Location: Huntington-Ashland, WV | Metro: Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH 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 | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,682 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,035 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,137 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,050 | $144,975 | 0.72% | D |
| 3BR | $1,340 | $213,447 | 0.63% | D |
| 4BR | $1,450 | $321,247 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Barboursville, WV, located in ZIP code 25504, is a modest-sized community with a total population of 12,251 residents. Renters make up 20.4% of the population, indicating a neighborhood where homeownership is slightly more prevalent. The median household income stands at $62,530, which reflects a middle-class area. The median home value in the region is $213,936, suggesting that homes here are affordable but not inexpensive.
Moving into the realm of rental economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 25504 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $960. This figure represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher holder can pay towards their monthly rent. In contrast, the market rent as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey is $982, a slight premium over the FMR. This indicates that landlords operating in Barboursville with Section 8 tenants can expect a modest gap between the voucher coverage and the actual market rates, potentially leading to a need for subsidies or additional efforts to attract non-voucher tenants.
When considering whether this area suits a hands-off voucher operator or a hands-on value-add buyer, the data points to a scenario that could benefit both types of investors. For hands-off operators, the relatively stable demand for rentals and the close alignment between FMR and market rents provide a predictable income stream. However, for those looking to actively manage and improve their properties, there is an opportunity to capture the higher market rent by enhancing the quality of the units beyond the baseline required for voucher acceptance.
In summary, Barboursville's ZIP 25504 offers a balanced environment for Section 8 investments. With a middle-class demographic and a manageable gap between FMR and market rent, it supports both passive and active management strategies. Landlords should prepare for a slightly higher out-of-pocket expense to cover the difference between voucher amounts and market rents, but this is offset by the overall stability and affordability of the housing market in the area.
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.