RentData

Average Rent in Parkersburg, WV Rents falling 1.6% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 88,960

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Parkersburg, WV has rental prices ranging from $771/month to $1,304/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $776/month — 45% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $56,029/year, spending $776/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Parkersburg Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $933/month, Parkersburg ranks #10 most expensive of the 47 cities tracked in West Virginia — more affordable than 60% of all US cities in our data.

The Parkersburg Rental Market

The Parkersburg, WV area has a population of about 88,960 and 25% 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 Parkersburg, WV have fallen by $15/month (1.6%) over the past year, from $948 to $933. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Parkersburg, WV without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,040. The local median household income of $56,029 exceeds that threshold by $24,989, making Parkersburg relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Parkersburg, WV is $150,517, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 13.4. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 13 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$771
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$776
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$933
1.6% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,252
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,304
Affordable
🔔
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Median Home Value
$150,517
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$801/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Parkersburg, 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
$37,320/year
Local median income: $56,029
To buy a median home
$32,045/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $933/month and 20% down on a $150,517 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 Parkersburg?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Parkersburg data

$
Home Value
$150,517
2BR Rent
$933/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$801/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $1,108/movs rent: $933/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $150,517 home at 7% rate

20% — $30,103
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$801
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$120,414
Total Paid
$288,401
Total Interest
$167,987
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Parkersburg

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Parkersburg

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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Parkersburg

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Parkersburg

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in WV

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📋WV Tenant Rights

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