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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $93,986 | 1.06% | B |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $148,996 | 0.86% | C |
| 4BR | $1,390 | $198,137 | 0.7% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To determine if a landlord should buy in ZIP code 25530 (Huntington, WV) for Section 8 purposes, follow this decision tree:
1) Does the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $870 cover the debt service on a $134,770 property?
Yes. The FMR of $870 is sufficient to cover the debt service on a $134,770 property, assuming typical financing terms. This means that landlords can expect their rental income to meet or exceed the cost of maintaining the property.
No. If the FMR of $870 does not cover the debt service, then purchasing a property for Section 8 tenants would not be financially viable under current conditions. Landlords must ensure that their rental income will at least match the expenses incurred.
2) Is the market rent of $807 above, at, or below the FMR?
Above FMR. If the market rent exceeds the FMR, it indicates that landlords could potentially earn more by renting outside of the Section 8 program. However, this does not necessarily preclude investment in Section 8 properties, especially if there is strong demand.
At FMR. If the market rent is exactly at the FMR, landlords will need to rely on the Section 8 payment standard to cover their costs. This scenario is neutral but requires careful consideration of other factors such as tenant stability and demand.
Below FMR. With market rent below the FMR, landlords might find it advantageous to participate in the Section 8 program as they can receive higher rent payments compared to the local market rate. This makes Section 8 properties more attractive financially.
3) Are 23.3% renters plus N/A-day days on the market enough demand?
It depends. While 23.3% of the population are renters, the lack of specific data on days on the market (DOM) makes it challenging to assess demand conclusively. If the days on the market are low, indicating quick property turnover, then demand is likely sufficient. Conversely, if the days on the market are high, it suggests a weaker rental market and may not support the investment.
In summary, if the FMR of $870 covers the debt service on a $134,770 property and the market rent is below the FMR, then the answer is yes. If the market rent is above the FMR, the decision hinges on whether the landlord prefers higher market rates or the stability of Section 8. The percentage of renters and days on the market provide context but require additional analysis to confirm demand. Landlords should consider these factors carefully before making an investment decision in ZIP 25530.
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.