Special Interest
Housing in Ritchie County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Ritchie County averages $579/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 24% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Ritchie County FMR Area are $666 for a studio, $671 for 1‑bedroom, $880 for 2‑bedroom, $1,055 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,165 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $301 increase for a 2-bedroom in Ritchie County shows a 52% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Ritchie County was 5.6% in 2024, compared to West Virginia at 4.1% and the national rate of 4.0%.
