Location: Putnam County, WV | Metro: Putnam County, WV 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 | $1,220 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,220 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,622 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,937 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,172 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,331 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,600 | $206,166 | 0.78% | D |
| 3BR | $2,200 | $284,337 | 0.77% | D |
| 4BR | $2,260 | $374,889 | 0.6% | D |
| 5BR | $2,622 | $485,152 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 25560, which includes Scott Depot, WV, in the Putnam County HUD Metro FMR Area for fiscal year 2024, is set at $1380. This figure represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher holder can pay towards rent in this area. In contrast, the Census American Community Survey (ACS) reports the market rent for the same region to be $1,155. This comparison indicates that voucher tenants in ZIP 25560 will cashflow at the FMR, meaning they can afford the rent without any additional financial strain.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $295,606. The rent-to-price ratio can be calculated by dividing the market rent by the median home value. In this case, the ratio is approximately 0.4%, indicating a relatively low cost of renting compared to buying. However, given that the HUD FMR is higher than the market rent, this suggests that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers can expect positive cash flow from their investments.
The data also shows that the median Days on Market (DOM) is N/A, and the share of properties making price cuts is 0.2%. While these figures do not provide a complete picture of the local real estate market, they do suggest that the market is stable with minimal need for price adjustments. The low percentage of price cuts implies that property values are holding steady, which can be reassuring for long-term investors.
In summary, for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP 25560, the primary advantage lies in the strong cashflow potential. Accepting Section 8 vouchers at the HUD FMR of $1380 ensures that tenants can cover the rent without issues, providing landlords with a reliable source of income. Given the stability in the local market and the favorable rent-to-price ratio, cashflow remains the strongest investor angle in this region.
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.