Location: Charleston, 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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,601 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,936 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,033 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,050 | $115,864 | 0.91% | C |
| 3BR | $1,330 | $190,784 | 0.7% | D |
| 4BR | $1,380 | $263,311 | 0.52% | F |
| 5BR | $1,601 | $326,061 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 25313, located in Charleston, West Virginia, involve understanding the Specific Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) and how it interacts with local market conditions. For a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code, the SAFMR for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1020. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will reimburse landlords for rent.
Local market rents, as indicated by the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI), run slightly higher at $1,122. This means that landlords in ZIP 25313 might find themselves in a situation where the market rent exceeds the SAFMR, leading to a potential reimbursement gap.
A Section 8 voucher does not cover the entire cost of rent; tenants are required to pay a portion of their income towards rent, typically around 30%. In addition to the base rent, utility allowances are also factored into the total payment. However, these allowances do not increase the overall reimbursement beyond the SAFMR limit.
To illustrate, if a tenant's share of the rent is calculated to be $300 based on their income, then the housing authority would cover the remaining amount up to the SAFMR. In this case, the reimbursement would be $720 ($1020 - $300). If the landlord charges the full ZORI of $1,122, the housing authority would still only pay up to $1020, leaving the landlord to either accept the lower reimbursement or seek additional compensation from the tenant.
The typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 25313 is thus $102 per month, assuming the landlord charges the ZORI rate. This gap must be covered by the tenant or negotiated between the tenant and landlord, as the housing authority will not exceed the SAFMR.
It's important for landlords to understand that while the SAFMR provides a clear guideline for maximum reimbursement, local market conditions can influence the actual rent charged. Landlords should carefully consider the reimbursement gap when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program in ZIP 25313.
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.