Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

McDowell County vs Kanawha County

How do McDowell County and Kanawha County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$662
McDowell County (1BR)
$829
Kanawha County (1BR)
−20%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

County
McDowell County
$662/mo 1BR
Population: 18,911
County
Kanawha County
$829/mo 1BR
Population: 179,895

A 1-bedroom in McDowell County is 20% cheaper than Kanawha County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($662 vs $829). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms McDowell County Kanawha County Difference
Studio $658 $714 −$56 (-8%)
1 Bedroom $662 $829 −$167 (-20%)
2 Bedroom $869 $1,036 −$167 (-16%)
3 Bedroom $1,146 $1,325 −$179 (-14%)
4 Bedroom $1,151 $1,372 −$221 (-16%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. McDowell County is 31% below the US average. Kanawha County is 14% below.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).