Location: Pocahontas 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 | $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: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $940 | $122,051 | 0.77% | D |
| 3BR | $1,220 | $182,001 | 0.67% | D |
| 4BR | $1,290 | $200,291 | 0.64% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP 24954, which encompasses Marlinton, WV, and parts of Pocahontas County, are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment set at $870 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay landlords on behalf of eligible tenants. It's important to note that the SAFMR is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting local rental conditions more accurately than a broader metro or county-level rate.
In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit averages $717 according to the Census ACS (American Community Survey) data. This suggests that the SAFMR exceeds the average market rent by $153, potentially offering landlords a financial advantage when compared to standard rental rates.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program should understand the structure of the payments. The voucher payment consists of two main components: the tenant's portion and the utility allowance. The tenant's portion is typically 30% of their adjusted income, which must be below 50% of the area median income. If we assume an average adjusted income for a tenant in ZIP 24954, the tenant might contribute around $261 monthly towards rent, based on a hypothetical median income scenario.
The utility allowance varies but generally covers electricity, water, sewer, and trash services. For ZIP 24954, the utility allowance is set at $237 per month, bringing the total monthly contribution towards rent and utilities to $598 ($261 tenant portion + $237 utility allowance).
This means that for a two-bedroom apartment, the housing authority would cover the remaining $272 ($870 SAFMR - $598 total tenant contribution) to meet the SAFMR. Therefore, landlords receive the full SAFMR amount of $870, ensuring they are paid the set fair market rate even if the tenant's direct contribution is lower than the market rent.
Given the local market rent of $717, landlords participating in the Section 8 program in ZIP 24954 can expect a surplus of $153 per month over the average market rate. This surplus provides a buffer against potential maintenance costs or vacancy periods and ensures a stable cash flow for landlords.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 24954 who accept Section 8 vouchers can expect a consistent reimbursement of $870 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, with the tenant contributing approximately $261 towards rent and $237 towards utilities. This results in a net surplus of $153 above the average local market rent, making it a financially viable option for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.