Special Interest
Housing in McDowell County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in McDowell County averages $643/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 36% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for McDowell County FMR Area are $658 for a studio, $662 for 1‑bedroom, $869 for 2‑bedroom, $1,146 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,151 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $226 increase for a 2-bedroom in McDowell County shows a 35% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for McDowell County was 8.0% in 2024, compared to West Virginia at 4.1% and the national rate of 4.0%.
