Average Rent in Parkersburg, WV↓ Rents falling 1.6% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 88,960
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 FY2025Is Parkersburg, WV Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in WVlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly payment for $150,517 home at 7% rate
Living in Parkersburg
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in ParkersburgSalary needed to afford rent here
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