RentData

Average Rent in Boone County, WV🔻 4th cheapest in WV

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 21,312

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Boone County, WV has rental prices ranging from $590/month to $1,431/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $712/month — 49% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $56,152/year, spending $712/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Boone County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $852/month, Boone County ranks #44 most expensive of the 47 cities tracked in West Virginia — more affordable than 91% of all US cities in our data.

The Boone County Rental Market

The Boone County, WV area has a population of about 21,312 and 21% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Boone County, WV have risen by $4/month (0.5%) over the past year, from $848 to $852. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Boone County, WV without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $28,480. The local median household income of $56,152 exceeds that threshold by $27,672, making Boone County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Boone County, WV has an unemployment rate of 4.9%, 1.0 percentage point above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$590
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$712
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$852
0.5% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,175
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,431
Average
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Is Boone County, WV Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$34,080/year
Local median income: $56,152
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $852/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in WVlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Jefferson County$944$950$1,246$1,746
Lincoln County$495$571$686$865
Putnam County$838$843$1,106$1,515
Morgan County$629$733$918$1,250
Martinsburg$826$959$1,204$1,673
Jackson County$597$704$862$1,140

Rent or Buy in Boone County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Boone County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$852/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $852/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Boone County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Boone County

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💵Rent Affordability in Boone County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in WV

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⚖️Compare Boone County

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📋WV Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections