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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,280 | $147,837 | 0.87% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls for landlords investing in ZIP 25517 through Section 8 are significant. Tenant turnover is a major concern due to the disparity between the market rent of $849 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $930 for fiscal year 2024. This gap can lead to higher vacancy rates, as tenants who qualify for Section 8 vouchers may struggle to find units that fit their budget. The vacancy exposure is further exacerbated by the fact that the average days on market (DOM) is not available, suggesting a lack of consistent data and potentially volatile rental conditions.
The deferred maintenance exposure is another critical issue. With a typical home value of $124,938 and a median household income of $44,696, homeowners may be financially constrained, leading to potential neglect of property upkeep. This scenario poses a risk for landlords who might inherit properties requiring substantial repairs before they can be rented out.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high concentration of renters in the area. A 16.0% renter share indicates a robust demand for rental housing, which typically translates into a higher demand for Section 8 vouchers. In ZIP 25517, this density suggests a steady stream of qualified tenants seeking affordable housing options, mitigating some of the turnover and vacancy concerns.
In conclusion, despite the challenges posed by tenant turnover and deferred maintenance, the high renter density makes ZIP 25517 a moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.