Cost of Living in McDowell County, WV
Population 17,943 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in McDowell County, WV is $643/month, 26% lower than the West Virginia median and 54% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $50,000, 85% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $31,559 a year, 47% lower than the state median.
Affordability
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McDowell County vs. West Virginia vs. U.S.
| McDowell County | West Virginia | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $643 | $872 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $50,000 | $162,600 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $31,559 | $59,608 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 77.3% | 74.9% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 6.8% | 24.1% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 34.2% | 16.7% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.2% | 5.4% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 4.5% | 9.1% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 43.7 | 42.7 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in McDowell County, WV?
The median gross rent in McDowell County, WV is $643 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in McDowell County, WV?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $25,720 a year in gross income.
Is McDowell County, WV expensive to live in?
Rent there is 54% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 1.6 times the median household income.
Other counties in West Virginia
Counties with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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