Location: Fayette County, WV | Metro: Fayette 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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $730 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $960 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $960 | $105,508 | 0.91% | C |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $154,993 | 0.81% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls for a Section 8 landlord in ZIP 25831, Meadow Bridge, WV, are significant. Tenant turnover is a critical issue, as the market rent is not available but the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $940 for FY 2024. This can lead to frequent changes in occupancy, which increases administrative costs and reduces overall profitability. Vacancy exposure is another concern, with no data on the days on market (DOM) for rental properties. In an environment where it's unclear how quickly units will be filled, landlords face the risk of prolonged periods without rental income.
Deferred maintenance is a substantial risk due to the relatively low median home value of $131,776 and median income of $46,800. These figures suggest that residents may have limited financial resources to cover unexpected repairs and maintenance, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs for the landlord. The low income levels also indicate that tenants might struggle to keep up with rent payments, increasing the likelihood of eviction proceedings and further turnover.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high concentration of renters in the area. With 25.5% of the population being renters, there is a strong demand for rental housing, which typically translates into a robust demand for Section 8 vouchers. This high renter density can provide a steady stream of eligible tenants, ensuring that vacancies are short-lived and reducing the financial impact of administrative turnover costs.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.