Location: Charleston, WV | Metro: Charleston, WV HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,170 | $89,242 | 1.31% | A |
| 3BR | $1,480 | $137,374 | 1.08% | B |
| 4BR | $1,540 | $180,428 | 0.85% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 25015, which encompasses Belle, WV, in Kanawha County, are straightforward when analyzed with specific dollar figures. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2024 is set at $880. This SAFMR is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the local housing market conditions.
Local market rents, however, are higher at an average of $1,117 per month, based on Census American Community Survey (ACS) data. For landlords considering whether to accept a Section 8 voucher tenant, it's essential to understand the reimbursement process.
A Section 8 voucher pays a significant portion of the rent but not the entire amount. The tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. In ZIP 25015, if we assume a typical household income, the tenant’s contribution would be approximately $264 monthly, given the SAFMR as a reference point for affordability.
The remaining balance is covered by the voucher program, up to the SAFMR limit. Therefore, in this case, the voucher would pay the difference between the tenant's portion and the SAFMR. That means the voucher payment would be around $616.
In addition to the rent, there are utility allowances. These vary but typically cover basic utilities such as electricity, water, and gas. Utility allowances can add another $200-$300 to the total compensation received by the landlord. This allowance ensures that tenants can maintain a comfortable living environment without financial strain.
Summarizing the reimbursement, a landlord in ZIP 25015 would receive approximately $816-$916 from the voucher program for a two-bedroom unit, including the rent and utility allowances. Given the local market rent of $1,117, this leaves a reimbursement gap of roughly $201-$301 per month.
This gap represents the shortfall between the actual market rent and what the Section 8 program reimburses. Landlords must weigh this gap against the benefits of stable, government-backed rental payments and the security of knowing that their tenants have access to reliable support services.
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.