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 | $127,498 | 0.78% | D |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $177,190 | 0.72% | D |
| 4BR | $1,390 | $265,664 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Prichard, WV, located in ZIP code 25555, is a small town with a population of 2,008 residents. The community has a modest rental market, with 24.5% of the population renting their homes. The median household income stands at $66,853, which is relatively stable but not exceptionally high for the region. Median home values in the area are set at $160,129, indicating a mix of affordable and middle-range housing options.
The economic landscape for rental properties in Prichard, WV, is defined by the Federal Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rents. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR for the area is $940, while the Census ACS data shows the average market rent at $870. This suggests that landlords who participate in the Section 8 program can expect slightly higher rents compared to the local market average, providing a potential margin for profitability.
Given these figures, ZIP 25555 could be a suitable investment for both hands-off voucher operators and hands-on value-add buyers. For hands-off operators, the stability of the Section 8 program combined with the higher FMR offers a reliable source of income without the need for active property management. However, for those looking to actively manage and improve their properties, there is an opportunity to enhance rental units to command closer to the FMR rate, thereby increasing cash flow and potentially property value over time.
In conclusion, Prichard, WV, presents a balanced investment opportunity for Section 8 participants. The town's demographic and economic characteristics support a steady income stream for passive investors, while also offering room for growth and improvement for more engaged investors.
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.