Location: Roane County, 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 | $660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,842 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $950 | $133,174 | 0.71% | D |
| 3BR | $1,200 | $200,636 | 0.6% | F |
| 4BR | $1,250 | $280,950 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 25071, which includes Elkview, WV, in Kanawha County, are defined by the Specific Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) for a two-bedroom apartment, set at $970 for fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting local conditions rather than broader regional averages.
Local market rents, according to Census ACS data, stand at $778 for a similar unit. This means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can charge up to $970 per month for a two-bedroom rental, higher than the average market rate, but still within the bounds set by HUD.
A voucher payment under Section 8 covers the difference between what a tenant can afford and the approved rent amount. Tenants typically pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For example, if a tenant's monthly adjusted income is $1,500, they would contribute $450 toward the rent. The remaining $520 would be covered by the voucher, bringing the total payment to $970, the maximum allowable rent for a two-bedroom unit in this ZIP code.
In addition to covering the rent, vouchers also include utility allowances. These allowances vary based on the type of utilities required by the tenant. If a tenant needs assistance with electricity, gas, water, and trash, the allowance might add another $100 to the reimbursement, depending on the specifics of the case.
This brings the total voucher reimbursement to approximately $620 ($520 for rent + $100 for utilities), assuming the tenant contributes $450. Therefore, the landlord would receive a total of $1,070 ($970 for rent + $100 for utilities).
However, since the local market rent is $778, the landlord ends up receiving $292 more than the average market rate when accounting for the tenant's contribution and utility allowances. This surplus represents a significant financial advantage for landlords willing to accept Section 8 vouchers in ZIP 25071.
To summarize, in ZIP 25071, landlords can expect a reimbursement that exceeds the local market rent by $292 per month for a two-bedroom unit, making participation in the Section 8 program financially beneficial.
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.