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 | $164,116 | 0.6% | D |
| 3BR | $1,230 | $234,746 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 24966, centered around Williamsburg, WV, in the Greenbrier County, WV metro area, reveals several key points for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does not work favorably. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $920, which is significantly higher than the actual market rent of $427 reported by the Census ACS. This disparity suggests that landlords may struggle to achieve the FMR due to lower market expectations.
Acquisition appears to be relatively affordable, given the median home value of $207,284. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that require price cuts limits a comprehensive assessment of the ease or difficulty in acquiring properties. Landlords should proceed with caution, considering the limited availability of such crucial metrics.
Tenant demand is modest. With a total population of 1,332, only 15.4% of residents are renters. This indicates a smaller pool of potential tenants compared to areas with higher renter shares. Investors must carefully evaluate their ability to attract and retain tenants in this market.
Verdict: ZIP 24966 presents challenges for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The significant gap between the FMR and the actual market rent suggests difficulty in pricing units competitively while maintaining profitability. Although the median home value is reasonable, the limited tenant demand and incomplete acquisition data imply that success in this market will depend heavily on effective property management and strategic tenant recruitment. Investors should focus on minimizing costs and maximizing occupancy rates to ensure financial viability.
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.