Location: Charleston, WV | Metro: Charleston, WV HUD Metro FMR Area
| 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 |
The median home value in ZIP 25326 is not currently specified, but according to recent data from Redfin, the median home price in Charleston, WV, was $185,000 in March 2026. This suggests that the area has relatively affordable housing, which aligns well with the principles of a Section 8 portfolio. The program aims to provide rental assistance to low-income families, and ZIP 25326's lower median home values indicate that rental properties here are likely to be priced within the range that attracts Section 8 tenants.
A cash-flow anchor is a property that provides consistent, predictable income. In ZIP 25326, the FMR ensures that landlords receive a steady stream of rental income through government subsidies. The spread between the FMR and the actual market rates is positive, meaning that landlords can expect to receive a reliable amount of money each month without worrying about fluctuations in the local rental market.
In addition, the area has a relatively high percentage of renters, which further supports the idea that ZIP 25326 can serve as a cash-flow anchor. With the median income being unspecified, it's clear that many residents rely on rental assistance programs like Section 8 to afford housing. This makes the area particularly suitable for landlords who want to secure long-term, stable tenancies with little risk of vacancy.
While there is no specific data on price-cut share or days on market (DOM), the general trend in Charleston indicates slower sales, with homes typically taking around 46 days to sell. This could suggest a more balanced rental market where Section 8 properties remain in high demand.
To summarize, ZIP 25326 should be viewed as a cash-flow anchor due to its alignment with the Section 8 program's goals, its lower median home values, and the high demand for rental properties among low-income families. Landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for stable returns should consider including properties in this ZIP code as part of their investment strategy.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027).
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.