Location: Roane County, WV | Metro: Calhoun County, WV
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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,763 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,975 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,133 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,320 | $165,780 | 0.8% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing analysis for ZIP code 25259 reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The FMR for the area, set at $870 per month for fiscal year 2026, is notably higher than the Census ACS-reported market rent of $586. This discrepancy amounts to a difference of $284, or approximately 48.3%, indicating that landlords who participate in the Section 8 program can potentially achieve a higher yield on their investments.
The higher FMR in ZIP 25259 compared to the market rent means that voucher tenants can afford to pay more than what the typical market would command. For landlords, this translates into an opportunity to increase their rental income without the need to compete with non-subsidized properties. Given the local context where only 22.8% of residents are renters, and the median home value stands at $147,387, the participation in Section 8 can be particularly beneficial for those who cater to the lower-income segment of the market, which has a median income of $35,417.
However, it's important to note that while the FMR offers a higher rate than the current market rent, landlords must also consider the administrative overhead and compliance requirements associated with the Section 8 program. These factors can impact the net yield but do not outweigh the benefits of receiving a consistent, government-backed payment that exceeds the prevailing market rate.
To summarize, the gap between the FMR and the actual market rent in ZIP 25259 makes it a favorable environment for landlords to engage in the Section 8 program. This engagement allows them to capitalize on the higher subsidy rates, thereby enhancing their investment yields despite the relatively low percentage of renters and median income levels.
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.