Location: Jefferson County, WV | Metro: Jefferson County, 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 | $1,030 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,040 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,633 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,185 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,344 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,360 | $268,010 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $1,860 | $317,686 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $2,270 | $426,397 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 25438, located in Ranson, WV, within the Jefferson County, WV HUD Metro FMR Area, serves as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This designation is based on the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the market rent for the area. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR for ZIP 25438 is set at $1030, while the market rent stands at $2053. This difference allows landlords to achieve higher cash flow when their properties are rented through the Section 8 program, as they can receive a subsidy that bridges the gap between the lower FMR and the actual market rent.
The median home value in ZIP 25438 is $323,249, which provides a solid asset base for landlords. The relatively low FMR compared to the market rent means that even if the property's value does not appreciate significantly, landlords can still maintain positive cash flow. This is particularly important for small-portfolio investors who need consistent returns to manage their investment risks effectively.
The low price-cut share of 0.2% indicates that rental properties in this area are generally listed at competitive rates, without the need for substantial discounts to attract tenants. However, the N/A-day DOM (Days on Market) suggests that there might be some inefficiencies or lack of comprehensive data regarding how quickly properties are leased. Despite this, the strong cash flow potential makes ZIP 25438 an attractive anchor for a Section 8 portfolio.
In conclusion, ZIP 25438 is best categorized as a cash-flow anchor due to the favorable spread between FMR and market rents, allowing landlords to benefit financially from the Section 8 program while ensuring steady income from their investments.
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.