Location: Calhoun County, WV | Metro: Charleston, WV HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,842 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 25141 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $850 per month for the fiscal year 2024. This figure is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, meaning it reflects the rental rates deemed fair for the area.
A landlord might wonder how much they can expect from a Section 8 voucher. Here's the breakdown: the voucher holder is responsible for paying approximately 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,500 for a household in this ZIP code, the tenant would pay around $450 towards rent. The remaining balance, up to the SAFMR limit, is covered by the housing authority. In this case, that would be $400 ($850 - $450).
In addition to covering part of the rent, the voucher also includes utility allowances. For a two-bedroom unit, these allowances typically range from $100 to $200 per month, depending on the number of occupants and the type of utilities used. Thus, if we take an average utility allowance of $150, the total reimbursement a landlord can expect is $550 ($400 rent subsidy + $150 utility allowance).
This means there is a reimbursement gap of $300 between what the landlord receives from the voucher program and the SAFMR. The gap represents the difference between the SAFMR and the total amount received from the tenant and the housing authority. Landlords should consider this gap when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program.
To summarize, in ZIP code 25141, a landlord will receive $550 per month for a two-bedroom apartment under a Section 8 voucher, assuming a utility allowance of $150. Given the SAFMR of $850, this leaves a reimbursement gap of $300. This gap must be understood as a fixed cost for landlords who choose to rent to Section 8 tenants in this area.
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.