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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,844 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,342 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,200 | $125,058 | 0.96% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 25573, located in Lincoln County, WV, is an ideal diversifier for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. With a 28.7% renter share, this ZIP code offers significant opportunities for landlords and small-portfolio investors to tap into the rental market. The median home value stands at $117,754, which is relatively low compared to national averages, making it accessible for investors looking to enter the market without high capital requirements.
The median income in ZIP 25573 is $53,891, indicating that a portion of the population may rely on government assistance such as Section 8 vouchers to afford housing. This aligns well with the strategy of diversifying a portfolio with properties that cater to low-income tenants. Furthermore, the estimated population in 2023 is 414, suggesting a smaller, potentially more stable community where rental demand can be consistent.
A key factor in choosing ZIP 25573 as a diversifier is the limited availability of market data. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment in the FY 2024 for ZIP 25573 is $850, but there is no readily available data on the market rent. This gap in information makes it an excellent candidate for diversification, as it reduces reliance on any single market's performance and provides a buffer against potential volatility in other areas of your portfolio.
Investing in ZIP 25573 also benefits from the cost of living being significantly lower than the U.S. average, with a March 2022 cost of living index of 83.4. This means that the purchasing power of Section 8 vouchers is higher here, allowing tenants to cover a greater portion of their rent, thus ensuring steady cash flow for landlords.
In conclusion, ZIP 25573 serves as a strong diversifier within a Section 8 portfolio strategy due to its high renter share, low median home value, and lower cost of living. These factors contribute to a stable and predictable investment opportunity, especially given the limited market data available, which further justifies its inclusion as a diversified component of your overall real estate holdings.
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.