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City Report · WV

Wheeling

Pop. 26,350·12th most expensive in West Virginia·Wheeling rents are up 8.0% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$878/mo
Year-over-Year
+8.0%
Month-over-Month
-4.5%
vs US Median
-$1,087
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Wheeling · $878
More affordable than 99% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
47/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Wheeling's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$878/mo
Expected by trend
$866/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Wheeling's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$700
1 BR
$840
2 BR
$1,020
3 BR
$1,310
4 BR+
$1,470
Research median
$1,020/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$10,536/yr
At $878/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+8.0% YoY, -4.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Wheeling, WV is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 34.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
26,350
Median income
$48,590
Median age
45.4
Renters
40.2%
Age distribution
18.1%
19.5%
22.5%
14.1%
25.9%
Under 1818.1%
18–3419.5%
35–5422.5%
55–6414.1%
65+25.9%
Gender
47.2%
52.8%
Male47.2%
Female52.8%
Race & ethnicity
89.5%
White89.5%
Black4.5%
Hispanic1.4%
Other4.3%
Education (25+)
32.1%
26.2%
34.1%
No HS diploma7.6%
HS diploma32.1%
Some college26.2%
Bachelor's+34.1%
Housing tenure
59.8%
40.2%
Owner59.8%
Renter40.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Wheeling, WV has changed in 5 years

Rent
$785 → $878
up 11.8%
Income
$43,483 → $48,590
up 11.7%
Population
27,142 → 26,350
down 2.9%
Renter share
38.5% → 40.2%
+1.7 pts
Bachelor's+
31% → 34.1%
+3.1 pts
Median age
43.6 → 45.4
+1.8 yrs

Compared with 2023, rent in Wheeling, WV has climbed by $93 per month, settling near $878 after starting the period at $785. On the earnings side, the typical household in Wheeling, WV now reports about $48,590, up from $43,483 in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 27,142 to 26,350 between 2021 and 2024, a 2.9% change. About 40.2% of households rent today, against 38.5% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 31% to 34.1%. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Wheeling, WV reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Wheeling

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View Wheeling rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Wheeling on your salary?

At $878/mo, how Wheeling rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Wheeling rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Wheeling. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Wheeling

About renting in Wheeling, WV

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Wheeling is $878/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $700/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,020/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $840/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,310/mo.

At 22% of local median household income ($48,590/yr), Wheeling ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Wheeling an affordable city for renters?

Wheeling is considered very affordable for renters. At $878/mo, rent takes approximately 22% of the local median household income ($48,590/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Wheeling falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Wheeling?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $35,000/year (~$17/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $878/mo in Wheeling. The local median household income is $48,590/yr, meaning the typical Wheeling household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Wheeling?

Rent in Wheeling has increased 8.0% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Wheeling rent compare to other cities in West Virginia?

Wheeling is one of the more affordable cities in West Virginia for rent, ranking #12 out of 14 tracked cities at $878/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Wheeling?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Wheeling ($878/mo): Follansbee ($750/mo), Steubenville ($765/mo), Weirton ($808/mo).

What percentage of Wheeling residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 40.2% of Wheeling households are renters, while 59.8% are owner-occupied. Wheeling leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Wheeling rent compare to the national average?

Wheeling's median rent of $878/mo is $1,087 (55%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within West Virginia, it ranks #12 out of 14 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
22%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $878/mo, rent takes ~22% of Wheeling's median household income ($48,590/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Wheeling 22%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2.36–5.12%
Run the Wheeling affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Wheeling, WV

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