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 | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,805 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,046 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,280 | $148,611 | 0.86% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To integrate ZIP 25507 into a Section 8 portfolio strategy, consider it as a cash-flow anchor. This classification is based on the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the market rent, which favors landlords seeking stable income.
The HUD Metro FMR for ZIP 25507 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1000. In contrast, the current market rent stands at $758. This $242 difference per unit represents an opportunity to secure higher rental income through Section 8 vouchers, ensuring a steady cash flow that outpaces the local market rates.
A median home value of $138,455 indicates a relatively affordable area, which can be advantageous for maintaining low overhead costs. However, the primary focus should remain on the rental income stability provided by the Section 8 program, given the disparity between FMR and market rents.
ZIP 25507 does not present itself as an appreciation play due to the lack of specific data regarding property price increases or days on market (DOM). The absence of such information suggests that the area's real estate market is not experiencing rapid growth or turnover, making it less suitable for speculative investments aimed at capital appreciation.
As a diversifier, ZIP 25507 has a renter share of 34.7%, indicating a moderate demand for rental properties. Additionally, the median income of $49,245 aligns well with the affordability of the FMR, suggesting that there is a sufficient number of tenants who qualify for the Section 8 program. However, the diversification benefit is secondary to the cash-flow stability offered by the higher FMR compared to the market rent.
In summary, ZIP 25507 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy, given the substantial difference between the FMR and market rent. This positioning ensures landlords receive reliable and above-market rental income, while also benefiting from a moderately diverse tenant pool and manageable property values.
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.