Location: Mason County, WV | Metro: Mason County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP code 25106 hinges upon the analysis of its yield and stability metrics. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970. This FMR figure represents the average rent that a property could command if it were to be leased under the Section 8 program. In contrast, the market rent for ZIP 25106 stands at $797, indicating a lower rent price point outside of the subsidized housing context. Additionally, the median home value in this ZIP code is $127,406.
On the stability axis, we observe that 25.9% of residents are renters, which provides insight into the proportion of the population that might benefit from or seek out Section 8 housing. However, critical data points such as the number of days on the market (DOM) and median income levels are missing, making it challenging to fully assess the economic stability of the area.
To determine whether ZIP 25106 is a high-yield/low-stability market or a steady-cashflow zone, we must consider the difference between the FMR and the market rent. Here, the gap is substantial, with the FMR being approximately $173 higher than the market rent. This suggests a potential for higher yields when properties are leased through the Section 8 program compared to the open market. However, without specific data on the number of days on the market and median income levels, we cannot conclusively label this ZIP code as either highly stable or unstable. What can be inferred is that there is an opportunity for increased cash flow from Section 8 rentals, but the lack of detailed stability indicators leaves the overall risk profile somewhat ambiguous.
The significant disparity between the FMR and market rent indicates a scenario where landlords might achieve higher returns by participating in the Section 8 program. However, the relatively low percentage of renters and the absence of key stability indicators suggest that while the potential for high yield exists, the market does not clearly present itself as a flip-style high-risk/high-reward environment. Instead, it leans towards being a zone that offers a balance between decent cash flow opportunities and moderate stability risks, given the limited data available.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.