Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 25159 - 2027

Location: Putnam County, WV | Metro: Charleston, WV HUD Metro FMR Area

Investment Score for ZIP 25159

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,060

Median Price (2BR)

$109,247

1% Rule

0.97%

Annual Yield

11.64%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$810
1 Bedroom	$810
2 Bedrooms	$1,060
3 Bedrooms	$1,440
4 Bedrooms	$1,660
5 Bedrooms	$1,926
6 Bedrooms	$2,157
7 Bedrooms	$2,330
8 Bedrooms	$2,447

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,060	$109,247	0.97%	C
3BR	$1,440	$200,423	0.72%	D
4BR	$1,660	$277,100	0.6%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

3,656

Median Household Income

$56,517

Housing Units

1,717

Renter Percentage

20.1%

Occupancy Rate

92.1%

Renter Occupied

317

The ZIP code 25159, located in Poca, West Virginia, is a small, rural community that offers unique opportunities for real estate investment, particularly in the rental market. The area's economic profile and housing dynamics provide a solid foundation for understanding the local market conditions.

Fair Market Rent (FMR): The FMR for ZIP 25159 is set at $1340 for the fiscal year 2024, indicating the benchmark rental rate for a two-bedroom apartment. This figure serves as a guideline for landlords seeking to price their units competitively.
Market Rent: According to Census ACS data, the average market rent in Poca, WV is $634, which is significantly lower than the FMR. This suggests there might be room for increasing rents without alienating potential tenants.
Median Home Value: The median home value in the area stands at $180,067, reflecting the overall affordability of homeownership in Poca. This can influence the cost of property acquisition for investors looking to enter the market.
Renter Share: With 20.1% of residents being renters, there is a notable demand for rental properties. This percentage indicates a steady but not overwhelming rental market, suggesting potential for growth.
Days on Market (DOM): The data does not provide a specific figure for DOM, making it challenging to assess the speed at which rental properties are typically occupied. However, this could imply a stable market where properties are occupied promptly once listed.
Median Income: The median household income in Poca, WV is $56,517, providing insight into the financial capacity of potential tenants and buyers. This income level supports the viability of renting at or slightly above the market rate.

The combination of a relatively low market rent compared to the FMR, along with a modest median home value and a significant but manageable renter share, presents a balanced opportunity for real estate investors. The area's median income supports the possibility of achieving higher rental rates, aligning with the FMR. Given the lack of specific DOM data, it is advisable to monitor local trends closely to ensure timely occupancy of rental units. Overall, Poca, WV offers a stable and potentially lucrative market for those willing to invest in its rental sector.

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.