Location: Logan County, WV | Metro: Logan County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,844 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,342 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A landlord considering ZIP code 25646 for Section 8 investments must follow a structured decision-making process. Begin with the first question: does the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $870 for the metropolitan area in fiscal year 2026 cover the debt service on a property valued at $105,161? To answer this, calculate the monthly debt service. Assuming an average mortgage rate of 4.5% and a typical loan term of 30 years, the monthly payment would be approximately $525. This amount is well below the FMR of $870, indicating that the FMR can indeed cover the debt service comfortably.
The second question is whether the market rent is above, at, or below the FMR. The data provided indicates that the market rent is N/A. Without specific market rent figures, it's impossible to make a direct comparison. However, if the market rent were to match or exceed the FMR, then the investment would align well with market conditions. If it falls below, the landlord might face challenges in attracting tenants willing to pay the FMR.
The third question concerns the demand: are the 32.3% of renters combined with the N/A-day days on market (DOM) sufficient to ensure a steady tenant flow? With 32.3% of the population renting, there is a significant base of potential Section 8 tenants. However, the lack of DOM data means we cannot assess how quickly properties are typically rented out in this area. If the DOM is low, it suggests strong demand; conversely, high DOM values could indicate a saturated market or other issues affecting rental rates.
Yes: If the landlord finds that the market rent is either equal to or higher than the FMR, and the DOM is low, then the investment is likely to be successful. The FMR comfortably covers the debt service, and there is a robust demand for rentals.
No: If the market rent is significantly lower than the FMR, or if the DOM is high, the landlord should reconsider. A lower market rent could mean difficulty in finding tenants willing to pay the FMR, while a high DOM suggests weak demand.
It Depends: In cases where the market rent is close to the FMR but not definitively higher, or when the DOM data is unavailable, the landlord should investigate further. Additional research into local economic trends, job growth, and demographic shifts can provide insights into future demand stability.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.