Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn how we make money.
Mortgage rates in West Virginia
Rates tend to be higher than the national average — falling below only once in the past decade.
The federal government has cut rates in the nation's response to COVID-19. Due to rapidly changing information, mortgage rates on this page are not up to date. Speak to a mortgage lender or broker for the most current rates for your state.
West Virginia mortgage rates average 4.758% for 30-year loans — 0.11% higher than the national average in 2018. But with home prices lower than the majority of the country, the average monthly payments could be less than $1,000 in most counties in the Mountain State.
What's in this guide?
How much do West Virginia rates vary?
The average mortgage rates in West Virginia in 2018 ranged from 4.168% to 4.875% for conventional and government-backed loans. But lenders consider a host of factors, such as the loan type, loan term and credit history when determining your mortgage rate.
2018 average rates in West Virginia by loan type
| Loan type | 15-year average rate | 30-year average rate |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 4.693% | 4.714% |
| FHA | 4.168% | 4.875% |
| VA | 4.196% | 4.685% |
| USDA | Not available | 4.758% |
Percentages based on data from ffiec.cfpb.gov.
If you’re a first time home buyer that qualifies for a FHA loan, a 30-year term for $145,000 with a 4.875% rate might cost around $770 a month. If you can afford to pay more monthly, a 15-year FHA loan could get a lower rate of 4.168%. With the lower rate and shorter term, your monthly payments could rise to $1,080, but could save you $80,980 over the life of the loan.
Which way are rates trending in West Virginia?
Mortgage rates in West Virginia are expected to be above the 4% mark.
In the past decade, mortgage rates in West Virginia have surpassed the national average, by about 0.11%. However, West Virginia saw a slight dip in 2013 when the rates were 0.01% lower than the national average.
Bankrate chief financial analyst Greg McBride predicts average US rates to stay at the 4% level in 2020. Since West Virginia rates tend to exceed the national average, we can project that they will exceed 4% in the upcoming year.
Compare mortgage rates throughout West Virginia
The Mountain State’s many diverse regions range in home prices and rates. This means that borrowers in Jefferson County will likely pay more each month than the same property in Charleston.
We dove into the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and put together an idea of what you could expect to pay on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in the metropolitan areas throughout West Virginia. These numbers don’t include any extra amounts from insurance, taxes or fees specific to your loan.
| Metropolitan statistical area (MSA) | Average mortgage rate | Median loan amount | Estimated monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley | 4.777% | $115,000 | $600 |
| Charleston | 4.790% | $125,000 | $660 |
| Cumberland (Mineral County) | 4.681% | $125,000 | $650 |
| Martinsburg MSA (Berkeley and Morgan Counties) | 4.774% | $175,000 | $920 |
| Huntington | 4.782% | $145,000 | $760 |
| Morgantown | 4.520% | $195,000 | $990 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna | 4.781% | $125,000 | $650 |
| Washington MSA (Jefferson County) | 4.696% | $240,000 | $1,240 |
| Weirton MSA (Brooke and Hancock Counties, WV) | 4.739% | $95,000 | $490 |
| Wheeling MSA (Marshall and Ohio Counties, WV) | 4.817% | $115,000 | $610 |
| Winchester | 4.851% | $150,000 | $790 |
Rates and prices based on data from ffiec.cfpb.gov.
How to get the best mortgage rate in West Virginia
Here are a few pointers on how to get a better rate for your next loan.
- Get to know your loan options. Lenders usually have several different loan products and assign varying rates to each. Learn what loan programs you may qualify for.
- Shore up your credit. Lenders are looking for a positive credit history and low debt-to-income ratio. Before applying for a loan, pay down as much debt as you can and increase your credit score.
- Calculate closing costs. Lenders often charge high closing costs. In West Virginia, closing costs usually range from 0.82% to 1.23% the sale price of the home. Weigh these fees against your interest rate to get a full idea of what your mortgage may cost.
Historical mortgage interest rates in West Virginia
Compare other mortgage lenders
Bottom line
Mortgage rates in West Virginia are almost always higher than the national average. But since lenders set their own rates, be sure to compare lenders and loan programs to find the best deal on your next mortgage.
Frequently asked questions
Ask an Expert