West Virginia → Preston
Preston County, West Virginia
Pasture here rented for $12.50 an acre in 2026, $2.50 below the West Virginia median of $15. That's the 34th percentile among the 25 West Virginia counties reporting that year, and the 19th percentile nationally.
Put that in lease terms. On a quarter section of 160 acres, the gap between this county and the state median is $400 a year. A difference that looks small per acre is large at that scale.
Across West Virginia's counties, the middle half of county averages in 2026 runs $11 to $21 an acre. Individual leases spread wider than county averages do, because grass, water, fencing and term length all move the price. An offer far outside this band should come with a reason the other side can say out loud.
Since 2009, this county's rate has fallen 14 percent: $14.50 then, $12.50 in 2026.
The counties next door
The comparison made at the kitchen table is with the neighbors. This year, rates across the county line go from $8 to $30 an acre. Every bordering county NASS tracks is listed at its most recent published rate.
| County | $/acre |
|---|---|
| Garrett, Maryland | $30 |
| Fayette, Pennsylvania | $26.50 |
| Monongalia | $17.50 |
| Tucker | $13.50 (2024) |
| Grant | $10 |
| Taylor | $9.10 |
| Barbour | $8 |
Every year on record
| Year | $/acre |
|---|---|
| 2009 | $14.50 |
| 2010 | $8.80 |
| 2011 | $13.50 |
| 2012 | $9.40 |
| 2013 | $9 |
| 2014 | $12.50 |
| 2016 | $10 |
| 2017 | $11 |
| 2019 | $10.50 |
| 2020 | $12.50 |
| 2021 | $14 |
| 2022 | $12.50 |
| 2023 | $11.50 |
| 2024 | $12.50 |
| 2025 | $15 |
| 2026 | $12.50 |
This page prints clean from your browser. Take it to the table.