Location: Greenbrier County, WV | Metro: Greenbrier County, WV
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $990 | $194,168 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $1,230 | $245,792 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP 24938, which encompasses Lewisburg, WV, in Greenbrier County, the economics of Section 8 housing can be straightforward when understood correctly. The SAFMR (Section 8 Area Median Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $920 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure is specific to this ZIP code, meaning it is adjusted based on local rental costs.
The SAFMR of $920 represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay toward a tenant's rent. However, the actual reimbursement to landlords depends on several factors, including the tenant's contribution and any utility allowances. Typically, tenants contribute 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,500 for a tenant in this area, the contribution would be $450 per month.
This means that if the tenant's portion is $450, the government would cover the remaining balance up to the SAFMR of $920. Therefore, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be the sum of the tenant's payment and the government's subsidy. In this scenario, the landlord would receive the full $920 per month, assuming the tenant's portion plus the government subsidy equals exactly $920.
Utility allowances vary but are typically around $200-$300 per month. These allowances are paid directly to the tenant and do not affect the landlord's reimbursement directly. However, they ensure that the tenant has enough money to cover basic utilities, which can indirectly support the overall tenancy stability.
To illustrate, if the total rent is $920 and the tenant contributes $450, the government would subsidize the difference, which is $470. If the utility allowance is $250, the tenant would have an additional $250 to spend on utilities, making their total monthly cost $700 ($450 for rent and $250 for utilities).
Given that the local market rent data is currently unavailable, it's important to compare the SAFMR of $920 against typical market rates in the past or similar areas to determine if there is a surplus or shortfall. If the typical market rent for a two-bedroom apartment is higher than $920, landlords may experience a shortfall, needing to adjust their expectations or properties to align with the voucher program rates. Conversely, if market rents are lower, landlords could potentially see a surplus, where the voucher amount exceeds the market rent.
In summary, for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 24938, the landlord can expect a reimbursement of $920 per month, assuming the tenant's income and contribution align with the program guidelines. The utility allowance, while not directly affecting the landlord's reimbursement, ensures that the tenant has sufficient funds to maintain basic living standards.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.