Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Wood County, West Virginia
Wood County has a HUD fair market rent of $974 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $822 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $18.73 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $974
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 6% less than in West Virginia
- Typical rent
- $822
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 6% less than in West Virginia
- Wage needed
- $18.73
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $38,960 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 Wood County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Wood County has the highest typical rent in its area: $822, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Jackson County ($716).
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 Wood 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 Wood County was $1,063 a month in September 2026: 9% 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 | $793 | $15.25 | $31,720 |
| 1 bedroom | $798 | $15.35 | $31,920 |
| 2 bedrooms | $974 | $18.73 | $38,960 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,214 | $23.35 | $48,560 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,281 | $24.63 | $51,240 |
HUD area: Parkersburg-Vienna, 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 15 ZIP codes in Wood County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $940 in 26184 to $1,090 in 26181. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($974).
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)
| 26101 | Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $770 | $780 | $950 | $1,180 | $1,250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26104 | Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $770 | $780 | $950 | $1,180 | $1,250 |
| 26105 | Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $830 | $840 | $1,020 | $1,270 | $1,340 |
| 26133 | Jackson County, WV | $860 | $890 | $1,070 | $1,340 | $1,440 |
| 26133 | Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $860 | $890 | $1,070 | $1,340 | $1,440 |
| 26142 | Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $790 | $800 | $970 | $1,210 | $1,280 |
| 26150 | Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $830 | $840 | $1,020 | $1,270 | $1,340 |
| 26169 | Jackson County, WV | $800 | $820 | $990 | $1,240 | $1,320 |
| 26169 | Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $800 | $820 | $990 | $1,240 | $1,320 |
| 26180 | Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $770 | $780 | $950 | $1,190 | $1,260 |
| 26180 | Ritchie County, WV | $770 | $780 | $950 | $1,190 | $1,260 |
| 26181 | Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $890 | $890 | $1,090 | $1,360 | $1,430 |
| 26184 | Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $760 | $770 | $940 | $1,200 | $1,260 |
| 26184 | Pleasants County, WV | $760 | $770 | $940 | $1,200 | $1,260 |
| 26187 | Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $850 | $850 | $1,040 | $1,300 | $1,370 |
- 26101 · Parkersburg-Vienna, WV $950$1,180
- 26104 · Parkersburg-Vienna, WV $950$1,180
- 26105 · Parkersburg-Vienna, WV $1,020$1,270
- 26133 · Jackson County, WV $1,070$1,340
- 26133 · Parkersburg-Vienna, WV $1,070$1,340
- 26142 · Parkersburg-Vienna, WV $970$1,210
- 26150 · Parkersburg-Vienna, WV $1,020$1,270
- 26169 · Jackson County, WV $990$1,240
- 26169 · Parkersburg-Vienna, WV $990$1,240
- 26180 · Parkersburg-Vienna, WV $950$1,190
- 26180 · Ritchie County, WV $950$1,190
- 26181 · Parkersburg-Vienna, WV $1,090$1,360
- 26184 · Parkersburg-Vienna, WV $940$1,200
- 26184 · Pleasants County, WV $940$1,200
- 26187 · Parkersburg-Vienna, WV $1,040$1,300
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 Wood 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.
