Location: Pocahontas County, WV | Metro: Pocahontas 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,676 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,901 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,220 | $208,393 | 0.59% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 24944 is situated in a rural area with a small population of 448 residents. This neighborhood is characterized by a low density of housing and a modest percentage of renters at 11.4%, indicating that homeownership is prevalent among the local populace. The median household income in this area stands at $61,989, reflecting a middle-class community where financial stability is evident but not extravagant. The median home value in ZIP 24944 is $167,273, suggesting that homes here are relatively affordable compared to national averages.
Moving into the realm of rental economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $870. However, the lack of specific data on market rents means that we must rely on the FMR as an indicator of what landlords can expect to charge for Section 8 eligible units. It's important to note that the FMR is a benchmark used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to determine payment standards for the Section 8 program, and it may not fully reflect the actual market conditions in ZIP 24944 due to the limited data available.
Given the characteristics of ZIP 24944, it appears well-suited for a hands-off voucher operator rather than a hands-on value-add buyer. The low percentage of renters and the stable median income suggest that there is little pressure to increase rents beyond the FMR, making it less likely that aggressive rent increases would be necessary or even advisable. Moreover, the modest median home value indicates that properties in this area are generally affordable, reducing the potential for significant capital appreciation through renovation or other value-add strategies.
Investors looking to enter this market should focus on properties that meet the criteria for the Section 8 program without the need for extensive renovations or upgrades. The emphasis should be on providing quality, affordable housing that aligns with the economic profile of the area, ensuring compliance with HUD regulations and maintaining a steady income stream without the complexities associated with higher rent environments.
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.