Location: Summers County, WV | Metro: Monroe 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 | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,717 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,077 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $990 | $146,860 | 0.67% | D |
| 3BR | $1,370 | $206,815 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $1,480 | $243,787 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 24963, located in Peterstown, WV, within the Summers County, WV metro area, serves as a solid cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The key to understanding this designation lies in the financial metrics that define the region's rental market. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Summers County, WV metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $870. This figure represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 tenant can be expected to pay for a unit. In contrast, the market rent in ZIP 24963 stands at $1,041 per month. This creates a significant spread of $171 between the FMR and the market rent, ensuring that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can still achieve a reasonable profit margin.
The median home value in ZIP 24963 is $188,284, which indicates a stable housing market. However, it is the rental dynamics that are most critical for a Section 8 strategy. Given the discrepancy between the FMR and market rent, landlords can expect steady cash flow without the risk of having to significantly reduce their asking prices to attract tenants. This makes ZIP 24963 an ideal location for those looking to secure reliable income through the Section 8 program.
While appreciation potential is often a consideration for real estate investments, the data does not provide a percentage increase or days on market (DOM) for ZIP 24963. Therefore, it cannot be classified as an appreciation play based on the available information. Instead, its strength lies in providing a consistent cash flow, which is crucial for maintaining the stability of a Section 8 portfolio.
ZIP 24963 also offers some diversification benefits, with a renter share of 11.1% and a median income of $55,179. These figures suggest that while there is a segment of the population renting, the majority own homes, indicating a mix of investment opportunities. For landlords, this means they can leverage both rental and homeownership trends to build a balanced portfolio. The median income figure further supports the viability of the Section 8 program in the area, as it suggests that there is a need for affordable housing options.
In summary, ZIP 24963 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The substantial gap between the FMR and market rent ensures steady income, while the median home value provides evidence of a stable local economy. Landlords should focus on the reliable cash flow this area offers rather than speculative growth opportunities.
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.