Location: Jackson County, WV | Metro: Jackson 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 | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,578 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,767 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,908 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $940 | $142,091 | 0.66% | D |
| 3BR | $1,200 | $214,695 | 0.56% | F |
| 4BR | $1,360 | $298,701 | 0.46% | F |
| 5BR | $1,578 | $350,296 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP 25271, located in Ripley, WV, Jackson County, the Section 8 housing program operates under specific economic parameters that directly impact landlords and small-portfolio investors. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2024 is set at $850. This figure is crucial because it represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay for a two-bedroom unit in this specific area.
The local market rent for a two-bedroom apartment, according to the Census ACS data, is $621. This lower figure indicates that the SAFMR is designed to cover a higher rent than what is typically charged in the local market, which can be advantageous for landlords willing to participate in the program.
When a landlord accepts a Section 8 voucher, the reimbursement process involves several components. The voucher holder is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For example, if a tenant's monthly adjusted income is $1,000, they would contribute $300 towards the rent. The remaining amount, up to the SAFMR, is covered by the housing authority. In our case, the housing authority would pay the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR, which is $850.
In addition to the base rent, Section 8 vouchers also include utility allowances. These allowances vary but are typically a fixed amount per bedroom type. For a two-bedroom unit, the utility allowance is usually around $200-$300. This allowance is separate from the rent and is intended to help cover the cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and gas.
To illustrate, let’s assume the total reimbursement including the utility allowance is $950. If the market rent is $621, the landlord would receive the market rent plus the utility allowance, totaling approximately $821. This means the landlord receives a higher rental income than the market rate, but not the full SAFMR. The typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 25271 is thus a surplus of about $229.
This surplus can provide a buffer against potential maintenance costs or vacancies, making Section 8 participation an attractive option for landlords in Ripley, WV. However, it's important to note that the actual reimbursement amounts can vary based on individual tenant circumstances and the specific terms of the voucher agreement.
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.