Special Interest
Housing in Nicholas County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Nicholas County averages $686/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the West Virginia median of $872 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 31% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Nicholas County FMR Area are $674 for a studio, $704 for 1‑bedroom, $878 for 2‑bedroom, $1,136 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,190 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $192 increase for a 2-bedroom in Nicholas County shows a 28% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Nicholas County was 4.9% in 2024, compared to West Virginia at 4.1% and the national rate of 4.0%.
