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)
ZIP code 24850, located in McDowell County, WV, serves as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This designation is based on the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the McDowell County metro area, which is set at $870 for fiscal year 2026. Given that the market data for this region is currently unavailable, the FMR acts as a reliable benchmark for rental income expectations.
The median home value in ZIP 24850 stands at $46,771, indicating that property acquisition costs are relatively low compared to other areas. This makes it easier for landlords and small-portfolio investors to acquire properties with a lower initial investment while still achieving stable rental income through the Section 8 program. The spread between the FMR and the median home value suggests that landlords can expect a consistent positive cash flow, provided they manage their expenses effectively.
Although the renter share is only 0.0%, and the median income data is not available, these factors do not significantly impact the cash-flow anchor role of ZIP 24850. The primary goal here is to secure steady, government-backed rental payments rather than focusing on property appreciation or high renter occupancy rates. The lack of an active real estate market means that appreciation plays are unlikely to be fruitful in this area.
In summary, ZIP 24850 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio due to its predictable rental income at $870 per month and low median home value of $46,771. Landlords should focus on minimizing operating costs and maintaining properties to ensure long-term stability and profitability.
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.