Morgantown
Investment Analysis

Morgantown, WV
Investor Report

Comprehensive real estate investment analysis with cap rates, rental yields, and risk assessment.

Share:
53
Investment Score
Hold
Cap Rate (Est.)
2.8%
Gross Yield
4.7%
P/R Ratio
20.9x
YoY Growth
+1.0%
Median Home Price
$221,000
Average Rent (1BR)
$862/mo
Median Income
$42,245
Population
30,273

Investment Breakdown

37
Value Score
60
Growth Score
68
Safety Score
58
Afford Score

Morgantown has a price-to-rent ratio of 20.9x, which indicates renting and buying are roughly equal.

The estimated cap rate of 2.8% is below average, typical of appreciation-focused markets.

Year-over-year price growth of +1.0% indicates stable market conditions.

Rental Cash Flow Analysis

Monthly Income

Gross Rent $862
Annual Gross $10,344

Est. Monthly Expenses

Property Tax (~1.5%) -$276
Insurance (~0.5%) -$92
Maintenance (~1%) -$184
Est. Net Cash Flow $310/mo

Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

๐Ÿ”ฎ Morgantown Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

Based on 5-year Zillow ZHVI trend analysis ยท Statistical projection
๐Ÿ“ˆ Upward Trend
PROJECTEDNOW$271K2027$282Kโ–ฒ 4.1%2028$289Kโ–ฒ 6.7%20232024Now
$303K$241K
Current
$221K
2026
Projected
$282K
โ†‘ 4.1% by 2027
Projected
$289K
โ†‘ 6.7% by 2028
5yr CAGR:+2.9%
Confidence:High
Rยฒ:0.93
โ–ผ

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 23.2xโ€”significantly above the national average of 18xโ€”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 cityโ€™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)
2.3%
5yr CAGR
+2.9%

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 ยท 2026-01-31
Sale-to-List 96.8%
Months Supply 2.1
Price Drops 22%
Gone in 2 Wks 18%

Market Position

Affordability Below Avg
Safety Average

ROI Projector Estimate your total return

Adjust the sliders to model different investment scenarios for Morgantown.

Total ROI
-84%
on $44,200 invested
Annual ROI
-30.3%
compounded
Total Return
-$36,951
appreciation + cashflow
Mo. Cash Flow
-$886
year 1 estimate
Equity Growth Over 5 Years
Y148kY253kY357kY461kY566k
Appreciation
$11,618
Cash Flow
-$48,569
Final Equity
$66,179

* 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 Investment Calculator Estimate your monthly cashflow

Rental Income Estimator

Pre-filled for Morgantown

Property

Purchase Price$221,000
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
-$829
Monthly Cash Flow
-$9,945/ year
-22.5%
Cash-on-Cash
1.6%
Cap Rate

Monthly Breakdown

+ Rental Income$862
โˆ’ Mortgage (P&I)$1,117
โˆ’ Property Tax$221
โˆ’ Insurance$125
โˆ’ Maintenance$184
โˆ’ Vacancy Loss$43
= Net Cash Flow-$829

Investment Summary

Down Payment
$44,200
Loan Amount
$176,800
Total Monthly Expenses
$1,691
Gross Yield
4.7%

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: March 2026