Location: Lincoln County, 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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,140 | $151,111 | 0.75% | D |
| 3BR | $1,500 | $216,808 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $1,600 | $324,661 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP 25510 in Culloden, WV, must be carefully considered. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, with the market rent at $1,125 compared to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,070 for FY 2024. This difference can lead to higher turnover rates as tenants may struggle to afford the market rent, causing frequent changes in occupancy.
Vacancy exposure is another issue, particularly due to the lack of data on days on market (DOM). Without knowing the average time it takes to fill a vacancy, landlords cannot accurately predict cash flow interruptions. The typical home value in the area is $218,764, while the median income is $72,894. This suggests that many homeowners might defer maintenance on their properties to save money, which can result in higher repair costs and decreased property value over time.
Despite these risks, there are mitigating factors that make Section 8 investments in ZIP 25510 attractive. The renter share of the population stands at 12.7%, indicating a relatively high concentration of renters. High renter density usually correlates with increased demand for housing vouchers, which can provide a steady stream of qualified tenants who are less likely to default on rent payments.
In summary, the risks associated with tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance are present but balanced by the high renter density and subsequent demand for housing assistance. Given these considerations, the overall risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 25510 is moderate.
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.