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 | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $940 | $145,605 | 0.65% | D |
| 3BR | $1,200 | $206,368 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP code 24946, Hillsboro, WV, hinges significantly on the available data points related to yield and stability. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $870 for the fiscal year 2026, the rental market shows potential for generating income. However, the lack of specific market rent figures makes direct comparisons challenging. The median home value stands at $166,345, which provides a baseline for investment cost.
Evaluating stability, we find that only 11.1% of residents are renters, indicating a primarily owner-occupied area. This low percentage of renters suggests limited demand for rental properties, which could affect both occupancy rates and the ability to command higher rents. Additionally, the absence of days-on-market (DOM) data means we cannot assess how quickly properties are typically leased or sold in the area. The median household income is $60,625, which is crucial for understanding the financial capacity of potential tenants.
To determine whether Hillsboro represents a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market or a steady-cashflow zone, we must consider the interplay between these factors. The FMR of $870 indicates a yield potential, but the low renter population suggests instability due to limited demand. Given these specifics, ZIP 24946 is best classified as a moderate-stability market with modest yield potential. It does not align closely with the characteristics of a high-yield/low-stability market, nor does it fit neatly into a steady-cashflow category. Instead, the data points towards an area where rental income is possible but subject to the risks associated with a low renter base and uncertain market dynamics.
Landlords and small-portfolio investors should proceed with caution. While the FMR of $870 can be a target for rental pricing, the $166,345 home value suggests that investments will not likely turn over quickly or generate high returns through property flipping. The income figure of $60,625 supports the idea that there is sufficient economic activity to sustain some level of rental demand, but the overall picture leans towards a conservative approach to minimize risk.
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.