Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Mercer County vs Kanawha County
How do Mercer County and Kanawha County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $717
- Mercer County (1BR)
- $829
- Kanawha County (1BR)
- −14%
- 1BR difference
Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
A 1-bedroom in Mercer County is 14% cheaper than Kanawha County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($717 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 | Mercer County | Kanawha County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $618 | $714 | −$96 (-13%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $717 | $829 | −$112 (-14%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $896 | $1,036 | −$140 (-14%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,206 | $1,325 | −$119 (-9%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,258 | $1,372 | −$114 (-8%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Mercer County is 25% 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).