Location: Monroe 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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,578 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,767 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,908 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $132,769 | 0.76% | D |
| 3BR | $1,250 | $180,848 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $1,360 | $223,019 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 24970, encompassing Ronceverte, WV, and parts of Greenbrier and Monroe Counties, reveals a favorable environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $950, while the Census American Community Survey (ACS) reports an average market rent of $860. This indicates that voucher tenants can cashflow comfortably at the FMR rate, providing landlords with a steady and reliable income stream.
To further assess the investment potential, consider the median home value of $167,679. Using this figure, we can derive a rent-to-price ratio. Assuming a typical mortgage payment of around $800 (based on a 4.5% interest rate over 30 years), the $950 FMR provides a positive cash flow for landlords. This makes it particularly attractive for those seeking stable rental income.
The dynamics of rent versus buying in this region do not significantly impact the decision-making process for investors, as the data does not provide a median days on market (DOM) or a percentage of price cuts. However, given the lower market rents compared to the HUD FMR, there is little incentive for voucher holders to purchase homes instead of renting, thus maintaining a consistent demand for rental properties.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 24970 is cashflow. With the HUD FMR exceeding the market rent, landlords can expect to generate positive cash flow from Section 8 tenants without the need for premium units. This ensures a predictable and reliable income source, making it an ideal location for those looking to capitalize on the steady income provided by government-subsidized housing programs.
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.