Location: Putnam 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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,659 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,107 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $810 | $71,506 | 1.13% | B |
| 2BR | $1,010 | $112,851 | 0.89% | C |
| 3BR | $1,320 | $163,959 | 0.81% | C |
| 4BR | $1,430 | $219,733 | 0.65% | D |
| 5BR | $1,659 | $268,477 | 0.62% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 25177, located in Saint Albans, WV, within the Putnam County, WV HUD Metro FMR Area, serves best as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $970, which stands above the current market rent of $907. This $63 spread ensures that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can maintain steady and predictable rental income, higher than what they might receive in the open market.
The median home value in ZIP 25177 is $147,808, indicating a relatively affordable housing market. While this does not directly impact the cash flow from rental properties, it suggests that the overall cost of property acquisition or improvement could be lower compared to more expensive markets, thus enhancing the profit margin for landlords.
The area's low price-cut share of 0.2% and an average days on market (DOM) of 18 days indicate a stable demand for rental properties. However, these factors do not significantly contribute to the appreciation potential of properties in ZIP 25177. Appreciation plays typically require higher demand and less supply, leading to upward pressure on property values. In this case, the stable demand supports cash flow but not substantial appreciation.
A 27.6% renter share means that a significant portion of the population relies on rentals, making it a reliable market for landlords. Coupled with a median household income of $55,046, this suggests that while the residents have enough income to cover the rent, they are not likely to be in a position to purchase homes, further solidifying the role of ZIP 25177 as a cash-flow anchor. Landlords can expect consistent tenancy and minimal vacancy periods, which are crucial for maintaining positive cash flow.
In conclusion, ZIP 25177 is most effectively utilized as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy due to the favorable spread between the FMR and market rent, stable demand for rental properties, and a significant renter population. These factors ensure that landlords can rely on steady income without the need for frequent price adjustments or extensive marketing efforts.
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.