Location: Logan County, WV | Metro: Logan 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,371 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $920 | $56,315 | 1.63% | A+ |
| 2BR | $1,010 | $72,285 | 1.4% | A |
| 3BR | $1,400 | $107,548 | 1.3% | A |
| 4BR | $1,690 | $147,929 | 1.14% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 25601, located in Logan, West Virginia, presents a challenging environment for renters given the economic landscape. The median household income stands at $47,333, which is relatively low compared to the national average. Considering the market rate rent of $819 per month, it becomes evident that a significant portion of residents face financial strain to meet their housing costs.
To further analyze affordability, let's compare the market rate to the Federal Market Rent (FMR) standard of $960, which is the amount paid by Section 8 vouchers for the fiscal year 2026. This indicates that voucher holders would have a slight advantage over those paying market rates, as they could afford slightly higher rents. However, the disparity between the median income and both the market rate and FMR suggests a substantial affordability gap for many households in the area.
With 34.6% of the 4,380 population being renters, the competition among landlords is likely to be fierce. Renters are a significant demographic, but their ability to pay market rates is limited. This situation creates a scenario where landlords must carefully consider their rental pricing to attract tenants without pricing themselves out of the market.
The takeaway for landlords considering voucher versus cash-pay strategies is clear. Given the economic constraints faced by many residents, accepting Section 8 vouchers could be a viable option to ensure steady occupancy. While voucher payments are lower than market rates, they provide a reliable source of income and help fill units that might otherwise remain vacant due to unaffordable prices. Landlords should weigh the benefits of guaranteed payments against the potential administrative complexities of participating in the voucher program.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.