salaryParkersburg is the 4th-largest city in West Virginia that we track, with 29,240 residents. Rent is lower than in 86% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs under 3 years of household income, which is easy by U.S. standards. Commutes are short, about 19.2 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $41,480 a year. That is $20 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other West Virginia cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of West Virginia. It is number 20 of 31 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Parkersburg?
Share of households by yearly income. 12.9% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Parkersburg
| Size | Parkersburg | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $744 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $586 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $867 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,023 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,006 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Parkersburg overall?
Everyday prices in the Parkersburg-Vienna metro area are 13% below the U.S. average (index 87.1, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Parkersburg
Life in Parkersburg
What jobs pay in Parkersburg
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $130,310 | 9.5% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $126,550 | 9.8% |
| Physician Assistant | $125,290 | 9.9% |
| Accountant | $100,420 | 12.4% |
| Lawyer | $97,460 | 12.8% |
| Operations Manager | $81,660 | 15.2% |
| Registered Nurse | $79,000 | 15.8% |
| Dental Hygienist | $74,190 | 16.8% |
| Civil Engineer | $70,250 | 17.7% |
| Electrician | $59,550 | 20.9% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $57,030 | 21.8% |
| Police Officer | $55,540 | 22.4% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $55,140 | 22.6% |
| Plumber | $49,580 | 25.1% |
| Carpenter | $47,090 | 26.4% |
| Truck Driver | $47,050 | 26.4% |
| Market Research Analyst | $46,020 | 27.0% |
| HVAC Technician | $45,600 | 27.3% |
| Customer Service Representative | $37,190 | 33.5% |
| Medical Assistant | $37,180 | 33.5% |
| Warehouse Worker | $36,330 | 34.3% |
| Nursing Assistant | $36,220 | 34.4% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $35,290 | 35.3% |
| Restaurant Cook | $29,700 | 41.9% |
| Retail Salesperson | $28,220 | 44.1% |
| Cashier | $26,510 | 46.9% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Parkersburg?
Buying is cheaper month to month: about $193 a month less than renting.
Owning assumes a typical $121,600 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $12,160 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Parkersburg, WV?
Renting in Parkersburg costs a median of about $1,037 a month in 2026, including utilities. The West Virginia median is $1,007.
How much do I need to make to live in Parkersburg?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $41,480 a year, or $20 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Parkersburg cheap or expensive?
Parkersburg is rated OK: rent takes 23.5% of the typical household income of $52,873. It ranks 20th cheapest of 31 West Virginia cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Parkersburg?
The median homeowner in Parkersburg pays $820 a year in property taxes, about 0.67% of the median home value.
Is Parkersburg more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 13% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Parkersburg?
The median home value in Parkersburg is $121,600, about 2.3 times the typical yearly household income.
29,240 people live in Parkersburg. Numbers are typical (middle) values.