Location: Mingo County, WV | Metro: Mingo County, WV
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,589 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 25692, located within the Mingo County, WV metro area, presents a unique set of characteristics that distinguish it from other typical ZIP codes in the county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for 25692 is pegged at $900 for fiscal year 2026, which is notably higher than the market rent of $657. This discrepancy suggests that 25692 could be considered a value pocket for landlords and small-portfolio investors, especially those participating in the Section 8 program.
The FMR is designed to reflect the 40th percentile of rental housing costs, meaning that rents below this level are considered affordable for low-income families. In ZIP 25692, landlords can charge up to $900 under the Section 8 guidelines, yet the average market rent is significantly lower at $657. This implies that there is a potential opportunity for landlords to receive higher rents through the Section 8 program compared to the general market, without necessarily increasing their property's rent beyond what the local market can bear.
A key indicator is the 21.9% renter share in ZIP 25692. While this figure alone doesn't determine the market tier, when combined with the absence of home value data and the lower market rent, it points towards an area where renting is more prevalent than homeownership. This scenario is often indicative of a Section 8 sweet spot, where a high proportion of renters are likely to be eligible for the housing assistance program, creating a steady demand for rental properties.
In summary, ZIP 25692 appears to be a value pocket within the Mingo County, WV metro area. Its FMR of $900 allows landlords to participate in the Section 8 program with a favorable rent structure, while the lower market rent of $657 and high renter share of 21.9% suggest a robust tenant pool for subsidized housing. These factors make it an attractive location for investment in rental properties, particularly for those interested in leveraging the Section 8 program.
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.