Morgantown
Investment Analysis

Morgantown, WV
Housing Market Screening

City-level home-price and one-bedroom-rent references with transparent methodology and limitations.

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City-level screening

25.3x

Home price / annualized 1BR rent

Gross annual 1BR-rent reference
4.0%
Recorded YoY field
+1.0%

Not cap rate, ROI, valuation or buy-versus-rent advice. City fields may reflect different source years.

Median Home Price
$261,378
Average Rent (1BR)
$862/mo
Median Income
$42,245
Population
30,273

Housing Screening Context

Morgantown has a computed screening multiple of 25.3x and a gross annual 1BR-rent reference of 4.0%.

These values compare separate city-level fields, not one matched property. They exclude financing, taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, transaction costs and tenure horizon.

Recorded year-over-year price change: +1.0%. Source period and forecast assumptions should be reviewed before scenario use.

Read the transparent methodology or open the Housing Research Hub.

Rental Cash Flow Analysis

Monthly Income

Gross Rent $862
Annual Gross $10,344

Est. Monthly Expenses

Property Tax (~1.5%) -$327
Insurance (~0.5%) -$109
Maintenance (~1%) -$218
Est. Net Cash Flow $209/mo

Price Forecast 2026–2028

🔮 Morgantown Price Forecast 2026–2028

Based on 5-year Zillow ZHVI trend analysis · Statistical projection
📈 Upward Trend
PROJECTEDNOW$285K2027$292Kâ–² 2.3%2028$299Kâ–² 4.6%20232024Now
$314K$257K
Current
$261K
2026
Projected
$292K
↑ 2.3% by 2027
Projected
$299K
↑ 4.6% by 2028
5yr CAGR:+2.8%
Confidence:High
R²:0.93
â–¼

For anyone analyzing the Morgantown housing market forecast through 2028, the data suggests a period of stabilization rather than explosive growth. The current median home price of $270,581 and a sluggish YoY price change of just 0.5% indicate a cooling market that has largely absorbed the post-pandemic surge. With a price-to-rent ratio sitting at 23.2x—significantly above the national average of 18x—the financial scales currently tip in favor of renting. This high ratio, combined with a market temperature score of 62/100, signals that while the area remains desirable, appreciation momentum has slowed considerably, making it a more challenging environment for investors seeking quick equity gains.

So, will Morgantown home prices drop significantly in the coming years? Unlikely, though stagnation is a real possibility. West Virginia University remains the primary economic engine, and the city’s Risk Grade: A reflects a stable, albeit slow-moving, local economy. However, affordability constraints are becoming a barrier for buyers, evidenced by the "RENT" verdict. The 5-year CAGR of 3.0% provides a realistic baseline for future growth, suggesting prices will likely track with inflation rather than outpace it. As we look toward Morgantown real estate Morgantown 2027, the market will likely favor long-term holders over short-term flippers, with inventory levels and student enrollment trends acting as key indicators for any price shifts.

Projected Cap Rate (2027)
2.2%
5yr CAGR
+2.8%

Job Market

Unemployment 4.5%
National avg: 3.7%
Job Growth (YoY) +0.2%

Healthcare

55
Score
Below Avg

Risk Factors

Low Risk Profile

Market Activity

Source: Redfin · 2026-05-31
Sale-to-List 98.8%
Months Supply 2.6
Price Drops 16%
Gone in 2 Wks 52%

Market Position

Affordability Below Avg
Safety Average

ROI Projector Model an editable scenario

Adjust the sliders to model different investment scenarios for Morgantown.

Total ROI
-102%
on $52,276 invested
Annual ROI
NaN%
compounded
Total Return
-$53,520
appreciation + cashflow
Mo. Cash Flow
-$1,198
year 1 estimate
Equity Growth Over 5 Years
Y157kY262kY367kY473kY578k
Appreciation
$13,741
Cash Flow
-$67,261
Final Equity
$78,270

* Estimates based on 1.0% annual appreciation, 3% rent growth, 5% vacancy. Does not include closing costs, tax benefits, or capital gains tax. For illustrative purposes only.

Rental Scenario Calculator Estimate your monthly cashflow

Rental Cash-Flow Scenario

Pre-filled for Morgantown

Property

Purchase Price$261,378
Monthly Rent$862
Down Payment20%

Financing

Interest Rate6.5%

Expenses

Property Tax1.2%
Insurance (Annual)$1,500
Maintenance Reserve1%
Vacancy Rate5%
Property Management0%
HOA (Monthly)$0
-$1,107
Modeled Monthly Cash Flow
-$13,284/ year
-25.4%
Cash-on-Cash
1.0%
Cap Rate

Monthly Breakdown

+ Rental Income$862
− Mortgage (P&I)$1,322
− Property Tax$261
− Insurance$125
− Maintenance$218
− Vacancy Loss$43
= Net Cash Flow-$1,107

Scenario Summary

Down Payment
$52,276
Loan Amount
$209,102
Total Monthly Expenses
$1,969
Gross Yield
4.0%

Investor Toolkit

Research Morgantown before you invest

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment decisions should be made after consulting with qualified professionals. Data sources include Zillow, Census Bureau, and BLS. Cap rates and yields are estimates based on available data.

Last updated: July 2026