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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,175 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,284 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $970 | $92,025 | 1.05% | B |
| 3BR | $1,340 | $137,777 | 0.97% | C |
| 4BR | $1,550 | $171,371 | 0.9% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 25276, which includes Spencer, West Virginia, is set at $900 for the metro area fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the payment standard under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, meaning that if you participate in this program, the government will pay up to $900 per month for a unit in this area. However, it's important to note that this does not necessarily mean your tenant will be paying $900; they typically contribute a portion of their income towards rent.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in Spencer, according to the Census American Community Survey (ACS), is $734. This suggests that the Section 8 payment standard is higher than the typical market rate, potentially offering a more stable income source for landlords.
With 23.8% of residents being renters, there is a notable demand for rental properties in Spencer. This percentage indicates that nearly one-quarter of the population relies on rental housing, making it a viable market for Section 8 rentals.
If you're looking to acquire a property in Spencer, the median home value is approximately $117,706. This can serve as a baseline for understanding the acquisition costs of a property suitable for Section 8 tenants.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental, ensure that the property meets all necessary inspection criteria. The Housing Quality Standards (HQS) must be satisfied to qualify for the program, so verify compliance with these standards to avoid delays or disqualification.
In summary, the $900 FMR provides a clear benchmark for what the government will pay for a Section 8 rental unit in Spencer. Given the local average rent of $734 and the 23.8% renter share, there is potential for a steady stream of tenants. With an acquisition cost around $117,706, this ZIP code offers a realistic entry point for those new to Section 8 rentals. Just make sure your property passes the required inspections.
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.