $930 | $1,160 | $1,460 | $1,670 |
- 26347 · Barbour County, WV $1,180$1,510
- 26347 · Taylor County, WV $1,180$1,510
- 26354 · Barbour County, WV $990$1,220
- 26354 · Marion County, WV $990$1,220
- 26354 · Morgantown, WV $990$1,220
- 26354 · Taylor County, WV $990$1,220
- 26424 · Taylor County, WV $1,200$1,550
- 26435 · Taylor County, WV $1,180$1,510
- 26440 · Barbour County, WV $1,160$1,460
- 26440 · Morgantown, WV $1,160$1,460
- 26440 · Taylor County, WV $1,160$1,460
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 Taylor County, 45% 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
1,061 households rent in Taylor County
- spend 30% or more of income on rent 45%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Taylor 45%
- West Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Taylor County
HUD lists 6 properties with homes for low-income households in Taylor 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
- 3
- public housing
- 1
337 homes in all; 268 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Grafton Housing Authority Public housing 131 E Main St, Grafton 26354 205 homes, 204 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Grafton · Average payment: $325 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (304) 265-1183
- Briarcliff Apartments HUD-assisted 165 Lucas Dairy Rd, Grafton 26354 48 low-income homes · For families · (304) 265-3842
- Cedarwood I HUD-assisted US Route 50, Grafton 26354 8 low-income homes · For families · (304) 203-2458
- Cedarwood II HUD-assisted US Route 50, Grafton 26354 8 low-income homes · For families · (304) 203-2458
- Grafton Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 850 W Main St, Grafton 26354 36 homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1993
- Garrett Mills Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 63 Garrett Mills Ln, Grafton 26354 32 homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2009
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 Taylor 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 Taylor 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 | $15,960 | $26,300 | $42,100 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $30,050 | $48,100 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $33,800 | $54,100 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $37,550 | $60,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $40,600 | $64,950 |
| 6 people | $43,600 | $43,600 | $69,750 |
| 7 people | $46,600 | $46,600 | $74,550 |
| 8 people | $49,600 | $49,600 | $79,350 |
Area median income: $71,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Taylor County, WV. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $639 – $781
- 1 bedroom $741 – $905
- 2 bedrooms $918 – $1,122
- 3 bedrooms $1,177 – $1,439
- 4 bedrooms $1,242 – $1,518
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 Grafton Public housing · 204 public housing units (304) 265-1183 Housing Authority of the City of Grafton: fmayle@graftonha.org
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 Taylor 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 · 11 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 Taylor 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
$2,040
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,020
- Security deposit
- $1,020
- Total
- $2,040
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 Taylor County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $710; 1 bedroom: $823; 2 bedrooms: $1,020; 3 bedrooms: $1,308; 4 bedrooms: $1,380. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Taylor County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,020) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.62 an hour full time, or $40,800 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Taylor County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $37,550 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 Taylor 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 $918 and $1,122 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Taylor County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $990 in 26354 to $1,200 in 26424. 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 Taylor County?
HUD lists 6 properties with homes for low-income households in Taylor 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 Taylor County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Taylor County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in West Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).