Location: Putnam County, WV | Metro: Putnam County, 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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,659 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,107 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $950 | $105,228 | 0.9% | C |
| 3BR | $1,320 | $195,846 | 0.67% | D |
| 4BR | $1,430 | $274,048 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls of investing in ZIP 25033 under the Section 8 program start with tenant turnover. The market rent stands at $710, which is significantly lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $910 for fiscal year 2024. This discrepancy can lead to higher turnover rates as tenants might struggle to afford the rent when their vouchers do not cover the full amount. Additionally, vacancy exposure is a concern due to the lack of available data on the days on market (DOM), indicating an unpredictable housing market that could result in prolonged vacancies.
The deferred maintenance exposure is another critical factor. With a typical home value of $157,142 and a median household income of $81,761, landlords must be prepared for the possibility that homeowners may not have the financial resources to maintain their properties to the standards required by the Housing Choice Voucher program. This could necessitate significant investments to bring properties up to code, potentially impacting the overall profitability of the investment.
However, these risks are tempered by the high concentration of renters in the area, with 8.3% of the population being renter-occupied. High renter density often translates into a robust demand for rental properties, particularly those that accept Section 8 vouchers. This strong demand can help mitigate the risks associated with vacancy and turnover, providing a steady stream of qualified tenants.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.