Location: Lincoln County, WV | Metro: Lincoln County, WV
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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,833 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,217 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,328 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,280 | $119,417 | 1.07% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 thesis in ZIP 25521, located in Griffithsville, WV, highlights a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The FMR for FY 2024 is set at $890, while the median gross rent for the area stands at $602, indicating that the FMR is higher than the market rent.
This discrepancy suggests that voucher tenants can be a lucrative yield play for landlords and small-portfolio investors. With an FMR of $890, landlords can potentially receive higher payments through the Section 8 program compared to the open-market rate. This translates to a 48% premium above the market rent, making it financially advantageous to accept Section 8 vouchers.
However, the analysis must also consider the broader economic context of the ZIP code. In ZIP 25521, 26.7% of residents are renters, and the median household income is $61,375. Given these figures, it is evident that many residents rely on assistance programs such as Section 8 to afford housing. The median home value in the area is $119,333, which further underscores the importance of affordable rental options.
In summary, the gap between FMR and market rent in ZIP 25521 presents a clear opportunity for landlords to increase their rental income through the Section 8 program. The 48% premium above the market rent makes voucher tenants a valuable asset for those looking to maximize their investment yields.
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.