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West Virginia

Cost of living in McDowell County, WV

Estimated monthly cost
$2,409/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 18,413 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $649 27%
Healthcare $480 20%
Federal tax $332 14%
Transport $320 13%
Groceries $306 13%
Energy $192 8%
State tax $75 3%
Water $55 2%

Rent in McDowell County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$645
per month
1 bedroom
$649
per month
2 bedroom
$852
per month
3 bedroom
$1,125
per month
4 bedroom
$1,130
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in McDowell County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$29,980
per year
Individual earnings
$30,400
per year
Per capita
$16,599
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in McDowell County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$49,200
Annual property tax
$278

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in McDowell County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$140
per month · 14¢/kWh
Natural gas
$52
per month
Annual total
$2,304
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in McDowell County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
7.7%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in McDowell County

State and local tax rates for West Virginia.

State income tax
5.1%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
6.0%
Combined sales tax
6.6%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in McDowell County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
34.8 min
Drive alone
80.3%
Public transit
0.1%
Work from home
5.9%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for McDowell County

What it costs to live in McDowell County each month.

Single person
$2,409
per month
  • Rent $649
  • Energy $192
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $306
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $332
  • State tax $75
Couple
$3,210
per month
  • Rent $852
  • Energy $230
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $507
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $198
  • State tax $74
Family
$5,599
per month
  • Rent $1,125
  • Energy $288
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $769
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $198
  • State tax $74

Frequently asked questions about McDowell County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in McDowell County?

In McDowell County, WV, a one-bedroom apartment averages $649 per month, a two-bedroom averages $852 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,125 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in McDowell County?

In McDowell County, WV, the average household income is $29,980 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $30,400 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in McDowell County?

The estimated cost of living in McDowell County, WV is approximately $2,409 per month for a single person, $3,210 for a couple, $5,599 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in McDowell County?

The combined sales tax rate in McDowell County, WV is 6.56%, which includes the West Virginia state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 0.56%.

Is McDowell County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in McDowell County, WV would need approximately $2,409 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $29,980 per year ($2,498 per month). McDowell County has a high cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in McDowell County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in McDowell County, WV is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 7.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in McDowell County?

The average home value in McDowell County, WV is $49,200, with average annual property taxes of $278, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does McDowell County compare to other areas?

You can compare McDowell County, WV with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. McDowell County is in West Virginia.

Other counties in West Virginia

Browse the full list of counties in West Virginia, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in West Virginia

Compare McDowell County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources