Location: McDowell County, WV | Metro: McDowell County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $720 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,842 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 24811, located in McDowell County, WV, reveals several key points regarding its suitability for Section 8 real estate investment.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $870. However, without specific data on the current market rent, it's challenging to provide a direct comparison. Given the limited information, it's unclear if the FMR adequately covers the operational costs of properties in this ZIP code.
Moving on to the affordability of acquisitions, the lack of detailed data on the median home value, days on market (DOM), and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut makes it difficult to assess how financially viable it is to purchase properties here. Landlords and investors would need comprehensive local real estate metrics to make informed decisions about property acquisition.
Regarding tenant demand, the ZIP code has a population of 295, with 43.2% being renters. This indicates a relatively small pool of potential tenants, but a significant portion of the population is interested in renting, which could support a modest number of rental units.
In conclusion, while there is a notable demand for rentals with over 43% of the population renting, the viability of investing in ZIP 24811 is constrained by the absence of critical data such as current market rents and detailed acquisition cost information. The Fair Market Rent at $870 must be scrutinized against operational costs to determine if it supports profitable operations. Without complete data, investors should proceed cautiously and seek additional local insights before committing capital.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.