Location: Fayette County, WV | Metro: Fayette 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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,260 | $149,706 | 0.84% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 25139, located in Fayette County, WV, fits best as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 in this area is set at $870, which represents a significant margin above the typical market rents. Given that the market rent data is currently unavailable, the FMR serves as a reliable benchmark for rental income stability.
The median home value in ZIP 25139 is $120,366. This relatively low median home value means that property acquisition costs are also lower, providing an opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors to secure properties at a reasonable price point. With a stable and guaranteed rental income through Section 8 vouchers, this ZIP code can offer consistent cash flow without the risk associated with fluctuating market rents.
The renter share in ZIP 25139 is 11.0%, indicating a moderate reliance on rental housing in the area. While this figure does not suggest a high demand for rentals, it does support the idea that there is a steady need for affordable housing options, making it a reliable choice for anchoring a portfolio's cash flow.
Despite the lack of data on price-cut share and days on market (DOM), the combination of a defined FMR and a low median home value makes ZIP 25139 a solid option for generating predictable returns. Landlords should focus on the long-term benefits of such a strategy, particularly the reduced vacancy risk and the assurance of a fixed rental rate, which helps in financial planning and budgeting.
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.