8,924 households rent in Wood County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 30%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Wood 49%
- West Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Wood County
HUD lists 31 properties with homes for low-income households in Wood 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)
- 22
- HUD-assisted
- 9
- public housing
- 1
1,859 homes in all; 1,746 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Unity Housing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2601 Unity Pl, Parkersburg 26101 293 low-income homes · Studio: 28 · 1 bd: 250 · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2009
- Homecrest Manor Public housing Parkersburg 26101 148 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Parkersburg · Average payment: $356 a month · Average wait: 15 months · (304) 428-6400
- Parkland Place HUD-assisted 1250 31st St, Parkersburg 26104 133 low-income homes · For older adults · (304) 422-6244
- Pleasantview Towers HUD-assisted 1205 9th St, Vienna 26105 117 homes, 116 low-income · For older adults · (304) 295-9554
- Market Manor HUD-assisted 1030 Market St, Parkersburg 26101 112 homes, 111 low-income · For older adults · (304) 485-1696
- Parkersburg Powell Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 106 Branam Dr, Parkersburg 26104 100 low-income homes · Studio: 15 · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 2008 · For families · (304) 485-6293
- Chateau Hills HUD-assisted 147 Chateau Hls, Parkersburg 26101 100 homes, 99 low-income · For families · (304) 863-6655
- Hillview Terrace HUD-assisted 1500 12th St, Vienna 26105 62 low-income homes · For older adults · (304) 295-6784
- South Parkersburg Unity Plaza HUD-assisted 2600 Unity Pl, Parkersburg 26101 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (304) 424-7323
- Murdoch Heights Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1602 Murdoch Ave, Parkersburg 26101 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 42 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- Terrapin Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 2412 Covert St, Parkersburg 26101 49 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Terrapin Park Town Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 2412 Covert St, Parkersburg 26101 49 homes, 48 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1997
- Mineral Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Mineral Manor Way, Parkersburg 26101 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2009
- ST Paul Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 3850 Central Ave, Parkersburg 26104 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1998
- Parkersburg Elderly Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1508 Rayon Dr, Parkersburg 26101 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Parkersburg Senior Residence Tax credit (LIHTC) 2700 Emerson Ave, Parkersburg 26104 36 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Rowan Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 509 Buckeye St, Parkersburg 26101 36 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- Newberry Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 235 S Campus View Dr, Parkersburg 26104 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2019 · For older adults
- Post Mill Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 74 Post Mill Way, Mineral Wells 26150 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2019 · For older adults
- Reserve at Edison Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 702 Lily Ln, Parkersburg 26101 30 low-income homes · 3 bd: 23 · 4 bd: 7 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Courtyard Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 51 Lubeck Apartment Ln, Parkersburg 26101 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1992
- Dutch Ridge LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 2983 Dutch Ridge Rd, Parkersburg 26104 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Lincolnshire Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 368 Dublin Dr, Mineral Wells 26150 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2000
- Lubeck Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 175 Lubeck Rd, Parkersburg 26101 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1993
- Pettyville Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 6856 Pike St, Mineral Wells 26150 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1997
- Wood Valley Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 4249 Williamstown Pike, Williamstown 26187 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2008
- Unity Court Apartments,Inc. HUD-assisted 2604 Unity Pl, Parkersburg 26101 20 homes, 19 low-income · For older adults · (304) 424-7323
- Adams Apartments HUD-assisted 1273 31st St, Parkersburg 26104 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (304) 485-1721
- Woda ST Paul Terrace LTD Ptrshp Tax credit (LIHTC) 2412 Covert St, Parkersburg 26101 48 homes
- Mineral Wells/Jordyn Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 99 Jordyn Ln, Mineral Wells 26150 36 homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1997
- Chelsea Greene LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 2989 Dutch Ridge Rd, Parkersburg 26104 24 homes
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
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 Wood 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 Wood 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: $74,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Parkersburg-Vienna, WV MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $714 – $872
- 1 bedroom $718 – $878
- 2 bedrooms $877 – $1,071
- 3 bedrooms $1,093 – $1,335
- 4 bedrooms $1,153 – $1,409
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 Parkersburg Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,567 vouchers · 148 public housing units (304) 428-6400 Housing Authority of the City of Parkersburg: pha@parkersburghousing.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 Wood County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Wood County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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CCCS of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Inc.
2435 Dudley Avenue, Parkersburg
- 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 Wood 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
$1,948
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $974
- Security deposit
- $974
- Total
- $1,948
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 Wood County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $793; 1 bedroom: $798; 2 bedrooms: $974; 3 bedrooms: $1,214; 4 bedrooms: $1,281. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Wood County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($974) without spending more than 30% of income takes $18.73 an hour full time, or $38,960 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Wood 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 Wood 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 $877 and $1,071 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Wood County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $940 in 26184 to $1,090 in 26181. 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 Wood County?
HUD lists 31 properties with homes for low-income households in Wood 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 Wood County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Wood County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in West Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).